Conformal coating provides effective protection for PCBs against environmental factors like moisture, dust, and chemicals, extending their lifespan and improving reliability. At APTPCB, we offer high-quality conformal coating services tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your PCBs are well-protected for long-term performance. Whether you're in consumer electronics, automotive, or industrial applications, our team is here to deliver reliable and cost-effective solutions.

Conformal coating is a critical process in PCB assembly, used to protect your PCBs and their components from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. The process involves applying a thin protective layer of polymer that conforms to the contours of the PCB, safeguarding solder joints, component leads, exposed traces, and other sensitive areas. By creating a barrier between the PCB and the external environment, conformal coating helps to extend the lifespan and ensure the reliable operation of your electronic devices.

At APTPCB, we offer high-quality conformal coating services that provide robust protection for your PCBs, whether for consumer electronics, industrial applications, or mission-critical systems. Our conformal coating solutions are designed to meet the specific needs of your products, ensuring they perform optimally even in harsh environments.

Conformal coating enhances the durability of PCBs by shielding them from various environmental hazards. The application of this protective layer can increase the operational lifespan and reliability of your PCBs. Here are some of the key benefits of conformal coating:

• Moisture Resistance: Conformal coatings help prevent moisture-related issues, such as short circuits and corrosion, which are common causes of PCB failure.
• Corrosion Protection: Exposure to chemicals and saline environments can cause severe corrosion, leading to functional failure. Conformal coating acts as a barrier, preventing corrosion from damaging your PCBs.
• Temperature Resistance: Coating materials such as silicone and urethane provide excellent protection in high-temperature environments, ensuring the longevity of your products in challenging conditions.
• Chemical and Abrasion Resistance: Conformal coatings protect against exposure to harsh chemicals, solvents, and abrasion, making them ideal for industrial and automotive applications.
• Enhanced Reliability: By preventing environmental damage, conformal coating significantly improves the long-term reliability and performance of your products.

We provide a range of conformal coating materials to meet different application needs. The choice of coating material depends on the environmental conditions, the required protection level, and the specific application. Here's a breakdown of the most common types of conformal coatings:

• Acrylic Resin (AR):
• Economical and easy to apply and repair.
• Good moisture and abrasion resistance.
• Easily removable with solvents, but less effective against solvents like jet fuel.
• Silicone Resin (SR):
• Excellent temperature and humidity resistance.
• Ideal for environments with high vibrations or extreme temperature variations.
• Requires specialized solvents for removal.
• Urethane Resin (UR):
• High chemical and moisture resistance.
• Offers excellent abrasion and solvent resistance.
• Often used in aerospace and military applications for superior durability.
• Parylene Coating:
• A vapor-deposited coating offering exceptional moisture and chemical resistance.
• Ideal for applications requiring a thin, uniform, and pinhole-free layer of protection.

The method of applying conformal coating depends on your production needs, PCB design, and coating requirements. We offer the following application methods:

• Manual Spraying:
• Suitable for low-volume production and prototyping.
• Requires careful masking and skilled operators to achieve a consistent coating.
• Automated Spraying:
• Ideal for medium to high-volume production.
• Utilizes automated conveyor systems for uniform and consistent coating application.
• Selective Coating:
• Robotic systems apply coating only to specific areas of the PCB, eliminating the need for masking.
• Best suited for high-volume production where precise coating is required without over-coating surrounding components.

• Coating Thickness:
• The standard thickness for conformal coating ranges from 1 to 5 mils (25 to 127 microns). This thickness ensures adequate protection without compromising the functionality of the components.
• Thickness is carefully measured using tools such as wet film gauges, micrometers, or ultrasonic thickness gauges.
• Drying and Curing Times:
• Drying times vary depending on the resin type, coating thickness, and curing method:
  • Evaporative Cure: Handling time within an hour, full cure in several days.
  • Moisture Cure: Full cure in several days.
  • Heat Cure: Accelerates polymerization; cure time depends on temperature.
  • UV Cure: Cures rapidly in exposed areas, but shadowed areas may take longer.

Achieving the best results in conformal coating requires careful planning and preparation. Here are the best practices for successful application:

• Pre-Cleaning the PCB: Ensure the PCB is free of oils, dust, and contaminants before applying the coating. Proper cleaning enhances adhesion and reduces the risk of defects like dewetting or fisheyes.
• Component Spacing: Maintain proper clearance around components to allow the coating to flow evenly and avoid bridging or webs.
• Avoid Over-Coating: Coating should be applied only where necessary. Excessive coating can lead to insulation issues or interfere with component functionality.
• Account for Robotic Coating Limitations: Consider component height and shape when designing PCBs for robotic coating to ensure proper access for the application equipment.

• Dewetting: Caused by surface contamination (oil, wax, or silicone residues). Prevent this by thoroughly cleaning the PCB before coating.
• Cracking/Crazing: Occurs due to excessive coating thickness or improper curing temperatures. Follow manufacturer guidelines for curing and thickness control.
• Orange Peel: Results from uneven atomization or rapid evaporation. Ensure consistent environmental conditions during application.
• Air Bubbles: Can occur from improper mixing or application techniques. Ensure proper equipment maintenance and correct mixing procedures.
• Fisheyes: Caused by contamination like oil or water. Thoroughly clean and inspect PCBs before coating.

• Expertise in PCB Assembly and Conformal Coating: With years of experience in PCB manufacturing and assembly, APTPCB ensures high-quality conformal coating services tailored to your specific product requirements.
• High-Volume Production Capability: We offer scalable conformal coating services, from low-volume prototypes to high-volume mass production, without compromising quality.
• Comprehensive Protection: Our conformal coating solutions are designed to meet the demands of a wide range of industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, and medical devices.
• Precision and Quality Control: We adhere to strict quality standards to ensure uniform coating, proper adhesion, and reliable protection for your PCBs.

For more information or to request a quote for our PCB manufacturing and assembly services, as well as our conformal coating, potting, sealing, and waterproofing solutions, please get in touch with the APTPCB team. While our primary expertise lies in PCB manufacturing and assembly, we also offer a range of complementary services to ensure your products are fully protected and optimized for performance and longevity.

Let us help you find the best solution for your specific needs, ensuring high-quality results every time.