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PCB Conformal Coating

 
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me_guitarist



Joined: 03 Oct 2006
Posts: 142


Post18 Jun 2008 9:09   PCB Conformal Coating

Hi guys,

I'm wondering how to make a simple set up to coat my PCB on silicone base coating.
My preferred method is spray, any comments like environment, air filter, curing, cleaning, type of used coating bla......

Thanks in advance!
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House_Cat



Joined: 21 Feb 2002
Posts: 1316
Helped: 271


Post18 Jun 2008 21:09   Re: PCB Conformal Coating

The simplest conformal coatings for home use come in spray cans. Take a look at the following:

http://www.startinternational.com/product.asp?id=589&type=prod

http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/422a.html
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cyberrat



Joined: 19 Jun 2001
Posts: 894
Helped: 31
Location: In the sewers of the U.K.


Post19 Jun 2008 11:46   PCB Conformal Coating

For the environment, make it as dust free as possible but ensure plenty of ventilation.
and ALWAYS use masks to protect your lungs, coating them in conformal coating is not good Very Happy
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me_guitarist



Joined: 03 Oct 2006
Posts: 142


Post19 Jun 2008 14:56   PCB Conformal Coating

how bout the air filter to filter moisture from compressor? any comments?
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DrBob13



Joined: 26 Mar 2008
Posts: 119
Helped: 35
Location: UK


Post20 Jun 2008 0:35   Re: PCB Conformal Coating

Hi,
In addition to all the good things that have been said so far, the greatest secret that I have found to successful conformal coating is to spray the boards hot, heat the boards to about 60 to 70 deg C in an oven and spray on the conformal coating in as dust free an environment as possible on one side while the boards are still hot, I have always used an aerosol spray can as the number of boards required in my batches are always small but at that temperature moisture in your sprayer air supply is unlikely to be a problem. Then place the coated boards in an oven (preferrably with an air circulation fan in it) and bake them at about 60 deg C for at least 4 hours until the conformal coating has hardened, then spray the other side while it is still hot. Use an industrial oven, not the one in your kitchen as it will probably smell of conformal coating for days! Very Happy This will result in boards that are beautifully shiny, blemish free and very water resistant.
I hope this helps
Best regards,
Bob
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flatulent



Joined: 19 Jul 2002
Posts: 4860
Helped: 288
Location: Middle Earth


Post20 Jun 2008 1:17   Re: PCB Conformal Coating

Conformal coating are only needed in hostile environments like in the tropics. For hobby projects in Europe or North America, none are needed.
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cyberrat



Joined: 19 Jun 2001
Posts: 894
Helped: 31
Location: In the sewers of the U.K.


Post20 Jun 2008 10:14   PCB Conformal Coating

me guitarist, can you let everyone know what sort of production you are talking about?

Is this home hobbyist, few boards or are you talking about mass production in a factory?

Also what environment will the boards be used in?
whats going to happen to them once they are made?

Answer those simple questions & we would be better informed to advise you.
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me_guitarist



Joined: 03 Oct 2006
Posts: 142


Post20 Jun 2008 10:36   PCB Conformal Coating

I'm talking about mass production in a factory.

The environment will be high moisture & humidity. Like inside a freezer.
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