Conformal coatings are applied to finished electronics assemblies and components, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), to act as protection against moisture, dirt, dust, chemicals, salt, fungus, extreme environments, temperature fluctuation, electrical leakage, and/or other potential contaminants and environmental hazards. Without a conformal coating in place, these factors could result in damage to the electronics assembly, or complete failure.
Materials & Application Methods
An important consideration for conformal coating is the compatibility of the coating itself with the design goals of the treated product. The coating must meet the requirements of the assembly and provide an efficient solution for its protective needs. Most conformal coatings are adaptable on a case-by-case basis to match these requirements. Engineering, production, and quality control must all be closely monitored to ensure compatibility. Many different materials can be used in creating effective conformal coatings, including acrylics, epoxies, polyurethanes, silicones, Parylene (Polyparaxylylene), and fluoropolymers. Each coating material offers unique characteristics that ma