Circuitry does not last forever, but coating electrical components will significantly increase functionality over time. The process of conformal coating can be completed through a variety of methods, from spraying and dipping to flow and selective or automated machines. Conformal coating is used in many different industries, from consumer and industrial electronics to the military. This type of coating must be able to hold up under a variety of adverse environments, including humid and hot conditions.

There are a variety of external agents which can decrease the life of electrical circuitry. Moisture, dust, and even salt air can corrode the internal conduction of any circuitry. Conformal coating resists these agents and extends product life.

The EMPF has two conformal coating application machines from GEN3 Systems, the DC2001 dip coater and the SB2900 sprayer.

The model DC2001 dip coating machine is a small, safe, and easy to use batch system for the application of conformal coatingmaterialsand photo resists by accurate and precise dipping. It features a regulated speed control that can be adjusted to apply a wide range of different viscosity materials in order to obtain an extremely smooth, even coating thickness to a tolerance of ±5%. In addition, a pneumatically driven air-over-oil system enables the substrate carrier to operate in a smooth motion during immersion and withdrawal strokes. The speed of the strokes is variable and can be independently programmed and controlled. Viscosity monitoring is also provided featuring a flow cup stopwatch and conversion table. Since the model DC2001 is totally air operated, it is safe to use with all flammable liquids and can process over 100 assemblies an hour.

The model SB2900 coater has been specially designed for the application of conformal coatings to PCBs by batch spraying. It features an ergonomic design to minimize operator fatigue and provides greater control of the spray gun position and direction. This limits overspray and unnecessary material wastage.

The SB2900 can be equipped with an explosion-proof UV or white light and employs a hands-free, rotating table for visual inspection. The spray chamber has a restricted opening and downward extraction plenum chamber to limit operator exposure to solvent vapor. To ensure optimum filtration efficiency, the primary, secondary, and tertiary filters are all easily replaceable.

A standard 10 liter pressure pot feed system can be supplied with pre-blended material to minimize filling downtime as well as solvent pressure pots for semi-automatic purging and cleaning of the spray head. These can be stored in the integrated storage space beneath the booth.

The SB2900 spray booth is specifically designed for optimum operator health and safety as well as minimum material waste during the spraying of boards or assemblies.

Gen3 Systems works closely with industry standards development bodies such as IEC (International Electro-Technical Commission) and IPC. Graham Naisbitt, Gen3’s President, will be giving a workshop discussing the theory and practice of conformal coating on May 19th and 20th at the EMPF. For more information related to this equipment, please contact Ken Friedman, 610-362-1200 x279 or via email at kfriedman@aciusa.org.