Measuring the thickness of conformal coating is essential to ensure proper application and adherence to the specified requirements. There are several methods used to measure the thickness, and the choice of method may depend on the type of conformal coating and the level of accuracy required. Here are some common methods:
Link to HumenChem
Before choosing a specific method, it is important to consider factors like the type of coating material, the size and shape of the substrate, the required measurement accuracy, and whether destructive or non-destructive testing is acceptable for your specific application. Additionally, it is essential to calibrate the measurement equipment and follow any manufacturer's guidelines for accurate and reliable results.
Yes, all our coatings meet IPC-CC-830 standards. IPC-CC-830 defines the requirements for electrical insulating compounds, commonly known as conformal coatings, used to protect printed circuit boards and electronic assemblies from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes. The standard outlines the testing methods and performance criteria for these insulating compounds to meet industry requirements. It includes specifications for material properties, application procedures, and performance testing for conformal coatings. You might see IPC-CC-830B, 830C, etc. The extra letter refers to the revision. The changes between revisions general do not affect all types of coatings, so coatings are often not retested to the latest standard.
The drying and curing time of conformal coatings can vary depending on the type of coating used and the environmental conditions. Conformal coatings are applied to protect electronic components from moisture, dust, chemicals, and other contaminants. Acrylic (AR) coatings typically dry quickly, and the initial tack-free time can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. However, the full curing time can range from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the thickness of the coating and environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. Silicone (SR) coatings usually have a longer tack-free time, which can take several hours. The complete curing time can vary from 12 hours to a few days. Urethane (UR) coatings have a relatively fast drying time, often within a few minutes. However, full curing may take 24 to 48 hours.
Every organization using hazardous chemicals within their facility has the responsibility to equip their facility and personnel to maintain exposure levels below the TLV. Personal monitoring badges can be used to measure exposure of a specific material. Then, depending on the threshold limit and the application, exposure can be controlled with PPE like masks, face shields, respirators, and even coveralls. If they don’t reduce exposure below the recommended limit, you will need to consider a special ventilation hood or even containment booth. As you can see, as the exposure limit gets down to a certain level, the equipment required to safely use the solvent can get impractical. At that point, your best option is to consider a safer alternative.
Certifications are used to separate conformal coatings from general purpose varnishes and shellacs. There are dozens of user and industry specifications, but the two major certifications are most commonly referenced:
IPC-CC-830B / MIL-I-C
This standard originated with the military standard MIL-I-C, which became obsolete in . The civilian version IPC-CC-830B is nearly identically, so if a board passes the IPC spec it should also pass the MIL spec., and visa versa. IPC-CC-830B is a battery of tests that includes appearance, insulation resistance, UV fluorescence, fungus resistance, flexibility, flammability, moisture and insulation resistance, thermal shock, and hydrolytic stability. All Chemtronics Konform coatings are IPC-CC-830B certified.
UL746E
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is considered a credible and reliable safety certification body worldwide, and UL certification is commonly required for consumer goods. UL746E tests for electrical safety and flammable safety of the coated electronics. For electrical safety, there is a battery of tests similar to IPC-CC-830B, but with a cycling current load to constantly measure the failure of the isolative properties of the coating. The flammability test uses the UL94 standard like IPC-CC-830B, which involves attempting to light the cured coating with an open flame and observing the sustainability of the flame.
Once a coating has passed UL746E, it can be registered with UL and assigned a registration number. Products certified and registered to UL746E standards can include the UL symbol (which looks like a backward “UR”). To maintain the registration, a coating much be retested annually.
Konform AR Acrylic Conformal Coating and Konform SR Silicone Coating are both certified and registered for UL746E.
Choose the coating resin based on the protective properties you need:
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Elastic Polyester Resins For Consumer Electronics Coatings.
Acrylic Resin (AR) – AR coatings are relatively economical, provide good overall protection, and are easy to apply and repair. They have high dielectric strength, and fair moisture and abrasion resistance. Acrylic coatings are easily and quickly removed by a variety of solvents, often without the need of agitation. This makes rework and even field repair practical and economical. Acrylic coatings are not effective at protecting against solvents and solvent vapors, like jet fuel fumes common in aerospace applications.
Silicone Resin (SR) – Silicone conformal coating provides excellent protection in a very wide temperature range. SR provides good chemical resistance, moisture and salt spray resistance, and is very flexible. Silicone conformal coating isn’t abrasion resistant because of its rubbery nature, but that property does make it resilient against vibrational stresses. Silicone coatings are commonly used in high humidity environments, like outdoor signage. Removal can be challenging, requiring specialized solvents, long soak time, and agitation like from a brush or an ultrasonic bath.
Consultants and services in the food manufacturing, pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing, and printing industries.
Suppliers and manufacturers of food and beverage ingredients and processing aids for the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
Food and beverage processing equipment use physical and chemical means to transform raw ingredients into prepared food and are used in the production of dairy, bakery, poultry, seafood, beverage and confectionery products.
South African suppliers of equipment and services needed by laboratories in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, food and packaging industries.
South African suppliers of fittings, fixtures and equipment for manufacturer plants for foods, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and packaging.
Comprehensive listing of packaging machinery and equipment suppliers in South Africa, serving the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and beverage industries.
SA suppliers of packaging materials, containers and components to the beverage, cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries.
A contract packager, or copacker, is a company that packages products for their clients. The packaging and labelling services can be used for many types of products including foods, pharmaceuticals, household products, and industrial products.
Pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing machinery for producing healthcare, medicine, pills, beauty and cosmetic products.
South African suppliers of pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients, used in the manufacture of healthcare, beauty and medicine products.Ranging from alginic acids, hair colourants, oils, sodiums, zincs and many more.
Suppliers of printing equipment and consumables, as well as converting equipment and consumables for printing and packaging businesses in South Africa.
For more water-based epoxy resinsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.