If you're familiar with HumiSeal through our blogs, you know we are big fans of conformal coatings....
Benchtop Robotic Application
Benchtop robotics are portable machines that, when fed PCBs, will apply a preprogrammed distribution of encapsulant. The customizability of these machines is powerful, offering a solution to just about any shape board or selective area.
These machines do not dispense from cartridges, enabling larger packaging sizes, like pails and drums. These are costly, but the results are undeniable. That said, these do require hand-feeding boards, so they are not suitable for factory-line levels of output. Still, these automate much of the time, energy, and effort typically spent on manual or semiautonomous applications.
Advantages
- Very accurate and repeatable thickness application
- Less exposure of workers to hazardous chemicals
- Potential for medium-volume production speeds
Disadvantages
- A moderate level of investment required
- Not capable of high levels of production
- Not capable of using large packaging styles such as pails and drums
Automated Stand-Alone Application
The top-of-the-line for applying encapsulants! Fully automated, stand-alone application equipment can be a substantial investment, but it is standard equipment where large-scale high-speed production is required. There are many different configurations and options available from a large number of commercial suppliers.
Advantages
- Very accurate and repeatable thickness application
- Minimal exposure of workers to hazardous chemicals
- Potential for highest volume production speeds
- Capable of handling the largest packaging sizes such as pails and even drums
Disadvantages
- Substantial level of investment required
- Often not ideal for short or smaller production runs
Choosing the Right Encapsulation Material for PCB Protection
Once your method of application has been decided, you then need to evaluate the material for optimal PCB protection. Unfortunately, there really is no one right answer. Different materials, especially thermally conductive encapsulation polymers, come with a wide range of advantages and disadvantages. Much like choosing a method of encapsulation, the material itself will depend heavily on your specific project and operational requirements. Luckily, HumiSeal has your back, offering a wide range of single and two-component encapsulants for many end uses.
As a supplier of all major forms and chemistries of conformal coatings, Chase Corporation and HumiSeal® can help you with an unbiased approach to evaluating your application and process. We’ll show you how to maximize efficiency, minimize cost, and improve product reliability. Our outstanding manufacturing and technical support groups can provide your organization with reliable global supply, unmatched quality, and superior technical support.
Please contact us today to discuss your application. Leave a comment below or hit the contact us button to connect with a team member.