Blog

This blog is the second installment in our two-part series on viscosity (with special consideration on adhesives and coatings).

In our previous viscosity blog, we discussed the properties of viscosity and how viscosity can be affected by temperature, the addition of dilution or thinning agents, and other similar factors.

This is the first in a short series on material viscosity, in which we will review what it is and how to measure it. We will start with the definition of viscosity. Viscosity is the internal friction of moving fluid and a measurement of the resistance of a fluid deformed by shear stress. It is measured in centiPoise. The lower the number, the less viscous the material, as can be seen by this comparison chart: starting with water at 1 cPs and ending with honey at anywhere between 2,000 – 10,000 cPs.

The conformal coating process, like any other processes, has different variables, inputs, and outputs. In order to be able to control the results of your application (outputs), we need to fully understand how each variable affects the process. 

The importance of the variables

To get the right amount of liquid, thickness, right coverage, no contamination on keep out areas, etc., you need to identify and understand the variables of the process.

The most important variables:

• Viscosity
• Flow
• Machine parameters (speed and Height)
• Curing method

In this blog, we will concentrate on reviewing the first variable: Viscosity