Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1126810
60 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2019 So far, in my columns on resin chemistries and encapsulation/potting techniques, I have tended to concentrate on the properties of these materials. My insights have included how they are best applied in the factory, and the steps that must be taken to get the best performance from them once they are in the field to pro- tect an electronic assembly or lighting fixture against the elements. In this column, I am go- ing to address the question of resin failures— in particular, how to avoid them—and to get a better idea of where and how appropriately se- lected and applied modern resins are making a big difference in the world of extreme electron- ics installation and implementation. Regarding resin failures and how to avoid them, there are some excellent, well-formulated resins out there that will deliver unfailing ser- vice as long as they are carefully selected for the anticipated conditions, stored appropri- ately, and applied and cured according to the manufacturer's recommendations. One lapse in this sequence and you are likely to have a problem on your hands that may manifest it- self on the test bench if you are lucky. But if you are very unlucky, it will manifest some- time later when a unit is already in service and likely to be operating in some hazardous or otherwise difficult-to-access location. There are a number of simple steps that you can follow to reduce incidences of resin failure, and, at best, help you avoid them altogether. First, always read the product manufacturer's technical data sheet; this will at least guide you Resins Fit for a Purpose: Failure Mitigation and Environmental Concerns Sensible Design by Alistair Little, ELECTROLUBE