Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1535183
When it comes to conformal coatings, are there different fla- vors that people are choosing from or is it really more about thickness and application? Turner: It's all these factors com- bined. We need to consider sev- eral aspects, such as the final operating environment, basic details about the board design, and the application equipment. We have many different chem- istries, and they have their own inherent pros and cons. To make it more complicated, within those different chemistries we have even more variations, some more suited to certain types of application process. You spoke about thickness; I think edge definition, or unifor- mity is one factor that is extremely important. Ultimately, we're always working with three-dimensional spaces. We've got to be very care- ful that we have a uniform continu- ous layer of protection across the entirety of a circuit board, irrespec- tive of what shapes are there. It is really challenging, as each board design is unique. With conformal coating expan- sion and contractions, what's the life of a coating? Turner: Some conformal coat- ings are designed to have excep- tionally long lifespans. As I men- tioned, we offer a wide range of options, and to ensure the most suitable material is cho- sen, it's essential to understand the operating environment, such as expected temperature varia- tions. You mentioned coatings expanding and contracting, and factors like coefficient of ther- mal expansion (CTE) and modu- lus play a key role in determining how much expansion or stress is applied to other materials in the assembly. We make it a priority to study how our polymer mate- rials interact with other compo- nents on the circuit board, ensur- ing that the protective polymer we select doesn't cause stress that could lead to issues like cracks. Ultimately, we use con- formal coatings and other pro- tective polymers to enhance the longevity of the product, almost like a layer of insurance. Is there a growing demand for conformal coating specification? Turner: Demand is rising, largely due to more stringent testing con- ditions, leading to tougher spec- ifications and requirements for conformal coatings. In response, design engineers often consider alternative materials like potting compounds for challenging envi- ronments, such as condensing environments. Our goal is to show that it's possible to achieve the same level of protection with less material, proving that you can do more with less. What's the process for the appli- cation of the coating? Turner: The application pro- cess hasn't really changed. We use existing selective spray coat technology. There's no real change in how we apply these materials. This is a good thing because it means business as usual—no requirements to invest in new dispense equipment. We