The Importance of Conformal Coating for PCB Protection
At MJS Designs, we are excited to announce that we have expanded our capabilities to offer conformal coating services in-house, providing superior protection and aesthetic finish to PCBs across various industries. As electronic devices become more advanced and increasingly utilized in harsh environments, the need for effective protection against moisture, dust, chemicals, and mechanical stress has never been greater. When designing for these conditions, conformal coating is a key solution for ensuring the longevity and reliability of printed circuit boards (PCBs).
What is Conformal Coating?
Conformal coating is a thin, protective polymeric layer applied to PCB surfaces to safeguard sensitive electronic components from environmental and mechanical stressors. This transparent or semi-transparent layer conforms to the contours of the PCB, covering components, solder joints, and other exposed circuitry while leaving critical connection points accessible.
By applying conformal coating, manufacturers can significantly enhance the service life of their electronic assemblies, reducing the risk of failures due to contamination, moisture ingress, or oxidation. This added protection is essential for industries where exposure to harsh conditions is a frequent occurrence.
How is Conformal Coating Applied?
There are several methods for applying conformal coatings, including spray application, dip coating, and brush application—each with distinct advantages. At MJS Designs, we utilize an advanced spray application process with an atomized spray gun to ensure precise coverage across all areas of the PCB. This method is widely preferred in the electronics industry due to its:
- Even Distribution: The atomized spray produces uniformly sized coating particles, ensuring consistent coverage and minimizing defects.
- Minimal Slumping: Slumping, where the coating pulls away from sharp edges, is significantly reduced due to the atomizing effect, which helps the coating adhere uniformly.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Unlike selective or dipping methods, our process provides full PCB protection, with all “keep out” areas precisely masked.
Material Selection: Acrylic vs. Urethane Coatings
At MJS Designs, we offer two primary types of conformal coatings:
- Acrylic Coatings: Recognized for their simple application process and ease of rework, acrylic coatings provide moderate protection against moisture and contaminants.
- Urethane Coatings: These coatings offer superior chemical and abrasion resistance, making them ideal for high-stress environments.
Urethane coatings typically require 20 to 30 days to cure at room temperature. However, with our Blue M Class A oven, we can accelerate this process to just 30 hours, significantly reducing lead times without compromising quality.
How Conformal Coating Protects PCBs
Conformal coatings play a vital role in enhancing the durability and reliability of electronic devices. Their benefits include:
- Moisture Resistance: Protects against humidity, condensation, and accidental exposure to liquids.
- Oxidation Prevention: Shields conductive elements from environmental oxidation, reducing corrosion risks.
- Dust and Contaminant Protection: Prevents particulate buildup that can lead to electrical shorts or component degradation.
- Chemical Resistance: Guards against exposure to harsh industrial chemicals and solvents.
- Mechanical Stress Mitigation: Reduces impact from vibration and physical stress, extending the lifespan of the PCB.
Industries That Benefit from Conformal Coating
Conformal coating is widely used across various industries where PCB reliability is critical. Some of the primary industries that benefit from this service include:
Aerospace & Defense:
PCBs in aerospace and defense applications are often exposed to extreme conditions, including temperature fluctuations, moisture, and high-altitude environments. Conformal coatings ensure mission-critical electronics function reliably in these demanding scenarios.
Automotive Electronics:
With modern vehicles relying on an increasing number of electronic systems, conformal coating helps protect engine control units (ECUs), infotainment systems, and sensor modules from heat, vibration, and exposure to automotive fluids.
Medical Devices:
Medical equipment requires precision and longevity. Conformal coatings protect sensitive electronics in diagnostic machines, imaging devices, and portable medical monitors from moisture and contamination, ensuring consistent performance.
Industrial & Manufacturing Equipment:
Industrial electronics are often subject to dust, chemicals, and mechanical shock. Conformal coatings provide an essential layer of protection for control systems, robotics, and sensor modules used in factory automation and heavy machinery.
Consumer Electronics:
For products like smartphones, wearables, and home automation systems, conformal coatings help prevent damage from accidental spills, dust exposure, and humidity, enhancing product lifespan and reliability.
The MJS Designs Difference
At MJS Designs, we are committed to continuously improving our services, staying at the forefront of industry advancements, and providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance the reliability of your electronics. The addition of in-house conformal coating is just one of the many ways we strive to meet evolving industry demands, enhance PCB protection, and reduce lead times for our customers. By investing in advanced technologies and efficient processes, we ensure that your projects receive the highest level of quality and protection—faster than ever. Contact us today to learn how our new conformal coating service can benefit your next project!