Global Citizenship: Together for a Perfect PCB Solution
Smart Automation: Odd-form Assembly—Dedicated Insertion Equipment Matters
Nolan’s Notes: Everyone Has Their Eye on India
iNEMI Project Forming to Develop a Conformal Coating Evaluation Test
March 15, 2019 | iNEMIEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Electronic hardware can be susceptible to corrosion and electrochemical migration-related failures in geographies with high concentrations of gaseous and particulate contamination. In these environments, conformal coating may be necessary to prevent corrosion of PCBs and the components mounted on them.
Conformal coatings are presently tested by determining the time to failure of conformally coated surface-mounted resistors. This test methodology does have disadvantages. For example, the testing environment is not representative of operating conditions — it is done at a very high temperature that may cause reliable parts to be rejected, plus the test environment has no humidity and no gas other than sulfur. Another disadvantage is the time required to test. Tests can take months to complete, which is too long to be practical.
Purpose of Project
iNEMI is launching a project to evaluate and develop a more efficient and effective conformal coating screening test that will be able to determine whether a conformal coating material — and the process used to apply it — will be able to provide the required protection from harsh environment stressors. Having a better qualification process will speed the introduction of new coatings and improved application processes.
The project plans to leverage iNEMI’s flower-of-sulfur (FoS) chamber, which proved to be very successful in predicting the occurrence of creep corrosion in similar environments. The test will be based on quantitative measurement of diffusion of corrosive gases and moisture through the conformal coatings as a function of temperature and humidity in an environment containing sulfur and chlorines gases.
Business Impact
Today, it takes many months to evaluate and qualify a conformal coating, and test conditions do not accurately represent operating conditions. The ability to evaluate and qualify conformal coatings by a test of less than one-week duration, under environmental conditions approximating the operating conditions, will greatly aid the industry by reducing the qualification test time. Quantitative measurement can help optimize the conformal coating parameters (e.g. thickness, type) to ensure product reliability.
Webinars Scheduled
If you are interested in learning more about the Conformal Coating Evaluation for Improved Environmental Protection project, join us for one of our information webinars, which are open to both members and non-members:
Session 1: The Americas and EMEA
Monday, March 25, 2019
11:00 a.m. EDT (North America) / 16:00 CET (Central Europe)
Register for Session 1
Session 2: APAC
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
9:00 a.m. CST (China) / 10:00 a.m. JST (Japan)
Register for Session 2
Share on:
Testimonial
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
Smart Eye Receives Milestone AIS Order from Fleet Safety Company Optix
09/11/2025 | Smart EyeSmart Eye, a global leader in Human Insight AI and Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS), announced a milestone order for its AIS system from Optix, a global provider of fleet management solutions. Initially, in 2025, 4,000 commercial vehicles will be equipped with Smart Eye’s technology, marking the first wave of deployments globally.
Datest Unveils Viscom iX7059 XL 3D CT AXI System
08/25/2025 | DatestDatest, a trusted leader in advanced testing, engineering, inspection, and failure analysis services, and the go-to destination for when your boards misbehave and your AXI line goes on vacation, is thrilled to announce the arrival of its newest diagnostic weapon: the Viscom iX7059 XL 3D CT AXI Inspection System.
Gardien Services Installs Customized G93 Flying Probe Tester – Largest Test Area in North America/Europe
09/07/2025 | Gardien GroupGardien Group is proud to announce the successful installation of a customized G93 Flying Probe Test Machine at a major manufacturer in North America. This cutting-edge system features the largest test area of any flying probe tester in North America and Europe, setting a new benchmark for PCB testing capabilities.
Meet with The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI) at SMTA Guadalajara 2025
08/18/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions for more than 45 years, is pleased to announce its participation at the upcoming SMTA Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum, taking place September 17–18, 2025, at Expo Guadalajara, Salón Jalisco Hall D & E.
MoU to Revolutionize Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Device Testing with AI-Driven Solutions
08/07/2025 | PRNewswireLightium AG, MPI Corporation, and Axiomatic_AI Inc. have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop the world's first Intelligent, Autonomous, and Integrated Test Solution (IAITS) for photonic devices.