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Chapter 1: Options for Protecting Electronic Assemblies and a Deep Dive into UV Conformal Coatings
Electronics, depending on fit and function, have different protective options including conformal coatings, potting materials, encapsulants, protective enclosures, sealing and gaskets.
Conformal coatings: The most common method for protection involves applying thin, protective films to the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) or printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) to shield it from moisture, dust, and other contaminants (Figure 1.1a). Conformal coatings can be made from various materials, including acrylics, silicones, urethanes, epoxies and more. Each type of coating offers different levels of protection and flexibility.
Potting and encapsulants: These materials encase the entire PCB or PCBA or specific components in a protective material creating a robust barrier against environmental factors while offering additional mechanical support, making it ideal for applications where the PCBA may be exposed to harsh conditions or physical stress (Figure 1.1b). The benefit, due to the thickness of the protective material, is that the chance of ingress is reduced; the drawback is that it adds weight to the final design, which could be detrimental.
Sealing and gasket enclosures: This method, commonly used for PCBAs, involves using seals or gaskets to create a combined barrier around the PCBA, thereby preventing the ingress of moisture, dust, and other contaminants (Figure 1.1c). These enclosures can be made of plastic, metal, or composite materials and further sealed with a polymer material between the joining parts. Enclosures are particularly useful for applications where the PCBA needs to be protected from physical damage, such as in automotive or industrial settings. The environment within a housing can become deleterious to the assembly. For this reason, sealing is often used in conjunction with other protective measures, such as conformal coatings or potting materials, to offer an additional layer of defense that is in direct contact with the surface of the PCBA.
