Circuit board coating, also known as conformal coating, is a protective layer applied to printed circuit boards (PCBs) to shield them from environmental factors and extend their lifespan. This thin polymeric film conforms to the board’s topography, providing a barrier against moisture, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes.
Key aspects of circuit board coating include:
- Protection: Guards against corrosion, short circuits, and mechanical stress.
- Types: Common coatings include acrylic, silicone, urethane, epoxy, and parylene.
- Application methods: Brush, spray, dipping, or vapor deposition, depending on the coating type and PCB complexity.
- Thickness: Typically ranges from 25 to 250 micrometers.
- Benefits: Enhances reliability, especially in harsh environments; prevents electrical leakage; resists fungal growth.
- Considerations: Proper masking of components that shouldn’t be coated; potential for trapped heat or moisture if applied incorrectly.
- Industries: Widely used in automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics.
