Protecting electronic boards with conformal coating

The conformal coating of “tropicalization” is a protective treatment that is performed on electronic boards. The application of a transparent plastic film covers the electrical components that would otherwise be exposed to dirt, steam and chemicals. The film, formed by resin and thinner, “conforms” to the surface, perfectly adhering. At an appropriate temperature, the coating crystallizes and forms a single body with the substrate and components, isolating them from harmful elements.

Conformal coating thickness is a few microns. A layer more often would end up trapping air bubbles or solvent, creating defects related to contractions and fractures. Too thin a thickness, on the contrary, would not guarantee adequate protection. To obtain an optimal result, the conformal coating is applied using programmed robots that are able to repeat the machining with precision and deposit the protective coating selectively and uniformly. This combines material savings and high productivity.

Tropicalization treatment improves long-term reliability of electronic boards. It also protects them from various environmental factors that can have a negative effect on the functionality of the product, such as moisture, dirt, dust, solvents and salt environments. Conformal coating also increases electrical insulation, prevents the growth of dendrites and the formation of oxides on electronic boards. In addition, it improves the protecion of PCBs compared to mechanical shocks and thermal cycles.