Conformal Coating Alternative Technology

Conformal coatings have been used for some time to enhance the lifetime and reliability of electronics made to operate in harsh environments. Conformal coatings are typically used on PCBs to protect from moisture attack, chemicals, salt and other exposures. There are several key challenges utilizing traditional conformal coatings in consumer electronics with very strict tolerances, performance requirements, and high volume UPH required.  For many applications an alternative that addresses the challenges of the traditional conformal process is needed.

conformal coating

Conformal Coatings Vs Next Generation Protection

Application of traditional conformal coatings has been used for some time to enhance the lifetime and reliability of electronics made to operate in harsh environments. Conformal coatings are typically used on PCBs to protect from moisture attack, chemicals, salt and other exposures. Conformal coatings are typically inexpensive and relatively easy to apply (albeit time consuming), and as such are used in a wide variety of applications. The added step of a cure, masking requiements, and failure to actually conform to edges of parts have led many to look for alternatives that address these issues.

Aculon NanoProof® line of coatings are cost effective solutions which exceed the performance of traditional conformal coatings while also addressing the negative issues associated with a majority of traditional conformal coating material types and application methods.

Conformal Coating Challenges:

  • Difficulty maintaining uniform thickness. Poor edge coverage leads to failure
  • Long cure times lead to poor throughput
  • Reworking is impossible or extremely difficult
  • Masking is complicated and time intensive
  • Coatings are thick making it difficult to incorporate into tight tolerance configurations
  • High viscosity formulations lead to limited application methods

Challenges Addressed with NanoProof® Series:

  • Thin and uniform coatings. Good edge coverage
  • Extremely quick dry times
  • Up to IPX7+ levels of protection
  • Easy to rework
  • No masking needed
  • Flexible application methods
  • Thin coatings can be utilized in nearly any packaging configuration

NanoProof®

Electronics Waterproofing Coating Solutions. Long Lasting Performance.

Aculon® award-winning NanoProof® Series offer customers a range of PCB & electronics waterproofing coating solutions for protecting against accidental water damage to IPX7, immersion in water at one meter depth for 30 minutes, to greater barrier properties that can withstand 100 hours immersion in sweat solutions and some of the most stringent test methods developed for non-hermetic components. Want to learn more? Reach out to us at +1-858-350-9499 or contact us here to see how we can help waterproof your electronics!

Is NanoProof® right for your product?

If you are not sure whether NanoProof® is right for your application, we offer the following options to determine which level of protection offers the performance you require at the most economical price. Have the experts at Aculon® treat your parts with NanoProof so that you can proceed immediately into qualification. Want to learn more? Reach out to us at +1-858-350-9499 or contact us here to see how we can help!

NanoProof® Screening Service

The NanoProof® Screening Service is ideal for situations where you do not want to deal with figuring out how to apply the encapsulant to your board. Aculon® will treat your boards utilizing our applications and return to you for immediate qualification.

NanoProof® Customized Solution

For parts that are complicated, require formulary work, or selective/complex treatment, Aculon® can work directly with you on your application. We will customize a solution to fit your specific needs. Once a solution has been determined, Aculon® will assist with implementation in your facility and bulk chemistry and cleaning solutions can be delivered on a monthly/weekly basis to meet your production needs.

Key questions to consider for waterproofing your boards:

  • Is full immersion or incidental moisture protection required?
  • Do you have a specific thickness requirement or need for a flexible treatment?
  • What are the exposure conditions the selected treatment (and treated product) must survive?
  • Is there a desired application method? (Spray, Dispense, etc)
  • Does the part require selective application to only certain areas?
  • Are there low/no VOC requirements in your production facility?

Tell us about your electronics waterproofing application!

Do you have a question for us, or a product that can benefit from NanoProof®? Get in touch and let’s talk!

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