3M™ Novec™ Electronic Coating Replacements

NanoProof® protects against water and moisture damage, demonstrating great durability under exposure to oxygen/light. NanoProof® does not add durability against physical abrasion.

While we have had some customers successfully apply NanoProof® over No-Clean Flux we do not recommend it. The No-Clean flux can prevent proper bonding resulting in delamination and in comparative testing of NanoProof® treated board with & without flux the “without flux” boards universally perform better.

Yes, Aculon designed the product used with standard spray equipment. Acrylic conformal spray equipment is optimal. PVA or Nordson Asymtek carries automated and selective spray equipment.

As a point of reference: An untreated product, depending on the substrate, would fall somewhere in the 10°-20° degree range. A part treated with 1.0, 2.0, 2.1, 4.0, or 8.4 will have minimal change in oil contact angle. A part treated with NanoProof® 5.1 or 7.0 will have an oil contact angle of about 78° – typically in the high 70°’s.

NanoProof requires only room temperature drying but you may implement a heated cure. Aculon does not recommended heated curing as it can cause defects with excessive heat. The longest air dry time is typically no longer than 30 minutes. Reduce drying rates by adding air flow. An accelerated dry time via air flow or heat cure typically does not add performance benefits.

This depends on many factors including: part size, desired protection level, keep out areas, throughput required, among other things. No easy answer. Customers generally prefer applying NanoProof 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 5.0, & 5.1 via spray. Due to their thick nature, NanoProof 7.0 & 8.4 must only be applied via dispense or jetting via a selective deposition system from Nordson Asymtek or PVA.

Detect all UV Tracers with a 365 nm UV lamp.

Yes, we can provide the appropriate solvent for cleaning after use. It is not difficult when utilizing the proper solvent, just like cleaning a paint brush with paint thinner.

No, none required as these treatments air dry on their own. Elevated temperatures are not recommended. If you wish to increase the speed of the line, the preferred option is to use increased air flow.

Yes. However, this is not something we have tested to evaluate the performance and protection change. Typically the value proposition with use of NanoProof® is replacing a parylene coating with our more cost effective, scaleable, and easy to apply NanoProof® encapsulant options rather than doubling down.

Yes, numerous OEMs/CMs use these materials in production. Due to confidentiality, we cannot reference customer names. These products are commercially available and commercially used.

Every standard version of NanoProof includes a UV Tracer. The UV Tracer utilized is visible under a 365 nanometer light. For QC purposes, the treatment illuminates blue under the UV lamp which gives an indication of how well you have treated your parts. For qualification purposes it is also possible to test viability utilizing SIR tests and cross sectioning to ensure consistent coverage.

We have not found any negative impact. UV Tracer-free options are available. Please inquire for information.

This would depend on the geometry and function of the switch. In General: Yes, with NanoProof® 1 & 4.0 there is no problem with this. With NanoProof® 2.0, 2.1, 5.0, 5.1, 7.0, & 8.4 – it most likely would not work as these materials set to a more rigid structure.

This is not a problem so long as you do not go above the recommended max temp of 200° degree C. Autoclaves do not typically get that hot.

This depends on the application and NanoProof® product. Masking is typically not required for application of NanoProof® 1.0, 4.0, & 8.4 via the Push Through Connectivity feature. Even days or weeks later – you can still push through. NanoProof® 2.0, 2.1, 5.0, 5.1, & 7.0 have a limited window for making electrical connections, generally around 10 minutes after application. Once NanoProof® 5.0, 5.1, & 7.0 have set, it is possible to use a bit of diluent solvent (available through Aculon® , please call 858-350-9474) around the specific area to allow for push through connectivity.

For NanoProof® 1.0, 2.0, 2.1, & 4.0 the carrier is a Hydrocarbon Solvent. Methylcyclohexane carries NanoProof® 8.4. For NanoProof® 5.0, 5.1, & 7.0 the carrier is a fluorosolvent blend.

NanoProof® 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 5.0, & 5.1 are very low, less around a centipoise and suitable for spray application. NanoProof® 7.0 & 8.4 have higher viscosities and thus are suitable for dispense and jet applications.

No.  This will impact push through connectivity or fitment for packaging.

NanoProof® coatings themselves are not conductive and are all electrically insulating. While NanoProof® 1.0, 4 .0 & 8.4 will be able to push through (allowing electrical connections to be made) with no impact to conductivity, NanoProof® 5.0, 5.1, & 7.0 are a firmer barrier – you will need to peel off or use a softening solvent to re-wet the area if you want to make an electrical connection.

Contact Aculon® directly and we will work with you to determine the ideal solution and from there can then source test parts/materials.

If applied properly all NanoProof® coatings should be defect free. Visible or performance defects are likely the result of unideal application or excessive heat on cure. Your Aculon representative will work directly with you to resolve any issues.

NanoProof® performs well during performance testing in saltwater (sodium chloride). Alcohol will not dissolve the treatment. In short, it shouldn’t have an impact – but along with other liquids that are not specifically mentioned in our tests, we recommend testing if there is concern.

The NanoProof® 7.0 & 8.4 treatments are specifically designed to have conformal edge coverage when properly applied. In addition the thickness achievable with these treatments via one pass is typically 30-50 uM in thickness which would take a very significant amount of time to build up for parylene.

Every part is unique – so your part may need some process optimization. In general depending on the size and complexity parts can be treated in seconds.

For NanoProof® 1.0, 2.0, & 4.0, in most cases it is possible to solder through a treated PCBA. With NanoProof® 5.0, 5.1, 7.0, & 8.4 the treatment will likely need to be removed to solder. Most choose to utilize selective deposition in these situations to avoid treating the solder pad all together.

Yes.

Assuming that the treatment covers the bare metal lead – Yes.

Keep in mind 4.0 is never actually cured and is gel like in nature (allows for push through connectivity!) and should be handled carefully. Once inside of the units enclosure, this is not a concern. It is advised to handle the board by the edges or some other area not requiring protection. In other scenarios a special chuck to hold and/or transport the board without damaging the coating may be needed.

The products are manufactured at our facility in California. Orders from the United States market will ship from California. We do have some distributors in Asia who will carry and ship for orders in that area.

An adhesion tape test is not really relevant for NanoProof® 1.0 & 4.0 – these are actually still semi-liquid once they are down. NanoProof® 2.0, 2.1, 5.0, 5.1, 7.0, & 8.4, on the other hand, do cure into a hard treatment. So yes, once cured, a tape test can be utilized to test for adhesion.

No, we have not, as this is typically unique per the specific application and performed by the customer utilizing the application specific part. Feedback from customers is that there is not a concern surrounding any testing performed that shows degradation in the life of the board. We have just tested performance in water and salt water and found no impact.

This depends significantly on the geometry of the part, the application method, the material selected, in addition to other factors. In general NanoProof® is very efficient. We will work directly with you to determine the ideal material, application method, & material usage.

No, not in our experience.

The treatments are all non-conductive and insulating by their nature. Several do allow for connections to be made through them by pushing out of the way or due to their ultra thin nature. They will not impact the conductivity of a treated trace.

All NanoProof® materials are stable at this temperature range.

This testing has not been done at this stage. It is likely they would pass. If a customer with a significant enough project requiring this was interested, we are glad to look into the possibility.

Due to the shear # of liquids which can potentially be tested, we have not tested every possible scenario. However NanoProof® 5.0, 5.1, & 7.0 are both hydrophobic & oleophobic – you would expect to see the high contact angles for most oil and water based liquids.

NanoProof® is designed as a final formulation and is not intended for dilution. The thickness of the coating can be adjusted by modifying the application method. Aculon® can also provide a custom formulation if required.

Aculon® has representatives that are eager to support your application and find the best solution for your needs. Contact us now and we will see how we can best support.