Leading the way for over 40 years
At Mer-Mar Electronics, we are committed to catering to all your PCB requirements including PCB conformal coating services. With over 40 years of expertise in fabricating and assembling high-quality PCBs, California based Mer-Mar Electronics is the go-to name for a wide variety of clients. Not without reason! Not only do we have access to the latest machines and technology, but our team of experts also has a wealth of experience and is equipped with industry best practices that go a long way to ensure improved efficiency of products.
We are extremely committed to not just fabricating quality PCBs but also keeping them well-protected with our high-quality PCB conformal coating services. Simply put, PCB conformal coating is one kind of PCB protective coating defined as the process of applying a protective polymer film that safeguards the PCB’s components. It is extremely important as it protects the PCB against any environmental hazards. Some of the aspects against which conformal coating is extremely effective include:
- Electrical leakage
- Exposure to moisture and other corrosive threats
- High Temperature
- Mechanical Shock and Vibration
- Dust
PCB Conformal coating is a specialized job since it is important to ensure that the coating is compatible with the components, as also appropriate for the environment. It also needs to be reliable and durable so that it extends product life, besides being cost-effective.
Besides making the right choice of material, it is also important that the application of the coating is done correctly so that it offers optimal protection.
Our PCB conformal coating services are designed to meet the requirements of different environments. Our clientele spans many industry verticals, and client satisfaction is the biggest measure of our success.
Why Mer-Mar Electronics for
your PCB conformal coating requirements?
Rich Expertise
You can count on our rich experience and expertise to offer you the right selection of conformal coating that is optimal for the environment and is compatible with the components. Besides, the use of the right application process ensures that the efficacy of the coating is enhanced.
Wide Range of Conformal Coating
Depending on your bespoke requirements, we offer a wide range of coatings to choose from. Importantly, our experts can guide you through the process so that you make the right choice that extends the product’s life and is cost-effective.
Suited for all volume requirements
Whether your requirement is for high, low, or mid volume conformal coating service, we have you covered. From prototype coating to coating for large production runs, we handle it all with stringent timelines.
Quick turnaround time
With early go-to-market being an important competitive advantage, we offer quick turnaround time for your conformal coating needs.
What Our Customer Says
Our PCB Conformal Coating Services Includes
Testing and Inspection Services
Getting into the process of conformal coating before testing is replete with risks. If it is not done correctly, you face the risk of removing the coating and then reapplying it. All of this means investment in terms of both time and money. In addition, if you have a go-to-market deadline staring at you, it can have further implications.
Prior to applying the coating, we ensure there is a thorough inspection of the assembly. Custom plasma processes are applied at this stage to ensure the surface cleanliness specifications are adhered to.
Plasma is an energy-rich gas state that can modify the surface. Plasma treatment ensures the following:
- It cleans the surface of the circuit board, the components and laminates so that it is contamination free.
- It activates the surface of the circuit board parts to ensure better adhesion and bonding.
- A surface modifying thin film coating is applied to the circuit board so that a barrier to moisture is created.
Material selection in conformal coating
With use of our engineering expertise, we make a choice of the right material from the various types of coating material available such as Acrylic Resin, Parylene, Polyurethane, Epoxy, Silicone and more. This is a crucial process as a wrong choice made here can result in the conformal coating and therefore, the PCB is unable to withstand the harsh environment that they are subject to.
Post application inspection
A thorough inspection post application ensures the quality of conformal coating. The IPC acceptance criteria for conformal coating within the coverage section includes that the coating be:
- Completely cured and homogeneous.
- Coating should be present only in those areas where coating is required.
- No bridging of adjacent lands or conductive surfaces from:
- Loss of adhesion.
- Voids or bubbles.
- De-wetting.
- Cracks.
- Ripples.
- Fisheyes or orange peel.
- Foreign material should not violate minimum electrical clearance between components, lands, or conductive surfaces.
- Coating needs to be thin but should effectively coat component/device edges.
PCB conformal coating rework
If you encounter a situation where a component needs to be replaced or where there is contamination of the assembly, conformal coating rework becomes a necessity. Equipped with the right tools and skilled workforce, we ensure that there is no damage when the old coating is stripped and the new one applied.
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Conformal Coating IPC Standard
Types of PCB Conformal Coating
At Mer-Mar Electronics, we have on offer a wide range of PCB conformal coating material to meet your bespoke needs. These include:
1. Acrylic Resin
This coating is known for its:
- Capacity to dissolve in many organic solvents
- Offers great humidity resistance
- Quick drying capabilities
- Smooth finish
- Conforming to Mil-I-46058C and IPC-CC-830 standard specifications.
2. Parylene
A polymer-based compound, the importance of this coating lies in:
- Its ability to penetrate narrow spaces
- Thermal endurance properties
- Adherence to USP Class VI Plastics requirements and NBC requirements in AR70 / AFR80-38 / Navinst 3400.2.
3. Polyurethane
The importance of this coating lies in:
- Enhanced chemical resistance
- Dielectric properties
- It is Mil-I-46058C and IPC-CC-830 approved.
- Strong adhesive properties
- High resistance to humidity
4. Epoxy
This coating is known for its:
- Chemical resistance
- Resistance to humidity
- Ability to form a rigid coating
5. Silicones
A soft, flexible coating, this is known for:
- Corrosion resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Suited for high impedance circuitry
- Thermal resistance
- UV resistance
- Humidity resistance
- Light transmission properties
- Conforming to MIL-I-46058C and IPC-CC-830 standards.
Besides ensuring that we use the right coating material and employ the right process, the checklist we run through to provide the best results include:
- The coating is applied to a clean surface.
- It is compatible with the components.
- It works well for the environment.
- It is reliable and cost-effective.
- It is compliant with the industry standards.
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PCB conformal coating process
As much as the choice of the right coating is important in ensuring the PCB is protected, what also important is the coating application process. The best conformal coating if applied poorly provides inadequate levels of protection. It is important to ensure the following aspects:
- The thickness of coating and its uniformity.
- How well the coating bonds with the board.
- The extent of coverage.
This is possible once the right conformal coating process is used. Our conformal coating process includes the following steps:
1. Cleaning
Cleaning of printed circuit board assemblies is imperative to ensure that the coating of choice bonds well with the substrate and that all contaminants that can impact adhesion as well as the look of the final coating, are removed. It is also ensured that any active solder residues are eradicated.
2. Masking
Reliable masking is required for a conformal coating to be truly effective. Poor masking can result in assembly operating failures on account of coating contamination.
3. Curing
Curing methods include air drying which is highly in vogue for acrylic coatings. Oftentimes heat can also be applied- usually between 80°C to 110°C- to ensure efficiency. UV coating material often only requires regular sunlight. However, some coatings could require addition of heat as well as a rise in humidity.
4. Inspection
Detailed inspection is the final and crucial process. Inspection is done under normal light and magnification, but depending on the kind of coating, it is also undertaken under increased magnification and under UV.
5. Conformal coating removal
Replacement of a component or contamination of assembly can necessitate conforming coating removal. The right tools and skill and precision are needed to do this so that the assembly or its components are not damaged.
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Application of PCB Conformal Coating
While conformal coating finds a wide range of application, given its ability to protect PCBs in harsh environments, its usage is particularly widespread in the following industries:
- Automotive
- Military
- Aerospace
- Marine
- Industrial and green energy applications
- Mobile electronics industry
- Medical
- Telecommunication
PCB Conformal Coating FAQs
Want to Get Your PCB Assembled from Mer-Mar Electronics? Send us inquiry to Get a Quick Quote based on your custom requirements.
If you have any queries regarding to our products or services or need an urgent assistance, then please don’t hesitate to contact our team of skilled personnel’s. Send us an email with your queries at sales@mermarinc.com or call us at (760) 244-6149. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
