Potting and conformal coatings are two important choices for PCB protection because they all have unique advantages and uses. Knowing which option is best for which needs can help you determine your goals and implement optimal protection.
The difference between the potting and conformal coating
Potting is the process in which a PCB is placed inside a shell, which is then filled with a liquid compound that protects the PCB. The choice of which compound to use can be complicated, because the wrong decision may create excess heat or strain that might impact PCB performance. However, when done correctly, potting has many benefits, like impact resistance and protection from vibrations. It also has decisive disadvantages--like inflexibility, problems with changing or repairing anything already in the shell, and other issues.
Conformal coating. Conformal coatings are applied to the surface of the PCB and provide high levels of protection from environmental hazards, heat, friction, and more. They resist moisture and damaging chemicals, providing a long, reliable lifetime. The conformal coating has comparatively few downsides; while it is somewhat difficult to rework a surface that has already been coated, it's still much easier than in the case of a "potted" PCB.
These two methods are common ways to protect the PCB. As for which is more suitable to protect the PCB, depending on the specific project and your needs.
Makerfabs provide coating service for PCBA boards, from prototyping to mass production. There are so many coating solutions and related materials on the market, to make the whole store simple enough for makers, Makerfabs prepared 2 spray coating materials, which is widely used in our previous projects:
The difference between the potting and conformal coating
Potting is the process in which a PCB is placed inside a shell, which is then filled with a liquid compound that protects the PCB. The choice of which compound to use can be complicated, because the wrong decision may create excess heat or strain that might impact PCB performance. However, when done correctly, potting has many benefits, like impact resistance and protection from vibrations. It also has decisive disadvantages--like inflexibility, problems with changing or repairing anything already in the shell, and other issues.
Conformal coating. Conformal coatings are applied to the surface of the PCB and provide high levels of protection from environmental hazards, heat, friction, and more. They resist moisture and damaging chemicals, providing a long, reliable lifetime. The conformal coating has comparatively few downsides; while it is somewhat difficult to rework a surface that has already been coated, it's still much easier than in the case of a "potted" PCB.
These two methods are common ways to protect the PCB. As for which is more suitable to protect the PCB, depending on the specific project and your needs.
Makerfabs provide coating service for PCBA boards, from prototyping to mass production. There are so many coating solutions and related materials on the market, to make the whole store simple enough for makers, Makerfabs prepared 2 spray coating materials, which is widely used in our previous projects:
1. The Sinware 7 Coating. This is a canned coating material, which needs to be used manually, normally used for prototyping& small batch production ;
2. The MG419D coating. Makerfabs use a spraying machine for this, like in the video.
Makerfabs prepared these 2 coating solutions all the time for customers. If you need your PCBA coated, just tell us the solution you want, Makerfabs will deal with them all.
Of course, if you need some other coating materials, that is OK. Kindly let us know: sales@makerfabs.com
Related service: PCBA coating service
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