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Ruggedization of Electronic Circuits? Encapsulation is One of The Best-kept Protection Secrets

Posted by Vlad David on Jul 12, 2018 12:00:00 PM
Vlad David
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While conformal coatings increase the lifetime of electronic devices by providing a thin barrier that strengthens their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, adhesives and encapsulants provide a significantly higher level of protection on the entire assembly.

The most common properties of adhesives and encapsulants include:

  • creating environmental seals that protect against moisture and corrosion,
  • providing high-temperature resistance,
  • increasing shock and vibration dampening,
  • generating strong bonds to a variety of substrates,
  • maintaining low shrinkage, and
  • offering thermal conductivity.

HumiSeal adhesives and encapsulants are available as 1K or 2K compounds with medium to high viscosity. They can be used in the following processes:

  • A- bonding/staking

Used for the purpose of joining or securing a component in order to increase shock and vibration resistance by releasing the strain from the solder joints.

UV20 social

 

Also read: How Best to Protect PCB Mounted Components from Vibration 

  • B- potting or casting

Involves a case filled with liquid potting material to completely cover the device and the components. In casting, a temporary frame is used.

Also read: 5 Simple Steps to Eliminate Bubbles in Potting Encapsulants

  • C- encapsulation/dam and fill

Utilized to enclose, without the use of a case or frame, small areas of the assembly to address critical components that require a high level of protection.

Encapsulation of a circuit board Dam fill in a pcb board

 

Pros and Cons of Different Encapsulation and Adhesive Application Methods

The following offers a wide range of application methods, such as

1. Manual application with 1- or 2-part dispensing guns

advantages

  • easy access in tight areas
  • quick change of syringe, mixer, and needle

disadvantages

  • operator dependent
  • poor control of the dispensed quantity
Adhesives dispensing guns 
Semi automated dispensing system-763171-edited 2. Semi-automated dispensing systems for 1- or 2-part materials

advantages

  • easy access in tight areas
  • quick change of syringe, mixer, and needle
  • good control of the quantity dispensed
  • pressure regulator and time-dispensing control

disadvantage

  • operator dependent
 

Also read: 4 Tips to Successfully Apply Two-Component Epoxy Adhesives

3. Automated benchtop robots

 advantages

  • programmable
  • superior control of the dispensed quantity
  • high throughput
  • adaptive for 1- and 2-part syringes or bulk

disadvantages

  • limited working area
  • cannot be integrated into conveyorized inline process
Automated benchtop robots-902449-edited
Fully automated dispensing system-013369-edited 4. Fully automated dispensing systems

advantages

  • PC integrated software for programming
  • progressive pumps and vacuum control available for accurate bubble-free dispensing
  • configurable for 1- and 2-part syringes or bulk
  • bigger working area
  • weight check and needle calibration
  • conveyorized integration with existing inline process

disadvantage

  • high cost

HumiSeal’s wide range of adhesives and encapsulants allows you to increase the level of protection of the entire assembly or specific components, regardless of the application method chosen.

If you have questions, you can always contact us.

Encapsulation Solutions brochure

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Topics: Electronic Protection, Adhesive Solutions, Vibration Suppression, Encapsulants

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