April/May, 2024 Continued from previous page


adhesion, improve coating uniformity, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the protective layer.


Plasma Pretreatment Plasma pretreatment is a viable and


effective method in the pretreatment process for conformal coating in electronics. Plasma pretreatment involves exposing the surfaces of electronic components and circuit boards to an ionized gas (plasma) to modify the sur- face properties. This method offers several advantages in preparing surfaces for confor- mal coating: Plasma pretreatment is effec -


tive in removing contaminants such as oils, greases, and other organic substances. It can provide a thorough cleaning of surfaces, promoting better coating adhesion by eliminating potential barriers. Plasma can assist in the


removal of oxide layers from metal surfaces. This is important for improving the wettability of the surface and facilitating the bonding of the conformal coating. Plasma treatment can be


controlled and directed to specific areas, allowing for selective acti- vation of surfaces. This is benefi- cial when only certain regions of an electronic assembly require coating. Plasma treatment can en -


hance the wetting characteristics of the surface, ensuring that the conformal coating spreads evenly across the substrate. Plasma treatment can acti-


vate the surface of materials by introducing reactive groups and functionalizing the surface, espe- cially on the polymer components of the printed circuit board.


Assessing Plasma Pretreatment There are several aspects to


consider when evaluating plasma for pretreatment. Evaluate the specific plasma technology and solutions the company offers. Ensure that their systems align with your surface treatment needs for conformal coating. Consider the company’s ex -


pertise in applications relevant to conformal coating in electronics. Look for case studies and testimo- nials from customers in the elec- tronics manufacturing industry. Verify the compatibility of the


company’s solutions with the mate- rials used in your electronic compo- nents and the conformal coating material you intend to apply. Assess the company’s ability


to provide customized solutions based on your unique require- ments. Flexibility in system con- figurations and settings can be crucial. Look into the company’s reputation in the industry. Consider the level of support


and service offered by the compa- ny. This includes technical sup- port, training, and maintenance services.


Ensure the company’s solu- tions comply with relevant indus-


See at IPC APEX, Booth 2938


Now available with Component Auto Align!


www.us-tech.com The Importance of Surface Pretreatment...


try standards and regulations. Plasmatreat is the market leader in


plasma-based surface treatment solutions, including plasma pretreatment. Plasma - treat’s Openair-Plasma® technology has been successfully used for surface activation and cleaning in preparation for processes like conformal coating in electronics manufactur- ing for decades. Contact: Plasmatreat USA, Inc.,


2541 Technology Drive, Suite 407, Elgin, IL 60124 % 847-783-0622 E-mail: mary.battiste@plasmatreat.com Web: www.plasmatreat.com r


Coating on a PCB with plasma treatment.


See at IPC APEX, Booth 2843


Page 47


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