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October, 2024
Achieving Zero Defects in Conformal Coating with True 3D Inspection
By Brent A. Fischthal, Head of Global Marketing, Koh Young Technology
of devices across various industries. However, the effectiveness of conformal coat- ings hinges on their application. True 3D inspection technology, such as the Neptune series from Koh Young, can optimize their application to achieve zero defects.
C
Conformal Coating Conformal coatings are thin, protective
films applied to electronic assemblies to safe- guard them against moisture, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes. They are essential in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer electronics, where reliability and durability are paramount. The coatings ensure electronic components continue to function even in harsh envi- ronments, preventing corrosion, electri- cal failures, and physical damage. These coatings are typically
applied in a layer or layers to create a seamless protective barrier. The application process can be complex, involving control over factors such as viscosity, curing time, and environmental conditions. Ensuring con- sistency and quality of the coating is critical.
onformal coating plays a crucial role in protecting electronics from environ- mental factors, ensuring the reliability
Despite their protective nature, confor-
mal coatings can encounter several failure modes if not applied correctly. Uneven application can lead to areas
with insufficient coating, which may not pro- vide adequate protection against environ- mental factors. Conversely, overly thick coat- ings can cause stress on components and interfere with heat dissipation, leading to thermal issues. Air bubbles or voids within the coating
can create weak spots, reducing the protective effectiveness and potentially leading to corro-
environmental damage, which can cause malfunctions or shorts. Ensuring complete coverage, especially in complex packages, is a challenge requiring precise control and inspection.
True 3D Inspection Addressing failure modes re quires accu-
rate inspection. Tradi tional 2D inspection methods often fall short, particularly when dealing with transparent or semi-transpar- ent coatings. True 3D inspection technology, such as provided by the Neptune from Koh Young, offers several advantages. The Neptune utilizes advanced 3D
A circuit board with conformal coating.
sion or electrical failures. These imperfections can occur during the application process if the coating material is not properly mixed or if air is introduced into the system. Areas not fully coated are susceptible to
measurement techniques to ensure consistent coating thickness. By cap- turing detailed volumetric data, it iden- tifies areas where the coating is too thin or thick, enabling immediate cor- rective actions. This ensures the protec- tive properties of the coating are main- tained across the entire assembly. With true 3D measurement, the Neptune can detect bubbles and voids
within the coating. This capability ensures any imperfections that could compromise the protective barrier are identified and addressed promptly. Early detection allows
Continued on next page World Leaders in Selective Soldering
Pillarhouse International Ltd.
www.pillarhouse.co.uk
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OCTOBER 22-24, 2024 DONALD E. STEPHENS CONVENTION CENTER ROSEMONT, IL, USA PILLARHOUSE USA BOOTH 3012
Pillarhouse (Suzhou) Soldering Systems Co., Ltd.
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