Equipment FAQs
This page covers conformal coating equipment: dip systems (batch & inline), spray equipment, inspection booths, robotic selective coating, and drying cabinets.
Conformal coating dip systems FAQs
When should I use dip coating?
Dip systems suit high-volume production where full coverage is required and repeatability matters.
What are the main challenges with dip coating?
Controlling viscosity, withdrawal speed, edge effects, and masking load to avoid bubbles and uneven thickness.
Do dip systems require more masking?
Yes. Because the entire assembly is immersed, all keep-out areas must be masked effectively.
Can dip coating be automated?
Yes—semi-auto and fully automated dip systems improve consistency and throughput.
Which coatings work with dip?
Most liquid coatings (acrylics, urethanes, silicones, epoxies) with proper viscosity control and process setup.
Conformal coating inline dip system FAQs
How do inline dip systems differ from batch tanks?
Inline systems automate board handling via conveyors for continuous production and better control.
What are the benefits of inline dip systems?
Higher throughput, reduced handling, integrated monitoring (viscosity, speeds), and consistent quality.
When are inline systems most cost-effective?
At medium-to-high volumes (e.g., automotive, consumer electronics) where takt time is critical.
What controls are typical on inline systems?
Automated viscosity management, controlled withdrawal, drip/flash zones, and in-line drying.
Conformal coating spray equipment FAQs
When is spraying better than dipping?
When selective coverage is needed, masking must be minimised, or products/volumes vary.
What spray options exist?
Hand spray guns for prototypes, automated spray booths for volume, and robotic selective systems for precision.
How do I control film thickness when spraying?
Tune pressure, nozzle/orifice, standoff distance, traverse speed, and number of passes; verify by measurement.
Common spray defects and causes?
Orange peel (viscosity/solvent), bubbles (air entrapment), overspray (path/pressure), uneven build (speed/distance).
Do spray booths require extraction?
Yes—filtered airflow and fume extraction protect operators and film quality.
Conformal coating inspection booths FAQs
Why are inspection booths important?
They provide UV and white light under controlled conditions to assess coverage and defects consistently.
What standards guide inspection?
Typically IPC-A-610 and IPC-CC-830 for coverage, thickness indications, and defect criteria.
What lighting do I need?
UV (for fluorescing materials) and high-CRI white light to reveal surface issues and meniscus formation.
Do all lines need inspection booths?
Yes—especially for regulated sectors (aerospace, medical, automotive) to maintain quality records.
Robotic selective conformal coating FAQs
What are the advantages of robotic selective coating?
Precise, repeatable paths; reduced masking; lower material waste; higher first-pass yield.
When does robotic investment make sense?
At sustained volumes or when consistency/traceability are critical and manual variation is costly.
Can robots apply all coating types?
Yes—acrylics, urethanes, silicones, epoxies, some UV systems—provided heads/paths are specified correctly.
How are paths programmed?
Via CAD import/CAM tools or teach-pendant; validate with test coupons and inspection feedback.
Common robotic issues?
Nozzle clogging, overspray, path drift; mitigated by maintenance, filtration, and calibration.
Conformal coating drying cabinets FAQs
Why use drying cabinets?
To control airflow and temperature, reduce contamination, and improve cure consistency/cycle time.
Can coatings dry at room temperature?
Yes, but controlled drying yields more consistent results and reduces defects like dust entrapment.
Do drying cabinets speed production?
Typically yes—shorter, predictable drying compared to ambient conditions.
Key cabinet features?
Filtered airflow, adjustable temperature, ESD-safe work areas, and safe PCB racking/handling.
Are cabinets required for every coating?
Not always, but strongly recommended for solvent-based materials and tight takt times.
