DS101 Conformal Coating Dip System

Controlled batch dip coating for repeatable film build and flexible PCB processing

The DS101 Conformal Coating Dip System is a precision-built, floor-standing machine designed for medium to high-volume batch processing of printed circuit boards. It provides controlled immersion and withdrawal to support repeatable coating application across production batches.

Because the system runs entirely on compressed air, its pneumatic design is well suited to processing many solvent-based conformal coatings. The design removes electrical drive and control components from the immediate coating process area while supporting robust, low-maintenance operation in production environments.

DS101 conformal coating dip system for medium-volume PCB dip coating

The DS101 provides controlled immersion, withdrawal and coating recirculation for repeatable batch conformal coating.

Why Use a Controlled Batch Dip Coating System?

Dip coating can provide efficient coverage of complex PCB assemblies, but coating quality depends on controlling variables such as immersion speed, withdrawal speed, viscosity, drainage, board orientation and dwell time.

The DS101 provides a controlled mechanical process for these key dipping stages, helping manufacturers move away from variable manual dipping and establish a more repeatable production method.

DS101 Features & Benefits

The DS101 is engineered for repeatable dip coating where controlled film build and process stability matter. Its air-over-oil pneumatic system provides smooth, regulated immersion and withdrawal, helping minimise air entrapment and support an even, consistent coating process.

The DS101 is compatible with solvent-based, silicone and water-based conformal coatings, with options available to support viscosity control, inert gas blanketing and custom PCB handling.

Key features include:

  • Pneumatically driven control and pump system from a single air inlet
  • Air-over-oil regulated dip cycle for smooth immersion and withdrawal
  • Front-mounted control panel for straightforward operation
  • Multiple horizontal support rods on the dipping arm
  • Constant-levelling recirculating weir system for coating consistency
  • Compatibility with solvent-based, silicone and water-based coatings
  • Integrated extraction hood with 150 mm connection for site extraction / LEV
  • RoHS-compliant design

Typical throughput: approximately 15โ€“30 PCBs per hour, depending on PCB size, jigging, dwell time and process parameters.

Standard Tank Dimensions

The dimensions below are the usable dipping dimensions of the standard stainless-steel process tank rather than the external machine footprint.

  • Usable dipping area: 600 mm (L) ร— 200 mm (W) ร— 300 mm (D)
  • Weir: 50 mm wide ร— 150 mm deep
  • Tank capacity: 40โ€“42 litres

For assemblies outside the standard usable envelope, SCH can supply custom tank and stroke configurations together with application-specific PCB jigging and carriers.

Dimensions & Requirements

Machine Footprint

  • Overall size: approx. 1795 mm (H) ร— 950 mm (W) ร— 590 mm (D)
  • Weight: approx. 155 kg excluding coating material

Process Control

  • Dip speed range: 0โ€“150 mm/min using regulated air-over-oil control

Utilities

  • Clean, dry compressed air at 80 psi
  • 150 mm extraction connection for site extraction / LEV

Extraction / LEV: The DS101 is designed for connection to a suitable site extraction / Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system. Required airflow, system performance and other extraction parameters depend on the coating materials, process and workplace installation and should be determined by a competent extraction / LEV specialist.

Safety note: The DS101 uses an all-pneumatic drive and control system, removing electrical drive and control components from the immediate coating process area. The customer should ensure that appropriate workplace controls and risk assessments are in place for the materials and process being used. For UK installations, applicable HSE guidance should be considered; outside the UK, refer to the relevant national or local legislation, regulations and guidance.

Customisation & Optional Upgrades

The DS101 platform can be configured to support different assembly sizes, material-management requirements and production workflows. Where the standard configuration is not suitable, SCH can provide custom tank, stroke and PCB-handling solutions.

  • Custom tank and dip system sizes engineered to the required usable envelope
  • Customised PCB jigging and carriers
  • Stainless-steel weir catch tray
  • Transparent doors to support improved process containment
  • Argon gas flow monitor and gas manifold
  • Automatic viscosity control and solvent top-up system

Supporting the Complete Dip Coating Process

Reliable dip coating depends on more than the dipping machine. Coating selection, viscosity, PCB orientation, immersion and withdrawal speeds, dwell time, drainage, masking and inspection can all influence the final coating result.

SCH can support the DS101 as part of the wider conformal coating process, including coating materials, process development, viscosity management, masking, jigging, inspection and operator training.

Conformal Coating Training Programme

Develop practical capability in batch dip coating. Training can include immersion and withdrawal control, viscosity management, masking, PCB orientation, inspection and appropriate operation of pneumatic dip systems such as the DS101.

The programme is modular, IPC-aligned and can be adapted to the customer’s dip coating production environment. It can also be extended to wider conformal coating processes including masking, inspection and rework.

Download Training Programme (PDF)

Planning a Batch Dip Coating Process?

If you are moving from manual dipping, increasing production volume or developing a new conformal coating process, SCH can help determine whether the standard DS101 configuration is suitable.

Send us your PCB dimensions, coating material, expected production volume, preferred orientation and process requirements. We can review the application and advise on the machine configuration, tank size, jigging, viscosity control and wider coating process.

Discuss Your Dip Coating Application

FAQ โ€“ DS101 Conformal Coating Dip System

What makes the DS101 different from other dip systems?
The DS101 uses an all-pneumatic, air-over-oil controlled dip cycle for smooth, repeatable immersion and withdrawal. This makes it robust in production environments and well suited to processing many solvent-based conformal coatings.

Which coatings can I use with the DS101?
The system is compatible with solvent-based, silicone and water-based conformal coatings. Options are available for viscosity control, inert gas blanketing and custom jigging.

Does the DS101 require extraction / LEV?
Yes. The DS101 incorporates an extraction hood and a 150 mm connection for connection to a suitable site extraction / Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system. The required airflow and overall extraction system performance depend on the coating materials, process and workplace installation and should be determined by a competent extraction / LEV specialist.

How does the DS101 help deliver consistent coating thickness?
The air-over-oil pneumatic system regulates immersion and withdrawal speeds to support stable drainage and minimise air entrapment, helping establish a repeatable coating process.

What are the standard usable tank dimensions and capacity?
The standard usable dipping area is 600 ร— 200 ร— 300 mm, with a 40โ€“42 litre tank capacity and rear weir.

Can the DS101 be customised for larger PCBs?
Yes. SCH can supply custom tank and stroke configurations together with bespoke PCB carriers and handling fixtures. Provide the PCB dimensions and preferred orientation so the required configuration can be reviewed.

Do I need automatic viscosity control?
In many applications, a manual viscosity-check method such as a flow cup may be sufficient. Automatic viscosity control with solvent top-up is available where tighter process control or reduced operator intervention is required.

Why Choose SCH Services?

SCH supports conformal coating as a complete manufacturing process rather than simply supplying dipping equipment. Our experience covers coating materials, dip application, viscosity control, masking, jigging, inspection, equipment and training, allowing us to consider how the DS101 fits into the wider production requirement.

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Practical Process Expertise โ€“ Support with coating selection, dipping parameters, viscosity control, masking and inspection.
  • โš™๏ธ Application-Specific Equipment โ€“ Standard and customised dip systems for different PCB sizes and production requirements.
  • ๐ŸŽ“ Training & Knowledge โ€“ Practical conformal coating training covering the complete dip coating workflow.
  • ๐ŸŒ Global Support โ€“ Equipment, materials and technical support for customers across multiple international markets.

๐Ÿ“ž Call: +44 (0)1226 249019 | โœ‰ Email: sales@schservices.com | ๐Ÿ’ฌ Contact Us โ€บ

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Disclaimer: Information on this page is provided as general guidance and does not replace application-specific process, safety or workplace assessment. Equipment suitability, coating compatibility, process parameters and production performance should be validated for the intended application. The DS101 is designed for connection to a suitable site extraction / LEV system. Required extraction performance depends on the coating materials, process and workplace installation and should be determined by the customer with competent extraction / LEV specialist advice. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, material safety information and site requirements.