Konform® SR Silicone Conformal Coating

Measuring the thickness of conformal coating is essential to ensure proper application and adherence to the specified requirements. There are several methods used to measure the thickness, and the choice of method may depend on the type of conformal coating and the level of accuracy required. Here are some common methods: Calibrated Thickness Gauges: These are handheld devices that use non-destructive methods to measure the thickness of the coating. They typically use magnetic induction or eddy current principles to determine the distance between the probe and the substrate, which correlates to the coating thickness. Cross-Sectioning and Imaging: This method involves cutting a sample of the coated surface and examining it under a microscope. The thickness can be determined by measuring the height of the coating in the cross-sectional view. Ultrasonic Testing: Ultrasonic thickness gauges use sound waves to measure the thickness of the coating. The device emits ultrasonic pulses, and the time taken for the waves to bounce back from the substrate-coating interface is used to calculate the thickness. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF): XRF can be used to measure the thickness of conformal coatings. It involves analyzing the intensity of X-rays emitted from the coating material due to bombardment by X-rays. The thickness is determined based on the X-ray penetration depth. Electrical Capacitance Method: This method utilizes the change in capacitance between electrodes positioned on opposite sides of the coated surface. The coating's thickness affects the capacitance, allowing for indirect measurement. Weight Difference Method: For some applications, the thickness can be estimated by measuring the weight difference of a substrate before and after coating. This method is more suitable for thicker coatings. Before choosing a specific method, it is important to consider factors like the type of coating material, the size and shape of the substrate, the required measurement accuracy, and whether destructive or non-destructive testing is acceptable for your specific application. Additionally, it is essential to calibrate the measurement equipment and follow any manufacturer's guidelines for accurate and reliable results. Conformal Coating for Spray, Dip and Brush Applications: PCB Protection Learn more in our Blog Follow our Linkedin

Prepare the PCB: Ensure the PCB is clean, dry, and free from any contaminants. Clean it using an appropriate PCB cleaning solution or isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt, flux residues, or other impurities that could interfere with the coating adhesion. Select the Conformal Coating: There are various types of conformal coatings available, such as acrylic (AR), silicone (SR), and urethane (UR). Choose a coating that suits your specific application and environmental conditions. Choose the Application Method: Conformal coatings can be applied using different methods, including spraying, dipping, brushing, or dispensing. The method you choose depends on the type of coating and your equipment's capabilities. Spraying: Suitable for large-scale production. It requires a specialized spray booth and spray gun to evenly apply the coating. Dipping: Involves immersing the entire PCB into a reservoir of conformal coating. This method provides uniform coverage but may trap air bubbles. Brushing: Manual application using a brush is suitable for small-scale production or touch-ups. Dispensing: Applying the coating using a controlled dispensing system, which is useful for selective coating on specific areas.Masking Uncoated Areas (optional): If certain components or areas on the PCB should remain uncoated (e.g., connectors, switches, or heat sinks), use a masking material (e.g., Kapton tape or liquid latex) to protect those areas during the coating process.Make sure to apply a thin and even layer, avoiding excessive buildup, which could lead to uneven coating thickness or encapsulation of sensitive components. Curing and Drying: Allow the applied conformal coating to cure and dry as per the manufacturer's instructions. This typically involves leaving the coated PCB in a controlled environment, such as an oven, for the recommended duration. Post-Coating Inspection: After the coating has cured, inspect the PCB to ensure proper coverage and to check for any defects, such as bubbles, pinholes, or insufficient coating. Contact us for more information

I suggest you get into the habit of clearing the valve after every use. You turn the can upside-down and spray until it only sprays propellant. If you don’t do that, you run the risk of dried coating building up in the valve or actuator button. If in the button, you can switch it for another one and it should work. If in the valve, there may not be much you can do to save the can.

The shelf life of a product can be found on either the technical data sheet (TDS), available on the product page, or by looking on the certificate on conformance (COC). The COC can be downloaded by going to https://www.chemtronics.com/coc. Once you have the shelf life, you will need to add it to the manufacture date for a use-by date. The manufacture date can be identified by the batch number. The batch code used on most of our products are manufacture dates in the Julian Date format. The format is YYDDD, where YY = year, DDD = day. For example, 19200 translates to the 200th day of 2019, or July 19, 2019. This webpage explains and provides charts to help interpret our batch numbers: https://www.chemtronics.com/batch-codes.