When designing electronics, it’s not enough just to choose a high-quality PCB; you also need to ensure that the finished assembly can withstand moisture, dust, chemicals, vibration, and temperature extremes. That’s where conformal coating for PCBs come in.
With multiple materials, application methods, and performance characteristics to consider, selecting conformal coating for PCBs can feel like navigating a maze of technical choices. This article focuses on how to make the right decision for your specific application, helping you avoid costly mistakes and achieve reliable long-term performance.
If you want expert input from the start, the team at Active-PCB can guide you through the entire selection process.
Start with Your Environmental Challenges
The single biggest factor in conformal coating selection is the environment your PCB will face as each scenario calls for different protection properties. Will it be exposed to salt spray in a marine application? Extreme heat in an engine bay? Frequent sterilisation in a medical setting?
For example, silicone coatings excel in high-temperature, high-humidity conditions, while polyurethane is a better choice when strong chemical resistance is required. Parylene, although more costly than the other options, offers exceptional barrier properties in demanding aerospace or defence applications.
By mapping out the environmental stresses upfront, you can immediately narrow your list of suitable materials.
Balance Performance with Serviceability
Coatings that provide the strongest barriers are not always the most practical if your boards may need to be reworked or repaired at a later date. Acrylic coatings are easier to remove, making them a good fit for serviceable products, while epoxies and Parylene are far more difficult to strip.
This trade-off between ultimate protection and maintainability is a key part of the decision-making process.
Match the Application Method to the Design
Even the right material can perform poorly if applied incorrectly or with the wrong process. Some coatings are best suited to spraying or brushing, while others require dipping or vapour deposition.
The complexity of your PCB’s layout, the presence of sensitive connectors, and your production volumes will influence which application method is best. A precision application systems allow for selective coating, ensuring protection where it’s needed without unnecessary coverage on areas that must remain exposed.
Think Compliance and Industry Standards
Your choice in conformal coating for PCBs may also be guided by regulatory requirements. For products destined for international markets or safety-critical applications, ensuring compliance from the start avoids redesigns and delays later.
Five Steps to Choosing the Right PCB Coating
- Define the environmental and mechanical stresses your board will face.
- Decide how important rework and repair capability is for your product lifecycle.
- Shortlist materials that match both performance and application needs.
- Validate choices through testing, especially for harsh environments.
- Partner with an experienced coating provider like Active-PCB to ensure consistent, high-quality application.
Conformal coating for PCBs
Active-PCB brings together expertise in multiple coating chemistries, advanced application technology, and strict quality control. Whether you’re producing a handful of prototypes or scaling to full production, they work with you to identify, test, and apply the optimal coating for your specific requirements.
This consultative approach means you’re not just buying a coating; you’re buying confidence that your boards will survive and perform in the conditions they were designed for.
Selecting conformal coating for PCBs is as much about understanding your application’s demands as it is about knowing the material options. By approaching the decision methodically, and with the support of an experienced partner, you can ensure your electronics are protected, reliable, and compliant from day one.
If you’re ready to make an informed choice for your next project, contact Active-PCB today to discuss a coating solution that works for your design and your market.
