Understanding The Difference Between PCB Potting and Conformal Coating

ByDextar

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) comprise an electronic device’s extremely critical components. For securing these components from damage, mainly two methods are used – PCB potting and conformal coating. Both methods use organic polymers for protecting PCBs and their related electronic components. How are these two methods different, and which one is right for your electronics application? In the beginning let’s analyze how each technique works.

What Is PCB Potting?

PCB potting is a method that helps protect circuit boards by filling a PCB enclosure with a liquid material called a potting compound for electronics or encapsulation resin. The potting compound fills up the housing of the device, covering the entire circuit board and its components. Although in a few cases it might be used to pot individual components.

Potting supports outstanding abrasion resistance, together with protection against heat, chemicals, impacts and different environmental hazards. Basic potting compound materials are epoxy, polyurethane and silicone compounds.

What Is Conformal Coating?

Conformal coating is the second method to help protect PCBs that coats the substrate with a thin layer of polymeric film or some other non-conductive material. A conformal coating is just 25 to 250 microns, so is a much lighter option than PCB potting that uses very less space. It offers great protection against hazards like corrosion and particulate matter.

PCB Potting vs. Conformal Coating

Now that you understand the basics of PCB potting and conformal coating, let’s address the question – Which is the superior PCB protection solution? The answer, obviously, depends on the application for which you’re using these technologies.

Both PCB potting and conformal coating can protect your substrate from small impacts, corrosion, vibration, moisture and similar hazards. Below, however, are certain areas where PCB potting and conformal coating differ.

  • PCB potting is a superior choice for applications that require high resistance to vibration, impacts, abrasion, heat and/or chemicals. In general, it’s a more durable and resilient choice that’s suitable for physically demanding applications.
  • PCB potting resin including potting compound for electronics offer effective protection against electrical arcs. Means, PCB potting is commonly used for high-voltage electrical devices.
  • PCB potting is a quick process that is completed quickly and easily on an assembly line.
  • Reworking, repairing, or inspecting a PCB potted device is not easy and can cause damage to the substrate. PCBs with conformal coatings are a little easier to work with.
  • Conformal coatings put minimal physical stress on a substrate, so can protect PCBs with sensitive components like small pins.
  • Conformal coating takes up a little less space inside a device casing and device weight increase is less than PCB potting. So, it is a good choice for devices where size and form factor are major concerns. It’s the favorite choice for handheld electronic devices such as smartphones.

To Conclude

Polyurethane is a softer and more pliable potting material that effectively protects sensitive connectors and various electronic components that cannot tolerate more rigid materials. Various conformal coating materials are on the market. Basic options come from a similar range of materials as PCB potting, such as epoxy and silicone compounds, etc.