6 Conformal Coating Defects and How to Best Avoid Them

Conformal coatings, comprised of polymeric materials, serve the purpose of protecting circuitry, parts, and associated components. While their primary application is safeguarding printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic devices, these coatings have the versatility to be applied to a range of substrates such as metal, plastic, silicone, ceramics, glass and even paper.

Conformal Coating Costs

The cost of conformal coating can vary based on the material and preparation needed. For instance, raw Parylene dimer may range from $100 to over $10,000 per pound. However, the primary expense often stems from manual labor. Tasks like cleaning, masking and inspection are time-intensive and require skilled technicians. This distinction holds significant importance in conformal coating production and inspection, as rectifying a failed coating can incur substantial expenses.

The Cost of Defects and Rework

Depending on the material, removing a conformal coating may involve chemical solvents, thermal, mechanical or microabrasion techniques. Acrylic coatings are easily removed with chemical solvents, while Parylene and epoxy coatings pose a greater challenge, often necessitating mechanical or microabrasion methods. To manage costs effectively, preventing these defects initially is key regardless of the material used.

Conformal Coating Failure Mechanisms

Conformal coating failures usually arise from either the material selection or the application process itself. It is vital to carefully choose the right method of application and the appropriate conformal coating material. This guide will address defects and rework issues that result from the incorrect use of materials and application methods.

Failure mechanisms in the conformal coating process typically manifest as common challenges during the application and curing of conformal coatings. Understanding the reasons behind these failure mechanisms and, more significantly, learning how to prevent them can assist in averting potential issues and lowering conformal coating expenses.

6 Common Causes of Conformal Coating Defects and Rework

Discover the top six prevalent causes of conformal coating defects, along with suggestions on how to prevent them.

1. Capillary Flow

Capillary flow is a type of coating migration that happens when a liquid conformal coating pulls away or “flows” from one area of the substrate to another. This usually occurs during the drying and curing process, resulting in a patchy, uneven finish. Some areas of the substrate may even be left completely uncoated.

The most common causes for capillary flow are:

• Low viscosity of the coating material
• High surface tension of the coating material
• Coating applied too thick to the substrate
• Low surface energy of the substrate

To avoid these problems:

• Ensure the substrate is clean before applying the coating
• Reduce the use of thinners to increase the viscosity
• Reduce the coating thickness
• Use a solvent-based coating instead of a water-based coating
• Heat the board before coating to help it dry more quickly

2. Cracking

Cracking happens when a smooth surface of coating fractures into sections. The cracks between the sections leave the area below exposed to potential contaminants. Because there is a higher risk of moisture, water, and debris reaching the board level, cracking could lead to other conformal coating defects.

Common causes for cracking are:

• High temperature during curing
• Coating curing too quickly
• Coating applied too thick to the substrate
• Insufficient drying time between coats
• Operating temperature too high or too low for coating specifications

To prevent cracking:

• Lower the cure temperature
• Allow additional drying time at room temperature
• Apply the coating to specified thickness levels
• Choose a coating with a wider effective temperature range
• Choose a more flexible coating

Generally, a staged evaporation rate is ideal for crack prevention. Use a lower cure temperature over a longer time if cracks persist in the substrate. Some coatings will benefit from a two-step accelerated cure, allowing the more volatile solvents to cure at a more controlled rate and lower temperature. Meanwhile, slower solvents are flashed off during a subsequent period of increased temperature.

3. De-Wetting

De-wetting occurs when a liquid conformal coating will not evenly coat the surface. Particular areas of the coating may bead up while others appear correctly applied. De-wetting usually happens because of nonionic contamination, often from the manufacturing, transport, or handling process.

When contaminants on the substrate are incompatible with the coating, it causes the surface to resist spreading in those areas. Generally, the conformal coating will bead up and move away from the following contaminants:

• Process oils
• Flux residues
• Mold-release agents
• Fingerprints

Whether contaminants appear on the substrate during assembly or are introduced during soldering, all must be removed with careful cleaning. The best way to prevent de-wetting is to ensure the substrate material is spotless before applying the conformal coating. Select low-residue materials to control the process more effectively.

4. Delamination

Delamination happens when a conformal coating lifts away from the substrate, leaving the area below it exposed. Loss of adhesion between the conformal coating and substrate can lead to partial or complete lifting. In most cases, delamination is not immediately observed and only noticed once the part is in use. That’s why prevention is vital for this defect.

Delamination is most often caused by:

• Contaminants on the surface of the substrate
• Lack of compatibility between the coating and the substrate material
• Coating applied too thick to the substrate
• Moisture between the coating and the laminate
• Improper curing of the conformal coating
• Insufficient drying time between coats

To help prevent delamination:

• Clean the board thoroughly before coating it
• Choose a different coating material
• Reduce the coating thickness
• Reduce force drying
• Choose a less permeable coating material
• Allow adequate time between coats
• Apply a “primer” material known to bond with the substrate and the conformal coating material

5. Orange Peel

Orange peel happens when the coating is uneven and textured, often appearing dull and very similar to the skin of an orange. Mottled textures in the conformal coating may prove to be cosmetic and non-critical. However, they usually indicate a process flaw that must be modified.

There can be multiple causes for orange peel:

• Improper application of the coating materials
• High viscosity of the coating material from incorrect thinners
• Insufficient coating applied to the substrate
• Coating applied too thick to the substrate
• Not enough time curing
• Low air pressure leading to uneven atomization

To mitigate the effect of orange peel:

• Optimize the spraying technique to manufacturer specifications
• Choose a different thinner to reduce the viscosity
• Apply the coating to the recommended thickness
• Increase the “flash-off time” for the solvents to evaporate before turning up the temperature to speed the curing process

6. Bubbles, Pinholes and Foam

Bubbles happen when pockets of air become trapped under a layer of conformal coating. They commonly occur when the coating fails to level and adhere to the substrate. Applying conformal coating with a brush may also create bubbles in the hardening surface.

Pinholes occur when a bubble bursts through the coating layer. Meanwhile, foam is a form of extreme bubbling. While bubbles and foam may be non-critical, they could exacerbate deterioration of the coating. These effects will also reduce the level of protection provided to the circuit board and may indicate problems with the process.

Common causes of bubbles and foam are:

• Contaminants on the surface of the substrate
• Coating applied too thick to the substrate
• High viscosity of the coating material
• High temperature during curing
• Coating cured too quickly
• Coating applied with incorrect equipment settings or pressure

To help prevent these problems:

• Ensure the coating is applied only to the recommended thickness
• Apply several thin coats, allowing bubbles to dissipate between layers
• Use a lower viscosity version of the conformal coating
• Blend coats applied with a brush so they flow easily into all areas of the substrate

The Top Strategy to Avoid Coating Defects

The most effective way to prevent conformal coating failures is to ensure you’re working with an experienced provider. Experienced technicians will know how to apply a wide variety of coatings without causing any of the problems we’ve discussed in this article. At SCS, our dedicated team of specialists is dedicated to delivering high-quality protective coatings and exceptional service tailored to your project’s requirements. Contact us to discuss your specific application needs.