Farnell expands PCB offering with compounds and coatings
Expanding the range of potting compounds and conformal coating products to protect PCBs, Farnell announces product availability from a group of manufacturers which includes Dow, Ambersil, Robnor Resinlab, MG Chemicals, Electrolube CHT and Farnell’s own brand Multicomp Pro. The offering is made up of flexible silicone and rugged epoxy resin through to conformal coating options to protect PCBs.
Electronic components and sub-assemblies are susceptible to damage from impact, vibration, corrosion, extreme temperatures, moisture and dust, so engineers use potting compounds and conformal coatings to protect PCBs. Some of the most common problems include operation in extreme temperatures, increased risk of oxidisation from moisture and humidity, proximity of high voltage components which can cause a short circuit, overheating, corrosive salt water in marine environments. When used in critical environments such as aerospace and military equipment, engineers must be confident they are reliable in operation. It is therefore critical, however, to select the right type of protection for high performance applications, advised Farnell.
Farnell’s in-stock range of solutions for PCB protection include the 832HD potting compound from MG Chemicals. This is solvent-free and features a low mixed viscosity to penetrate small gaps and cavities while providing electrical insulation. It protects components from static discharge, vibration, abrasion, thermal shock, environmental humidity, salt water, fungus and many other harsh chemicals, said Farnell. It has a wide service temperature range of -40 to 150 degrees C. It is claimed to be simple to mix and has extremely high compressive and tensile strength with excellent adhesion properties.
Also included is UR5041RP250G polyurethane resin from Electrolube. This is a two-part resin system which provides resistance to sea water and low water absorption, in marine environments. It offers good physical protection with strong tear and oxidation resistance, as well as low temperature performance down to -60 degrees C.
A two-part, 1:1 mix, general purpose encapsulant, Sylgard 170 silicone elastomer is from Dow. According to Farnell, it has good flowability, long working time and flame resistance. The low viscosity elastomer can be cured at room temperature or heat accelerated. With moderate thermal conductivity it has a long life and offers enhanced flow and fill in narrow spaces around complex geometries. It can also be used as stress relief in applications where hard, rigid encapsulants can cause damage during thermal cycling. Potential applications include power supplies, connectors, sensors, industrial controls, transformers, amplifiers, high voltage resistor packs and relays.
Farnell offers a full range of test, tools and production supplies from stock to support electronic design and test, with no minimum order value and an educational discount programme. Customers have free access to online resources, data sheets, applications notes, videos and webinars with excellent customer and technical support available 24/5 in local language.
Customers can search the expanded PCB protection range from Farnell in EMEA and element14 in APAC.
