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31st Jan 2019, 4:36 pm | #1 |
Pentode
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Dereham, Norfolk, UK.
Posts: 140
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PCB preparation.
Hello again, When a manufacturer makes a printed circuit board, they first etch the copper coating then they remove the copper as needed (or not needed) then apply the components, then thro a solder wave or similar and then they spray it with a green material to protect the copper and make it look nicer. What I would like to know is what is the green material called. I thought it was a conformal coating but I can't find it in green. I would like to purchase some because I thought it would improve the looks of some of the boards I work on.
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31st Jan 2019, 4:53 pm | #2 |
Octode
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Morden, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 1,562
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Re: PCB preparation.
The green coating is solder resist and it's applied to the board after etching and plating but before any components are fitted or soldered.
Conformal coating is normally clear and is applied to the assembled board to protect against dirt and damp, if required. |
31st Jan 2019, 5:06 pm | #3 |
Pentode
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Dereham, Norfolk, UK.
Posts: 140
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Re: PCB preparation.
Hi Barry, Thanks for your reply. Do you know if this is readily available from the likes of RS or CPC.
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31st Jan 2019, 5:15 pm | #4 |
Octode
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Morden, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 1,562
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Re: PCB preparation.
Solder resist is some sort of heat resistant epoxy - I doubt that is available in small quantities but I have never looked for it.
It`s virtually impossible to remove, I do know that. RS do a number of Conformal types including this green one :- https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/confo...tings/0495240/ Pricey for a pen though. |
1st Feb 2019, 11:56 am | #5 |
Hexode
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 250
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Re: PCB preparation.
It sounds like you need this stuff.
https://cpc.farnell.com/mega/600-051...0ml/dp/PC01663
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1st Feb 2019, 12:24 pm | #6 | |
Nonode
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Tintinara, South Australia, Australia
Posts: 2,344
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Re: PCB preparation.
Quote:
I bought solder resist years ago and never ended up using it (Taiyo ink product) and it is a two pack epoxy (never used it as I now get my pcb's made in China - much cheaper). Don't know the price these days but I think it cost me around $160 for 1 litre. It is also not self curing, it needs to be baked. |
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2nd Feb 2019, 1:05 pm | #7 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London, UK.
Posts: 3,687
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Re: PCB preparation.
Here's a nice video of the production process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljOoGyCso8s
I also get my boards made in China. Much easier! |