The following message is posted at the request of the leaders of the IPC Cleaning and Coating Committee: Recently we posted a TechNet message (included below) polling interest in having a conformal coating discussion. The original question was based on feedback from users about various attributes of coatings. We were surprised at the number of responses we received and their associated comments. There were a considerable number of people who want to have a general discussion of this topic. Based on this feedback, a session titled "Conformal Coatings Performance Considerations" will be held as part of the IPC/SMTA Electronics Assembly Expo in Providence RI on Wednesday afternoon, 28 October, from 1:30-3:00 PM. This will be a FREE forum/panel discussion for people to air their questions and concerns about the use of conformal coatings. If participation warrants pursuing the topic, a second forum/panel discussion will be set up for IPC Printed Circuits Expo (March 1999 in Long Beach) to gather additional information. From that a decision would be made on whether or not further work should be pursed by the IPC Cleaning and Coating Committee to develop additional standards, guidelines, etc. addressing conformal coating design, application and testing issues. The current document IPC-CC-830A only addresses qualification of a coating material and does not address use. The session will start off with short presentations by users, customers and material suppliers on application, performance and design topics associated with conformal coatings followed by an audience/panel question and answer session. It must be stressed that this session is designed to be an objective information gathering exploration of conformal coating performance considerations for all types of coatings and for all applications. As always, any pertinent data associated with the topics that can be shared with participants would be appreciated. If you are interested in attending the session, please respond back to IPC ([log in to unmask]) so we will have an indication of the room size required. For more information about IPC/SMTA Electronics Assembly Expo, go to http://www.ipc.org/html/framesetEAEexpo.html ------ Following is the Original 18 August 1998 TechNet Message ------ Recently there have been several questions on actual long term field performance of conformal coatings based on several anecdotal observations. There are numerous specifications and standards that address conformal coating material performance/qualification, design and application requirements. However, very little documented correlation exists between design requirements and actual long term performance under field conditions. In addition, standard communication of design requirements related to conformal coating and what performance should reasonably be expected from such coatings (i.e., the myth that conformal coatings are impervious to water/water vapor, etc.) does not appear to be clearly and/or readily recognize in the industry. IPC and the Cleaning and Coating Committee are considering holding a forum/panel discussion on the above issues at the fall IPC committee meetings to be held as part of IPC/SMTA Electronics Assembly Expo in Providence, RI October 24-29. Several users and customers (FAA, etc.) have expressed interest in such a forum. The objective would be to have a short presentation from conformal coating users, FAA, material suppliers, etc., addressing the above issues and any data supporting recommendations whether or not further work should be pursed by IPC membership in this area. Here's where we need your help! We're trying to determine if there is a significant interest from IPC members and other users to support holding such a discussion in Providence. If your believe the subject is of sufficient interest and would consider attending an open panel discussion, audience question and answer session on this subject, please contact Jack Crawford a the IPC ([log in to unmask]) by 28 August to indicate your level of interest. We will use the results of this poll to determine if such a session should be organized. ------ End of 18 August TechNet message ------ IPC HAS A NEW PHONE SYSTEM!! EXTENSIONS HAVE CHANGED!! Be sure to listen to the prompt for new directions. 8/20/98 IPC/SMTA Electronics Assembly Expo Technical Committee Meetings, Conference, Exhibits Providence RI October 24-29 More info at http://www.ipc.org Jack Crawford, IPC Project Manager - Assembly 2215 Sanders Road, Northbrook IL 60062-6135 [log in to unmask] NEW DIRECT NUMBER 847-790-5393 fax 847-509-9798 ################################################################ TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ################################################################ To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TechNet ################################################################ Please visit IPC's web site (http://www.ipc.org) "On-Line Services" section for additional information. 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