Matthew, I can only tell you to check SMT magazine ( June 1999 ), the cover issue is " The Selective Conformal Coating Process " the article was writed by Frank Hart ( [log in to unmask] ) may be you have the answer there. Sorry I am not familiar with this process ... Thanks Jorge Dourado de Santana Maintenance / Process Engr Microtec - Brazil > -----Original Message----- > From: Matthew Lamkin [SMTP:[log in to unmask]] > Sent: 2 de Setembro de 1999 06:42 > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: [TN] Conformal coating machines etc ? > > Hi there everyone, > > THE SITUATION: > We manufacture several different panels of Mixed/SMT PCB's, each with a > couple of assembly variants. > The general panel size is about 300mmx220mm > > We dip coat our boards for environmental protection. > Our volumes are not in the millions, but can reach 10k panels per board > P.A. > We use QUAD P&P machines & a reflow oven. > > We currently have to mask both sides of the mounting holes for a lot as > they are used as electrical connections too. > This is done with manually applied peelable resist which has to cure > for a few hours before use, and/or Kapton tape which > is rather expensive. > > We have some boards with peelable resist screened on the non SMT side by > our board FAB, providing that it does not interfere > with the application of solder paste (I.E. panel remains level etc.). > > THE QUESTIONS: > > However, all the above does take a considerable amount of labor time etc > to do, so what I would like to know is would > we benefit from one of those machines that spray the coating on, missing > pre-defined areas etc ? > > Also in what region does a secondhand one cost? > and what models should we be on the lookout for ? > > Can using one of these machines provide the same (or better) protection > level that dipping the boards get? > > What saving could we make in using one? > > Also (to our UK Technetters) can anyone recommend a supplier of reflow > temp resistant tapes or dots etc, perhaps a tape > that is pre-cut to particular shapes ? I know that I can get Kapton tape > from Farnell but its rather dear.. > > Many thanks - Matthew Lamkin > Printed Circuitboard Draughtsman > Protec Hse, Churchill way, > Nelson, Lancashire. > England UK. > Email [log in to unmask] > > ############################################################## > TechNet Mail List 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 web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for > additional > information. > If you need assistance - contact Gayatri Sardeshpande at [log in to unmask] or > 847-509-9700 ext.5365 > ############################################################## ############################################################## TechNet Mail List 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 web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Gayatri Sardeshpande at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5365 ##############################################################