In electronics, potting is a process of filling a complete electronic assembly with a solid or gelatinous compound for resistance to shock and vibration, and for exclusion of moisture and corrosive agents. Thermosetting plastics or silicone rubber gels are often used. Many sites recommend using silicone or epoxy to protect from impact and loose wires. Araldite (a brand name) potting compound has been suggested for certain automotive applications.
In the potting process, an electronic assembly is placed inside a mold which is then filled with an insulating liquid compound that hardens, permanently protecting the assembly. The mold is part of the finished article and can provide shielding or heat dissipating functions in addition to acting as a mold. A cast assembly uses a removable mold.
As an alternative, many circuit board assembly houses coat assemblies with a layer of transparent conformal coating rather than potting. Conformal coating gives most of the benefits of potting, and is lighter and easier to inspect, test, and repair.
When potting a circuit board that uses surface-mount technology, low glass transition temperature (Tg) potting compounds such as polyurethane or silicone are used, because high Tg potting compounds may break solder bonds as they harden and shrink at low temperatures.
Video Potting (electronics)
See also
- Integrated circuit packaging
- Resin dispensing
Maps Potting (electronics)
References
External links
- polyurethane potting at Curlie (based on DMOZ)
- silicone potting at Curlie (based on DMOZ)
- epoxy resin potting at Curlie (based on DMOZ)
- adhesive potting compounds at Curlie (based on DMOZ)
Source of the article : Wikipedia