Protecting Printed Circuit Boards

Protection for PCBs has evolved beyond the wax coatings and gasketing methods once used. Potting isn’t always practical, as it requires a significant quantity of adhesive and may not be optimal for thermal management. Encapsulants are for individual components, but PCBs often need complete protection. Epoxies are falling out of favor because thermal expansion mismatches can easily damage fragile board components. Overmoldings typically have high viscosities and dispensing requires high pressures that could damage the sensitive PCB.