Potting compounds are sort of like the icing on the cake when manufacturing circuit boards. They are applied last and can ruin everything if not applied correctly.
Except, with cake the flaw is superficial. With electronics, the two-component compounds — which are a carefully balanced proportion of hardener and resin — can trigger an exothermic reaction and destroy sensitive, expensive components.
Because the mixing process involves PHR specs, measuring the compounds and then weighing them in a graduated cylinder, mistakes can — and do — happen, says Al De Sisto of Epoxies Etc. He recommends implementing Dual-Barrel Cartridge Dispensers, which are simple, handheld, scalable tools that remove the guesswork by accurately mixing in a quick and clean fashion.
What it works with:
- Adhesives that have fixed-mix ratios. Even with these limitations, adhesive manufacturers supply over 50 dual-barrel cartridge-friendly formulations.
Where it works:
- Assembly lines that intermittently apply adhesives
What doesn’t work:
- Highly filled products, such as thermally conductive potting compounds
- Adhesives with extreme viscosities
Read De Sisto's full description of the advantages of Dual-Barrel Dispensers on Machine Design.
Machine Design is an NED companion site within Penton's Manufacturing & Supply Chain Group.
