By Electronic components require protection from environmental elements as well as mechanical damage. Proper potting can offer the required protection level, even if it is a sensitive component. A potting compound for electronics is a liquid compound that forms a thick layer over the parts requiring protection. This ensures that neither environmental elements nor vibrations or impacts can damage the components. Potting also offers other advantages. Let us discuss them.
Benefits of Using Potting Compounds
There are several advantages of using potting compounds in electronic systems and circuit boards.
• Electrical Insulation
Potting compounds offer an additional layer of insulation. Apart from this, they cover up empty spaces in the electronic board or system. These together help to insulate the system and the place from voltage fluctuation risks as well as containment of fire situations in case the device fails.
• Thermal Insulation
Electrical components generate heat while in use. If there is a build-up of heat, it may reduce the life of the device and in case of failure can lead to fire accidents. A good potting compound for electronics can dissipate the accumulated heat within the assembly and avert dangers. Moreover, flexible potting material can protect the system against thermal damage and mechanical shock from internal shrinkage or external force.
• Resistance to Moisture and Chemical
A good quality potting material can prevent the incursion of moisture into the system and also save the device from chemical corrosion. This happens because such materials also seal the device from external sources of moisture and chemicals. So, a good potting compound for electronics can also help to prevent failures and improper functioning of devices. These are very helpful in protecting components that are exposed to oils, fuel, and chemical solvents. Indeed, if you are using the right potting compound, the device can function effectively even if it is immersed in water.
• Long-lasting Performance
These compounds offer long-lasting performance and help devices last long by preventing or minimizing damage from moisture, impacts, vibrations, environmental elements, and chemicals. However, you need to select the right potting material for the system.
Properties To Look For
While buying a potting compound for a specific electronic system or project, you need to look for some properties. These may include dielectric strength, cross-linking time, volume resistivity, operating temperature, overload temperature for short periods, IP rating, etc. A potting compound for electronics with high dielectric strength indicates that it offers high insulation capability which is desirable for most electronic systems. Low cross-linking time is also a highly desirable aspect since this indicates that the material is ready to work soon after application. IP or Ingress Protection is also a very important consideration.
Conclusion
Potting compounds for electronic systems offer several benefits to these systems. However, you need to choose the right one. Choosing the right one depends a lot on choosing the right aspect which may include the right IP rating, high dielectric strength, low cross-linking time, capacity to absorb high overload temperature for short periods, high volume resistivity, and more. Just make sure that you look for the right potting compound.
