PCBs and Appliances; Protecting Electronics in Smart Appliance Assembly
Appliances now feature touch screens displays, sensor arrays, Wi-fi connectivity, and advanced control units, which introduce new challenges to appliance manufacturing. At the heart of all these smart appliances are sensitive electronic components and printed circuit boards (PCBs) which need protection…
What Challenges do Appliance Electronics Face?
From household washing machines to industrial appliances, electronic components face challenges which lead to failure including:
- Extreme temperatures and temperature cycling
- Exposure to moisture, humidity, and chemicals
- Dust and other contaminant ingress
- Vibrations and mechanical stress
- Shipping and installation damage
The Cost of Electronic Failure:
When electronic components fail in appliances, the consequences can extend beyond simple repairs:
- Warranty claims
- Customer dissatisfaction
- Needing specialised technicians to diagnose and repair
- Replacement storage and costs
- Regulation violations
Electronic Protection Materials:
Various adhesives, encapsulants, potting compounds and thermal management materials are suitable for electronic applications in demanding environments, including:
Conformal Coatings
A thin, protective layer applied directly to PCBs to protect against moisture, humidity, dust, minor chemical exposure and other contaminants. Typically, silicone with a range of application methods available.
Potting Compounds
Think protective materials which encase electronic components to provide protection from moisture, vibration, shock, and offer insulation properties. Includes transparent materials, silicone, epoxy, and polyurethane compounds.
Encapsulation
Similar to potting compounds but more targeted protection for critical components. Often used for sensors and connectors.
Thermal Interface Materials
TIMS fill gaps between surfaces to improve heat dissipation to a heat sink, helping to prevent electronic components from overheating. Includes gap fillers, phase-change materials, gels, and pastes.
Products to Consider:
TECHSiL supply a comprehensive range of electronic protection materials suitable for appliance applications which extend product life and improve performance:
RTV27905 & RTV27909 Clear Gel
Clear silicone gel materials designed for encapsulation and potting of sensors, power modules, and electronic components. Both offer protection from mechanical shock and vibration, RTV27905 offers excellent dielectric properties, while RTV27909 offers fast room temperature cure.
TIM11021G Thermal Silicone Paste
A non-curing Silicone compound with high thermally conductivity and virtually no oil separation and minimal weight loss at elevated temperatures. This thermal interface material has a broad operating temperature, ideal for use between heat spreaders and heat sinks.
SILTRUST ECC3050S Conformal Coating
Solventless silicone coating which cures at room temperature to a soft transparent rubber, cure time can be reduced, making it ideal for high volume production. Can be applied by spray or flow coating applications and is an ideal candidate for coating PCB assemblies with temperature limited components.
Tecbond 268 Hotmelt Adhesive
Ideal for assembly applications including white goods, due to a high bond strength and ability to bond a range of substrates including polyolefin plastics, rigid PVC, polycarbonate and more. 268 has a high and low temperature resistance and is suitable for stabilising wires in plastic electrical units.
Need Help Protecting Your Appliance Electronics?
Our Technical Team can arrange an on-site visit to gain a better understanding of your process and applications, recommend appropriate materials, and help troubleshoot any issues.
Contact our Team for a free consultation.
Appliance Assembly Further Reading:
Adhesives Vs Mechanical Fasteners
High Stress, Load Bearing Materials
