Partnership to study cracking defects of conformal coatings

Electrochemicals manufacturer Electrolube has joined forces with DfR Solutions, a provider of quality, reliability and durability (QRD) solutions for the electronics industry, to conduct a joint research study examining the cracking defects of conformal coatings.

In an attempt to mitigate the risk of corrosion and environmental test failure, an increasing number of electronic designs, driven by the explosive growth of automotive electronics and Internet of Things (IoT), are incorporating conformal coatings. However, incompatibilities between the coating, the design and the environment can result in cracks in the conformal coating, consequently reducing or completely eliminating the effectiveness of the coating.

Electrolube is an expert in the formulation and application of conformal coatings for a variety of industries and will conduct a detailed investigation of over 3000 samples, including artificial ageing and characterisation, over the course of 6–9 months. The company’s collaboration with DfR Solutions is expected to produce fascinating conclusions to give global electronics manufacturers the informed advantage of increasing the long-term reliability of their end products.

“As a direct result of our extensive knowledge and experience with conformal coatings, Electrolube has a robust understanding of this chemistry,” said Phil Kinner, Electrolube’s global business director of conformal coatings. “By collaborating with DfR Solutions and its unrivalled physics-based Sherlock Automated Design Analysis tool, we are excited to extend complete reassurance and confidence to our customers in selecting the most appropriate coating, early in the design process.”

“The detailed analysis of over 3000 samples is a vast undertaking which we are more than adequately equipped to fulfil, particularly with the Sherlock Analysis Software,” added Electrolube’s managing director, Ron Jakeman. “We have always rigorously examined our coatings in our in-house thermal shock chamber and testing laboratories, to ensure that we deliver the best electronics protection formulations available today. However, collaborating with DfR Solutions will enable us to offer customers an even greater insight into how environments impact on the long-term performance of assemblies.”

Electrolube has separately announced the biggest growth figures ever recorded in its 78-year history, with gross turnover for 2017 rising by 27% compared to the previous year. The company claims to have gone from strength to strength, particularly in export sales, successfully expanding and effectively meeting the demands of its worldwide customers.

“The strong market for automotive, LED applications and consumer electronics undoubtedly played a part in this outstanding result — but far from resting on our laurels, we are looking forward to further growth in the year ahead,” said Jakeman. “As a collaborative solutions provider, we will continue to work in partnership with global manufacturers, focus on problem resolution and provide expert guidance to help improve processes, productivity and ultimately, the quality and reliability of customer products. With a clear vision for the future and strong demand for our products from customers worldwide, Electrolube has never been stronger.”

Image caption: Electrolube Managing Director Ron Jakeman.