The potting compound is one of the essential materials for protecting delicate and critical electronic components from dangers. Potting compounds improve mechanical strength and offer improved electrical insulation while offering enough protection under tough weather conditions. Electrical potting materials are extensively employed in consumer electronics, throughout many industrial sectors. As well as in fields like aerospace, automotive, and other industries where electronic components are prevalent.
Electrical Potting Compounds Provide Insulation
Have you ever opened electronic equipment, such as a ballast, only to find that the board or casing is entirely covered in a hard epoxy or resin? Electrical potting compounds are made specifically for this purpose. To cover an electronic board or component fully or partially. And give environmental protection properties such as heat, shock, insulation, color preservation, or corrosion. The potting compound in the form of a liquid resin is poured over the item.
Basically, an electrical potting compound is an electrical insulation supply applied to electronics. Potting compounds can be made from several materials depending on the protection type needed. For instance, electrical potting made of urethane (or polyurethane) can tolerate temperatures of up to 120 degrees Celsius. And is therefore appropriate for high-temperature resistant circuits like ballasts or outdoor power supplies. However, due to its non-coloring properties, a silicone electrical potting compound can be used to preserve light colors.
Potting Compounds Application in Electronics
The potting compound, as previously mentioned, exchanges air on the electronics covered by the resin. And offers insulation from environmental hazards like heat, corrosion, and flame. It can even increase the shelf life of the “preserved” item.
Due to their heating properties and use of insulation from the magnetic and electrical field, transformers in electronics are highly suitable for the use of electrical potting compounds. Making them a safer application when coupled.
Formation Of Electrical Potting Compound
The three main forms of electronic potting are urethane-based (polyurethanes or PU), silicones, and epoxy resins. Each type of this electrical insulation supply has a variety of applications. Keep in mind that the compounds are composed of chemical elements that have longevity-enhancing and environmental resistance properties. Therefore, it is always advisable to use the right environment settings and equipment, especially with resins that produce gases as they cure.
Basic Difference Between Potting and Encapsulation
Although it is not required to completely encapsulate the PCB (printed circuit board) during the potting process. Depending on the need, the electronic potting may be poured over particular components. Encapsulation can be understood as the removal of the resin/board body from the potting box. Whereas potting refers to the combination of having the case with the potting compound without being removed.
The Sum Up
In sum, the type of application and utilization will differ depending on the potting compound’s material base, as was already mentioned. Epoxy resins are appropriate for SMT applications because of their good chemical and temperature resistance. While PU potting materials are most suited for environments with thermal cycling and poor temperature resistance. Last but not least, silicone compounds provide excellent light endurance qualities and thermal cycling environments.
