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Conformal coating - small quantity of a dielectrical non-conductive sprayed on top of the PCB, does not affect the weight of the product, does not require any changes on the PCB layout from a regular PCB.
Potting - large quantities of material poured over the PCB enclousure, affects the weight of the product, require changes on the PCB (removal of connectors, change to soldered PADs), difficult to rework.
- Consider the temperature of operation when choosing the resin.
- Conformal coating is better for consumer eletronics.
- Potting is used for harsh enviroments (factories, etc) - exposure to chemicals, mechanical stress, physical shock, etc.
From chatgpt:
Conformal coating is a thin, protective layer applied to the surface of a PCB to protect it from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and chemicals. It is typically applied in liquid form and can be cured using heat or UV light. Conformal coating is a good choice for PCBs that will be used in relatively benign environments and are not subject to excessive vibration or mechanical stress.
Potting, on the other hand, is the process of filling a container (often a mold) with a liquid or semi-solid material that hardens to form a protective barrier around the PCB. Potting is more protective than conformal coating and is a good choice for PCBs that will be used in harsher environments or subject to more extreme conditions such as vibration, shock, or temperature changes.
To decide between conformal coating and potting, you should consider the specific requirements of your application, including the operating environment, expected level of mechanical stress, and any regulatory requirements. You also consider cost, as potting is more labor-intensive and material-intensive than conformal coating.