PCB Epoxy is a very important material used in Printed circuit board (Pcb) assembly. Epoxy has many different functions including de-lamination, solder mask repair, repair of base boards as well as over-coating of circuitry. It is therefore important to know how to mix and handle epoxy correctly as it is a vital material needed when assembling a Pcb.
When applying Pcb Epoxy, it is essential to make sure that the area in which the epoxy will be applied is prepared before the epoxy is mixed. This means pre-heating the area in which the epoxy will be applied in order to improve the absorption of the epoxy. If necessary, the entire circuit board can be heated during this process but it is important to note that some components of the circuit board are sensitive to very high temperatures and as a result, could end up getting damaged.
This procedure is for a standard Pcb Epoxy which usually comes pre-packaged in two parts. The first thing you need to do is remove the clip which separates the hardener and the resin. You then need to mix them by squeezing each half together using your fingers and this should be done for at least sixty seconds in order to ensure that the hardener and the resin are thoroughly combined. You should then cut open the Pcb Epoxy tub and pour its contents into a mixing bowl and once again stir the mixture. This needs to be done for a minimum of five minutes before you can move on to the next step.
It may be necessary to add a coloring agent to your Pcb Epoxy mixture and when you do this, you should stir it in gently to avoid creating bubbles in your mixture. Once this is done, the epoxy is ready for use and you can now apply it to your circuit board. Once applied, the epoxy will need to be cured in an oven for one hour at a temperature of 74 degrees Celsius or it can alternatively be dried at room temperature for 24 hours. After the curing process, it is necessary to test the epoxy on the circuit board’s surface to ensure that it has not damaged the electrical components of the Printed circuit board.