circuitnet
Sponsor
BEST-Inc.

5 Keys to Component Lead Tinning Success
Re-conditioning of electronic components mitigates gold embrittlement, eliminates tin whiskers enhancing quality and sustainability prior to soldering.
BEST Inc.
Essegi-Automation
Sponsor
Schunk

Depaneling machine for separating circuit boards
SCHUNK offers solutions for the entire spectrum of the depaneling operation — from product selection, workpiece holder solutions and optimization of milling.
SCHUNK
Ask the Experts
INDEX
ASK
PANEL
JOIN
COMMENT
SEARCH
December 19, 2013 - Updated
December 11, 2013 - Originally Posted

Silkscreen as a Masking Layer?



Can silkscreen effectively be used as an additional mask layer? For instance, if a negative silkscreen image is used it would coat an entire board except where the printed reference designators are located. The possible benefits are increased electrical insulation and resistance to chemical and mechanical damage. Has anyone ever done this before?

J.M.

Expert Panel Responses

Becauseyou're re-purposing the material from Marking feature to Insulatorfunction, you might first check with UL (presuming the end-product performs toUL).

image
Robert "Bob" Lazzara
President
Circuit Connect, Inc.
Bob has been in PCB design and fabrication since 1976. He has held elected positions with the SMTA, is a member of the MSD Council, has served as a committee member for various IPC standards and is a Certified IPC Trainer.
Submit A Comment

Comments are reviewed prior to posting. You must include your full name to have your comments posted. We will not post your email address.

Your Name


Your Company
Your E-mail


Your Country
Your Comments



Free Newsletter Subscription
Circuitnet is built for professionals who bear the responsibility of looking ahead, imagining the future, and preparing for it.

Insert Your Email Address

Sponsor
Zestron

Is your PCB surface finish surviving the wash?
Aqueous cleaning can stain or strip ImSn, ImAg & ENIG finishes. Get test data on protecting surface finish integrity post-reflow.
ZESTRON Americas
Plasma-Etch