circuitnet
Sponsor
EOS/ESD Association
Reimagined EOS/ESD Symposium 2026
Experience the enhanced EOS/ESD Symposium with expanded learning, collaboration, and industry connections. Join experts exploring challenges and solutions in EOS/ESD control. September 28-30.
EOS/ESD Association
Durafuse - 15% Reduction in Energy
Sponsor
Viscom
iX7059 Series by Viscom: Inline X-ray Inspection Power
High-performance Inline X-ray Inspection Systems for complex electronics, semiconductors, and power modules up to 200 kg. Seamless integration, AI-powered accuracy, and maximum reliability for every application.
Viscom
Ask the Experts
QUESTIONS
  
SUBMIT
  
MEMBERS
  
JOIN
January 23, 2012 - Updated
May 15, 2011 - Originally Posted

Exposed Leads on Conformally Coated Boards

If you clip the leads of a component on a PCB that has been conformally coated, is it necessary to recoat these exposed leads?
S. F.
Expert Panel Responses
Yes, it is recommended. The exposed area may not be as sensitive as other areas in the board however they will become the weakest spot in the board if not coated. However you may have the alternative to use a faster, easier to apply, faster cure, higher viscosity product as long as the two materials are compatible and show good adhesion.

Wayne Wagner
Wayne Wagner
President, Krayden Inc.
Wayne Wagner has over 25 years in the conformal coating industry and is the president of Krayden Inc., a leading distributor of engineered materials.
I presume that you are clipping them to test them and therefore making contact to the lead. You are effectively removing the coating and producing a site for moisture and or chemicals to access the board. Once an area is exposed it is possible, for example with salt mist, that corrosion will travel under the coating causing de-lamination and ultimately an electrical failure. I would suggest that you do re-coat the exposed areas.

Chris Palin
Chris Palin
European Manager, HumiSeal
Chris Palin is currently managing European sales and support for HumiSeal Conformal Coatings. His expertise is in test & reliability, solder technology, power die attach and conformal coating.
I would recommend that you recoat the leads. When clipping the leads you could have damaged the conformal coating thereby leaving voids in your coating. As the coating is applied as a protective barrier it should be contiguous.

Steve Cook
Steve Cook
Director of Product Technology, Techspray
Steve Cook is the Director of Product Technology at Techspray, a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW) and a leading manufacturer of chemical products for the electronics industry.
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
Glenbrook Technologies
U.S. Marines purchase JewelBox Ultra Compact for X-ray Inspection
The U.S. Marine Corps' 2d Maintenance Battalion has deployed a Glenbrook JewelBox Ultra Compact X-Ray Inspection Station, enabling advanced circuit board inspection and BGA repairs.
Glenbrook Technologies
Fully Enclosed Ultrasonic Stencil