PCB test — fault finding on conformal coated boards

When you are faced with faultfinding a conformally coated PCB it is essential that the coating is carefully cleaned from the PCB prior to attempting to diagnose the fault. You can approach this with commercially available solvents, but this is not an ideal solution except for very localised repairs especially as environmental plus health and safety considerations would suggest you look for a preferable and more environmentally sound alternative.

• No static charge build up as occurs in dry blast systems
• Gold plated areas left clean but undamaged
• No harsh chemicals required
• Abrasives can be tailored to remove coating but leave silk screen nomenclature in place

• Take care with components that may suffer water damage e.g. potentiometers. In most cases you should replace these as a precaution after wet blast cleaning
• Also ensure you dry your PCB slowly and carefully after cleaning

No! Flying probe test systems are precision engineered systems and are not designed to pierce through conformal coating. The spring pressure of the test needles on automatic probe test systems is carefully controlled and you should not attempt to use flux busting pins on this type of system.

Are special test clips available for coated boards?

Some very sharp test clips are available from AP; they will certainly make good contact on oxidised boards and through flux, but most coatings are designed to seal the components onto the board, using this type of clip is no substitute for pre cleaning the board. Polar's T132 is also available as a T132/N option with high force needle probes however the design of these is also primarily intended for work on oxidised or flux coated boards.

Where can I find out more about Wet blast cleaning?

Polar recommends Vapormatt Vapormate™ wet blast cleaners; as world leaders in surface finishing equipment Vapormatt can advise you on the correct type of cleaner and abrasive system for your boards, you can find out more about wet blast cleaning at www.vapormatt.com

Is it possible to remove all types of coating?

Not all coatings are suitable for abrasive removal, just as some coatings cannot be solvent removed. In these cases you have only one option which is to scrap the board. Vapormatt can advise you in more detail as to which coatings are suitable for abrasive removal

Summary

You can successfully use wet blast cleaning to remove most types of PCB conformal coating prior to fault finding:

• It is more environmentally sound than solvent removal.
• Remember to replace water sensitive components like potentiometers as a precaution.
• Always remove the coating before attempting to test on a flying probe test system.

For Vapormatt contact details see www.vapormatt.com

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