Potting-compound selection becomes more accurate when it starts with the substrate, geometry, production process, operating environment and required performance.
1. Substrates and Geometry
Identify every surface the material will contact. Metals, engineering plastics, films and circuit-board materials have different bonding conditions, while component geometry affects flow, air release and the actual potting thickness.
2. Production Process
The mix ratio, viscosity, working time, dispensing equipment and curing conditions must fit the production cycle. A material that performs well but cannot be processed consistently may not be suitable for production.
3. Operating Environment
Evaluate temperature, humidity, water contact, chemicals, vibration and mechanical loads in service, including normal conditions and reasonable extremes.
4. Required Performance
Define the properties that determine application success, such as electrical insulation, hardness, flexibility, adhesion, thermal behavior, optical appearance or surface protection.
- Separate essential requirements from preferences
- Use acceptance criteria that reflect the real application
- Validate on representative components and processes
- Record the process window together with the selected material