Why do we need silicone potting compound for electronics

The electronics industry is central to helping our lives easier. This is the industry that is responsible for some of the most machinations known to man. Thanks to the electronics industry, we have smartphones, TVs, outdoor media, kitchen appliances, smart home systems, digital personal assistants, electronic blood pressure checkers, and many more. It is due to the innovation of this industry that we can lay our hands on several sophisticated devices. What we fail to realize is that these devices are not indestructible. They are vulnerable to external factors like vibration, shock, corrosion, high temperature, and moisture.

The potting process as a way to protect electronic devices

Since our electronic devices need some form of protection, the industry usually relies on processes such as potting, encapsulation, impregnation, and so on. These are processes that are used to reinforce the strength of the devices. With potting, this is a process whereby an electronic assembly system is filled with a formulated chemical compound. This helps the device resist corrosion, moisture, vibration, and shock.

 

The application of potting in electronics

When planning to pot an electronic assembly, manufacturers usually run an analysis to check the right potting compound. There are various potting chemicals used for electronic assemblies. There are the epoxy, silicone, and urethane potting compounds for electronics. While each potting compound comes with a specific benefit, they can all protect an electronic circuit reliably. They can all also be applied when trying to hold in deep electronic fixtures. However, there may be some challenges when choosing a suitable potting material. It depends on:

• A specific application of the electronic product
• The device requirements
• Its operational environment

 

Types of potting compounds in the electronic industry

Most potting compounds are applied as gels into the electronic assembly. They are poured into specific component cases or enclosures to fill them up. The available types of potting compounds include:

• Epoxy potting compounds
• Polyurethane potting compounds
• Silicone potting compounds

 

Applying potting compounds in your electronic assembly

When looking for the right type of potting compound, it is important to evaluate the chemistry of the available compounds. At the design stage, the product designer will map out the requirement of the potting compound. Potting compounds are used for specific benefits such as adhesion, flame retardant, cohesive strength, conductivity, and temperature resistance.

 

An overview of silicone potting compounds

A silicone potting compound for electronics is used to provide special benefits within the electronic assembly. This is a special chemically formulated solution that comes with a wide range of benefits. Silicone potting compounds are usually desired for their resistance to both high and low temperatures.

 

They are also in high demand in the industry because they are highly flexible. In addition, a silicone potting compound for electronics will offer manufacturers a lot of benefits. At the same time, they will still retain their constant mechanical capabilities over a broad temperature range. Silicones have a flexible and soft texture. They also have a very high elongation – which makes them suitable for use in potting vulnerable electronics.

 

In this application, the main product used is the silicone gel. This is a chemical solution that is used for protecting vulnerable components. It makes them very easy to repair even after product assembly. This is one of the reasons a manufacturer will need a silicone potting compound for electronics.

 

Silicone potting compounds in the industry

In the electronics industry, one of the most important materials used to protect critical and vulnerable electronic components is a potting compound. While there are various types of potting compounds in the industry, silicone potting compounds offer a wide range of benefits. Silicone potting compounds have increased elasticity levels.

 

However, they may not have enough mechanical strength concerning the other options, they can sufficiently protect an electronic component. Regardless of its minimal mechanical strength, a silicone potting compound still has enough mechanical strength to enhance the durability of electronic components.

 

This efficiency has driven the demand for silicone potting compounds upwards. The global market for silicone potting compounds is growing massively by the day. Silicone potting compounds are readily available for use by manufacturers. This is because it helps many electronics product makers to easily assembly their electronic products within their capital budgets. The worldwide market for silicone potting compounds will be worth about $2 million by 2028.

 

Why use silicone potting compounds for electronics

Silicone potting compounds for electronics are applied in the industry due to their wide range of benefits. This potting material is highly flexible, which means that the electronic assembly can be repaired afterwards. Silicone potting compounds are also known to resist both high and low temperatures.

 

In addition, it will also preserve its mechanical strengths over a wide temperature range. Silicone is a very flexible and soft material that has a good elastic properties. This is why it is recommended for use when protecting vulnerable electronic components. When it comes to the application of silicone potting materials, silicone gels are used to protect vulnerable electronic units. In addition, they also make repairs to electronic components.

Benefits of using a silicone potting compound for electronics assembly

Manufacturers look to silicone potting compounds for electronics as a great way to protect the electronic assembly. The use of the silicone potting compound helps to protect the device from environmental factors such as corrosion. With electronics, corrosion can be caused by moisture or water ingress.

The potting compound will also protect the device from harmful factors like gases and chemicals. One of the many reasons manufacturers fancy silicone potting compounds over other options like urethanes and epoxies is due to the unique properties the compound has. For instance, the silicone potting compound offers manufacturers the ability to easily maintain their electronic assemblies.

This is because the silicone material can be detached easily from the product assembly. Silicone potting compounds can easily resist a wide range of temperatures while also maintaining their mechanical integrity.

Silicone potting compounds help electronic components to resist UV light in cases where they are directly exposed to the sun. Due to this property, it is easy for the electronic components of the assembly to prevent yellowing or cracking.

Additionally, the silicone potting compound for electronics can be used by industries that are looking to avoid compliance and labor problems. Lastly, silicone potting compounds have almost the same viscosity as water. This is why they can be used easily when potting an electronic assembly.

For more about choosing the silicone adhesive, you can pay a visit to DeepMaterial at https://www.electronicadhesive.com/about/ for more info.