Common Issues in PCB Surface Treatment

1. Uneven Coating

Issue: The surface treatment, such as the application of a conformal coating or conversion coating, may be uneven.

Causes: Inadequate application methods, uneven substrate surfaces, or problems in the coating material.

2. Poor Adhesion

Issue: Coatings may not adhere properly to the PCB surface.

Causes: Contaminants on the surface, inadequate surface preparation, or mismatch between coating material and PCB substrate.

3. Blistering or Bubbling

Issue: Formation of bubbles or blisters on the coated surface.

Causes: Entrapped air or moisture during the coating process, incompatible coating materials, or inadequate drying/curing.

4. Corrosion

Issue: Presence of corrosion on the PCB surface.

Causes: Incomplete removal of oxidation or contaminants before surface treatment, use of corrosive chemicals, or exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

5. Delamination

Issue: Separation of layers in the coating or plating.

Causes: Inadequate adhesion, poor surface preparation, or the use of incompatible materials.

6. Surface Roughness

Issue: The treated surface may become rough.

Causes: Incorrect application methods, improper selection of coating materials, or issues in the preparation process.

7. Electrochemical Migration

Issue: Unwanted metal migration between conductive traces.

Causes: Residues from surface treatment processes, inadequate cleaning, or the presence of conductive particles.

8. White Residue Formation

Issue: Formation of a white powdery residue on the surface.

Causes: Incomplete rinsing after surface treatment, improper drying, or the use of incompatible chemicals.

9. Peeling or Chipping

Issue: Coatings may peel off or chip away.

Causes: Poor adhesion, mechanical stress, or inadequate curing/drying.

10. Solderability Issues

Issue: Poor solderability on treated surfaces.

Causes: Contamination, oxidation, or incompatible surface treatment materials affecting soldering performance.

Effective Ways to Address PCB Manufacturing Issues

When it comes to PCB manufacturing, ensuring top-notch quality is essential. By following the correct surface treatment protocols, opting for superior materials, and sticking to recommended environmental and process parameters, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering common production challenges.

Regular quality assessments and strict adherence to industry benchmarks play a pivotal role in early detection and resolution of any potential issues that may arise during the manufacturing phase.