Nordson ASYMTEK's Select coat SC-280 film coater improves material utilization by 30 to 50 percent in conformal coating apps

NEPCON China 2011, CARLSBAD, USA: Nordson ASYMTEK, a leader in dispensing, coating, and jetting technologies, introduced its new film coater for automated, selective, and precision application of conformal coating materials.

The Nordson ASYMTEK Select Coat SC-280 provides greater than 99 percent fluid transfer efficiency, improving material utilization by 30 to 50 percent. It selectively coats complex circuit boards in seconds. Because the coating material is not atomized and is precisely applied to the selected areas, overspray, masking, and rework associated with conventional conformal coating processes are minimized or eliminated.

"Nordson invented film coating over 20 years ago and is continuing to make evolutionary improvements to this process using our years of experience and customer feedback," said Hector Pulido, conformal coating product specialist, Nordson ASYMTEK. "Nordson ASYMTEK's SC-280 design is based on the popular Nordson SC-104/204 film coater, which has been an industry standard for many years. The new coater has an even faster response, is more repeatable, and the solenoid has a longer life. It's easy to clean and is environmentally friendly. The system improves material utilization, achieves less waste, and reduces costs."

The film coater applies conformal coating material in a controlled, uniform film rather than an atomized spray. Material is directed under low pressure through the dispenser and dispensing nozzle. Material is applied to the circuit board prior to the point of atomization.

The SC-280 has a single valve design and comes in two versions, circulating (SC-280C) and non-circulating (SC-280N). It handles viscosities of less than 100 centipoise (cps). Coating thicknesses range from 0.5 to 8 mils for solvent-based materials. The stainless steel fluid path is compatible with virtually all coating materials.

A variety of cross-cut nozzles are available to dispense film pattern widths from 6 to 19 mm (~0.25 to 0.75 inch). Each nozzle delivers excellent edge definition with a tolerance of ± 0.75 mm (~0.030 inch). The film coater has a zero to 90 degree rotating axis. An optional five-axis accessory allows tilting of the nozzle to coat all four sides and under the components. Non-atomized coating process and ventilated system reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.