If a manufacturer sprays the entire board, the light output from the LEDs drops by 15% due to optical absorption in the coating. Worse, the coating on the resistor solder joints cracks after 500 thermal cycles.
But what exactly is ChipDip? Despite its colloquial name, ChipDip is not a single product but a specialized method of applying —specifically targeting surface-mount devices (SMDs) and chip components. Defining the Process ChipDip refers to a selective coating technique where individual electronic components (or small clusters) are literally "dipped" into a liquid coating material, typically a UV-curable acrylic, silicone, or epoxy. Unlike traditional spray or brush coating, which covers an entire PCB, ChipDip is precise. It focuses protection only where it is needed most: on delicate chip resistors, capacitors, LEDs, and small ICs. chipdip
The next time you design a mixed-technology board with sensitive connectors, optical components, or high-reliability requirements, ask your CM about ChipDip. It may be the simplest solution you never knew you needed. About the author: This article was compiled from industry best practices and technical datasheets from leading conformal coating suppliers. Always consult your material data sheet (MDS) for specific application parameters. If a manufacturer sprays the entire board, the
In the fast-paced world of electronics manufacturing, where component sizes shrink to nanoscale and board densities rival city blocks, the smallest details often determine product longevity. While soldering and pick-and-place machines grab the headlines, a quiet, reliable process called ChipDip is playing a crucial role in protecting modern circuitry. Despite its colloquial name, ChipDip is not a
Vision-guided ChipDip can now process 10,000 components per hour, with a positional accuracy of ±50 microns. ChipDip is not a replacement for full conformal coating. If your board operates in a salt fog chamber or underwater, you need full encapsulation. But for the vast middle ground—automotive, industrial controls, consumer electronics, and medical devices—ChipDip offers the perfect balance: protection where you need it, access where you don't.