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Elastomer Solution Enables Harsh-environment Protection
May 8, 2007 |Estimated reading time: 1 minute
CARY, N.C. and CYPRESS, Texas LORD (Cary) has developed a silicone elastomer potting solution for Ultimate Solutions (Cypress) to protect assemblies from heat, shock, and vibration in harsh environments. The potting compound, LORD SC-320, targets down-hole drilling PCB assemblies (PCBAs).
Distributor Krayden, Inc., facilitated the development agreement in 2005. The encapsulant encases electronics assemblies, sensors, and battery packs within Ultimate Solutions' proprietary Preform cases, and cures as a flexible piece removable for component inspection, repair, and calibration. "Ultimate Solutions molds SC-320 material at its Cypress facility to make Preforms. Once molded, the products are applied to the customers' boards, sensors, detectors, battery packs, etc., at assembly, post-assembly, and possibly in the field," said Lauren Groth, president, Ultimate Solutions.
Prototypes were validated by the end-customer, and case studies were performed on vibration and thermal conductivity at customer facilities. The two-component silicone elastomer offers 3-W/mK thermal conductivity, low viscosity, high-heat performance, thermal shock resistance, and improved coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and flexion and compression typical of silicone. It achieved a UL 94V-0 flammability rating at 6 mm. Mold-design software generates Preform shapes suited to non-standard thicknesses; varied clearances; and use in extreme temperature, shock, and vibration.
Poured into a Preform case, the encapsulant surrounds components and assemblies, including BGAs, thru-hole components, sensors, and other board-mounted devices. The cured assembly should protect fragile components with minimal clearances and provide thermal expansion compensation. "SC-320 is a standard LORD product, normally used as a high-thermal-conductivity silicone encapsulant, but Ultimate Solutions uses the product at a special mix ratio, customized to the Preform application," explained Scott Miller of LORD. Ultimate Solutions has launched the Preform product in tandem with LORD SC-320 for 2- and 3-D assemblies, sensitive components, and high-performance products used in harsh environments.