Electrolube Offers UR5604, a High-performance PUR Resin for Potting and Encapsulating

An Electrolube customer, specializing in the manufacture of sensors for a wide variety of applications, recently approached the company for advice on a new sensor development project they were undertaking for a particularly demanding duty.

The sensors electronics, in the form of a small printed circuit board (PCB) contained within the unit, had not only to be protected from adverse atmospheric conditions, but also meet certain requirements posed by the hazardous nature of the sensor location. Based on these operating conditions, Electrolube was tasked with selecting an appropriate resin for the PCB.

Resin systems are designed to protect and insulate PCBs and electronic components from the threats of harsh and challenging environments, including moisture, mechanical vibration, thermal or physical shock and general contamination. By encapsulating the entire device, resins can form a complete barrier against such environments offering superior performance under extreme conditions.

As this sensor was to be tested for use in hazardous locations, a UL approved resin was deemed essential. Moreover, the chosen resin had to withstand salt mist, occasional contact with chemicals and temperatures frequently dipping below 0°C, but not exceeding 60°C.

Following an appraisal of the customers specifications, Electrolube suggested that its polyurethane resin UR5604 would comprehensively meet the needs of this application, thanks to its excellent all round protection, even at temperature extremes. Of particular note is the resins post-cure flexibility, which ensures minimal stress on the PCB components resulting from temperature fluctuations. In addition, UR5604 offers the highest classification of flame retardancy: UL94 V-0.

UR5604 is a two-part, high performance polyurethane especially formulated for potting and encapsulating. Applying UR5604 resin couldnt be easier; it offers low mixed system viscosity, ensuring a fast and efficient potting process, and the RoHS compliant INSERT INTO [lzx].[dbo].[tb_new]([id],[type],[title],[source],[personal],[image],[contents],[time],[number]) VALUES (2011/65/EU) product provides excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates. With a cured system temperature range of -40°C to +130°C, the resin more than meets the operating temperature range specification for this sensor application.

Electrolubes encapsulation resins are available in epoxy, polyurethane and