For anyone who works with a sea electronic PCB, the sea carries more than just humidity; This brings a lot of problems.
Salt spray, humidity, and splash of water all of them pose a real threat to the circuit that is exposed. So, does PCB maritime have to be waterproof? Good do not need to be said; very. And the maritime PCB waterproof is not only useful, it’s important.
In this article, we will see why water and salt cause damage, how to prevent it, and what enters the smart PCB design for the marine environment.
The challenges of the marine electronic environment
What makes the sea a difficult place for electronics to survive?
For starters, there is humidity, not only moist air, but the constant moisture is sneaking into unprotected components. Then you have a salt spray, which tends to be attached to the surface and kickstart corrosion faster than you expect. And if it is not enough, the temperature can swing dramatically, especially on ships that move between climates, causing condensation to form in a closed area that has been considered safe.
This is not a small disorder. For marine electronic PCBs, it’s dangerous every day. If left uncontrollable, salt and humidity work together to eat in the soldering joints, delamination layers, and finally the entire system is short. That is why a good PCB design for the marine environment begins with understanding what you face. This is not just about making him work; This is about keeping it functioning, even in the loudest offshore.
How moisture corrosion and salt affect PCB
Once humidity enters, everything tends to be wrong fast, especially when salt is involved. Together, they don’t just sit on the surface; They triggered a reaction that gradually destroyed components from the inside out. One of the main causes is electrochemical migration, a process in which metal ions move across the PCB under the effect of voltage and humidity, often forming a small conductive pathway which ultimately removes the limits of the board.
Salt also accelerates the corrosion of metal traces, creating hidden damage that may not appear until late. This kind of degradation does not stop at the decline in performance; This causes full failure.
General failure mode in a salt -prone environment:
- Corrosion of copper traces and connectors
- Delamination between PCB layers
- Swelling or warping board material
- Degradation of soldering joints
- Short circuit from conductive salt residues
- Component damage due to trapped humidity
Waterproofing method for long -term reliability
There are more than one way to keep the protected marine electronic PCB. The right method often depends on where the board is going and how much will be exposed to the element.
However, in essence, each approach tries to solve the same problem: maintain the moisture and salt from damaging the circuit.
Conformal coatings are often the first layer of defense. These thin and protective films, both acrylic, silicone, or uretan, cover the board and help block contaminants. For harder situations, engineers often turn to pots. This involves wrapping the inner board of a resin compound that locks everything in its place, offering full protection against the entry of humidity.
Some choose to indicate nano, an ultra-thin layer that expels water without changing the weight or flexibility of the board. And don’t forget the protective cover, which combines physical barriers with sealing to block complete humidity.
Comparison of Waterproof Methods for PCB:
| Method | Level of protection | Flexibility | Cost range |
| Conformal layer | Currently | Tall | Low to medium |
| Pot | Very high | Low | Moderate to high |
| Nano-coating | Mild humidity barrier | Very high | Currently |
| Protective cage | Height (only external) | Depending on the design | Currently |
This solution often works best in combination, for example, the application of marine coating conformal PCB in a closed home, or pots for waterproof PCB used in underwater units.
Testing Standards for Marine Class Circuit Board
Before the maritime PCB was waterproof can be trusted to survive off the coast, it must prove himself. That means through some serious tests, not only to check whether it is successful, but to see how it lasts when everything becomes difficult.
This is also not a generic benchmark; They were taken from the established protocol used in all military, dergivation and maritime sectors.
For example, IPC-CC-830 is the aim to verify the performance of the conformal coating of PCB in the marine and hard. Meanwhile, Mil-STD-810 includes procedures such as testing of salt fog that simulates years of exposure in just a few days. In addition, there is an IP ranking, a more commercial way to show how well a product blocks water and dust.
General Standards for Sea PCB Testing:
- IPC-CC-830 (Konformal Coating Qualification)
- MIL-STD-810 (Environmental Test Method)
- IP67/IP68 (Ingress Protection Ranking)
- ASTM B117 (Salt Spray Corrosion Testing)
- ISO 20653 (Vehicle Equipment Protection, Sea Adaptation)
Meeting this benchmark is not just a good practice; It is often important to build corrosion resistant electronics that can handle life at sea.
Typical applications in the maritime industry
PCB in maritime settings often works behind the scenes, but they do some important jobs. This is where you usually find a PCB that ranked IP working hard:
- Navigation system – Support GPS, radar, and digital mapping tools.
- Engine control unit -Handling tangible time adjustments in propulsion and fuel system.
- Sea communication device – Ensure the smooth operation of radio, satellite links, and emergency flares.
- Underwater robotics – Strong sensors and motors in submersible inspection or research equipment.
- Onboard lighting system -Manage energy saving lighting throughout the ship.
Each of these applications depends on the reliable circuit board and salt resistant that is built to survive in extreme conditions.
Support Services for Waterproof PCB Design and Maintenance
Designing a waterproof maritime PCB is one thing; Ensure that it continues to perform, year after year, is something different. That’s where the problem of proper support.
Altimex does not only supply marine electronic PCBs; We work with customers from concepts to shipping. Whether it’s choosing the best conformal layer, choosing between pots and closed tits, or validating buildings against marine class testing standards, our team brings real world experience to the table.
And if something goes wrong? Our repair and testing services can help bring boards back to full work order, often without the need for a complete redesign.
If you are working on projects that need corrosion resistant electronics or just explore your options for PCB design for the marine environment, you can always contact us For fast and useful conversations.
From coatings and pots to design suggestions, PCB assembly And testing, the right strategy makes all differences. And if you are not sure where to start, Altimex is always ready to help with expert support in the Sea Electronic PCB solution.
Post does PCB maritime have to be waterproof? The first time appeared at Altimex.
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