Abstract:
A method for selectively removing portions of a protective coating from a substrate, such as an electronic device, includes removing portions of the protective coating from the substrate. The removal process may include cutting the protective coating at specific locations, then removing desired portions of the protective coating from the substrate, or it may include ablating the portions of the protective coating that are to be removed. Coating and removal systems are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An apparatus for applying a protective coating to electronic device assemblies or other substrates may include a tray capable of holding multiple substrates. The tray can be selectively closed over the substrates. Lower and/or upper tray elements may include pre- formed masks thereon, which masks correspond to locations where protective coating materials should not adhere to the substrate. The masks may include a structural portion and a sealing portion. The structural portion may keep a substrate elevated to maintain an opening or channel through which protective coating materials may be applied to unmasked portions of the substrate. A sealing portion of the mask may engage the substrate to restrict flow of the protective coating material to the masked portion. Each tray may contain multiple substrates. A carrier may support multiple trays. Dozens and potentially hundreds of substrates may be carried by the carrier for simultaneous application of the protective coating.
Abstract:
A method for applying a protective coating to selected portions of a substrate is disclosed. The method includes applying a mask to or forming a mask on at least one portion of the substrate that is not to be covered with the protective coating. The mask may be selectively formed by applying a flowable material to the substrate. Alternatively, the mask may be formed from a preformed film. With the mask in place, the protective coating may be applied to the substrate and the mask. A portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask may be delineated from other portions of the protective coating; for example, by cutting, weakening or removing material from the protective coating at locations at or adjacent to the perimeter of the mask. The portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask, and the mask, may then be removed from the substrate.
Abstract:
A method for selectively removing portions of a protective coating from a substrate, such as an electronic device, includes removing portions of the protective coating from the substrate. The removal process may include cutting the protective coating at specific locations, then removing desired portions of the protective coating from the substrate, or it may include ablating the portions of the protective coating that are to be removed. Coating and removal systems are also disclosed.