Low Pressure Moulding — The Smarter Way to Protect Electronics.
When it comes to protecting electronic components from moisture, dust, vibration, and physical handling, Australian manufacturers have long relied on traditional methods such as potting compounds and conformal coating. A newer technology — Low Pressure Moulding — is rapidly changing that equation, offering SMEs a faster, greener, and more cost-effective alternative.
Low Pressure Moulding is an innovative process designed to protect electronics from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, vibration and handling.
The efficiency gains are significant for SMEs operating with lean teams and tight production schedules. The approach is framed around a practical “4R” philosophy:
- Replace traditional potting, sealing and conformal coating;
- Reduce material, cycle time, equipment and operations footprint;
- Re-use, recycle and reconsider the environmental effect; and
- Rethink product design entirely.
That last point is particularly exciting for product designers. Low Pressure Moulding allows the encapsulation to become the enclosure, meaning graphics and surface treatments can be moulded directly onto the surface of the part — with no need to compromise the end design.
Unlike conventional potting, which can involve up to eight separate process steps, Low Pressure Moulding replaces those with just three steps:
Step 1. Insert the electronics into the mouldset....
Step 2. Mould — a process taking between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.
Step 3. Test the device, with parts ready to handle immediately after moulding.
Tarapath, the Australian distributor of Low Pressure Moulding equipment and materials, supports businesses through every stage — from design and tooling through to contract moulding and turnkey solutions. Duet Electronics offers the capability to design and implement low pressure over moulding parts to protect products from environmental factors, taking PCB assemblies to full turnkey product before they leave the premises.
For Australian SMEs producing electronics for demanding environments — automotive, industrial, medical, and outdoor applications — Low Pressure Moulding deserves serious consideration.
For more information or to discuss your next project contact Duet Electronics Ph: +61 3 9380 6454