Driving Circularity with the Right-to-Repair for Water-Proof Electronics
1 In 5 electronic products are disposed of annually and only 20% are formally recycled. Driven by the need to facilitate the development of a circular economy and with the view to save costs for consumers, the ’Right-to-Repair’ offers numerous benefits for electronic products. There is a strong desire today for manufacturers to move away from a traditional linear model of ‘take, make, use and dispose’ and adopt a process which minimises or eliminates the disposal element. This will be further enabled by jurisdictions implementing the ‘right-to-repair’, just as the European Commission has announced.
Additionally, this will drive manufacturers to ensure their water-proof products are repairable to increase product lifecycles; they will need to adopt new eco designs to ensure the high levels of quality and reliability are still achieved and delivered to the consumer. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that circular economy activities could contribute as much as US$700 million in annual material cost savings to consumer goods production, along with a 48% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
Change in mindset.
Ever since electronics have been in existence, methods to prevent them being damaged by corrosion caused by liquid, humidity and condensation have always been at the forefront for product designers. With the connected world, 5G and IoT all gathering pace, more than ever there is a need to reduce the quantity of materials used, deliver lighter and smaller form-factor products whilst maintaining the high levels of protection to the elements.
Methods used historically to protect devices include mechanical seals and gasket o-rings; however, not only can the protection be compromised during shipment, drops, bends and general day-to-day usage, the design and build makes it all but impossible for the consumer to repair and maintain protection.
The lack of recyclability and sustainability, along with the need to improve the life cycles of water-proof electronic devices has led to the formation of the United Electronics Coating Association (UECA). The UECA will develop technical and market solutions to further the environmental and sustainability goals globally for all electronic products. By identifying the relevant regulations covering chemicals, and those covering the circular economy, reusability and recycling of electronic products, the association will guide the membership in the development of the appropriate product solutions.
Moving forward
Fortunately, solutions exist today, proven in mass manufacturing on over a billion devices, where printed circuit board arrays (PCBAs) can be fully protected at the molecular level. This ensures maximum reliability & recyclability whilst enabling reuse to increase the product’s lifecycle.
These coatings are created using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD). The PCBAs to be treated are loaded into a vacuum chamber, evacuated to low pressure, a liquid is vaporised into the chamber which is then ionised and deposited onto the surface to give an ultra-thin barrier coating.
Furthermore, these ultra-thin plasma barrier coatings can lower the total cost of ownership of device level liquid protection by at least 40%. Click here to find out more.
Introduction:
With the constant evolution of mobile devices, the demand for water-proof electronics and durable smartphones has significantly increased. In this article, we will explore the importance of true water resistance and how advanced conformal coatings, such as those offered by P2i, can provide superior protection for electronic devices, ensuring a sustainable and long-lasting user experience.
Understanding the IPx Scale:
To determine the level of water resistance in devices, the IPx (Ingress Protection) scale is utilized. This scale measures the device’s ability to withstand the intrusion of foreign bodies and moisture. The IPx rating consists of two numbers, with the first indicating protection against solid objects and the second denoting protection against various forms of moisture, such as drips, sprays, and submersion. It’s this second number that we focus on.
The Limitations of Mechanical Seals:
Many devices today still boast mechanical seals to prevent water ingress. While these seals offer a certain degree of protection, they are not foolproof. Incorrect assembly, shipping, accidental drops, and exposure to environmental elements can compromise their effectiveness, leading to corrosion damage and device failure. This leads to reduced product life cycles and a greater impact on our environment.
Introducing Advanced Conformal Coatings:
P2i recognizes that true water protection requires more than just physical barriers. Our innovative ultra-thin barrier coating technology goes beyond conventional methods by providing comprehensive protection to every essential part of the device. Our hydrophobic coatings form a molecular bond with the surface, enabling water to easily exit the device without causing damage.
Unrivaled Water Resistance:
P2i’s conformal coatings offer unparalleled water resistance and protection against corrosion. Even if the device’s seal is breached, our coatings repel water from the internals, minimizing the risk of corrosion damage. This ensures the longevity and reliability of the device, even in challenging liquid environments.
Driving Sustainable and Cost-Effective Electronics:
In addition to delivering superior water-proof electronics, P2i’s conformal coatings contribute to sustainable electronics and lower the total cost of ownership. By extending the lifespan of devices and minimizing the need for frequent replacements, our coatings help reduce electronic waste and promote a circular economy.
Stay Ahead with P2i’s Advanced Solutions:
To achieve true water resistance and enhance the user experience, manufacturers can rely on P2i’s cutting-edge conformal coatings. Our advanced technology and commitment to sustainability make us a trusted partner in the industry.
Conclusion:
Water-proof electronics are a crucial factor in today’s waste-conscious world. By harnessing the power of advanced conformal coatings, such as P2i’s innovative nano-coating technology, manufacturers can provide superior protection against water damage, corrosion, and device failure. Embracing sustainable and cost-effective solutions not only enhances user satisfaction but also contributes to a greener future.
Find out now how P2i can water-proof your electronic devices, increase product life cycles and help you drive the circular economy.