TS EN 61086-1

TS EN 61086-1 is the first part of the specification for coatings used on loaded printed wire boards, commonly known as conformal coatings. In electronic assemblies, such coatings form a thin insulating layer that helps protect components and conductor patterns; this part sets out the definitions, classification and general requirements that frame that material category.

How the coating categories are defined

The standard organizes the subject by defining what counts as a conformal coating and how materials are classified. In general technical terms, conformal coatings are protective films that follow the contours of the board and its mounted parts while remaining relatively thin. The document also makes a clear distinction between conformal coatings and surface modifiers: surface modifiers are not classified as conformal coatings because they provide only a thin, non-curing film with low mar resistance. This separation matters because not every surface treatment serves the same protective function or behaves the same way in service.

What is covered, and what is left to application-specific evaluation

This part addresses electrical insulating materials suitable for application as coatings on loaded printed wire boards. It gives the general requirements for that material family, but it does not cover compatibility requirements between a coating and the printed wire board itself; that characteristic must be assessed in individual applications. The standard also notes that materials meeting its established performance levels still need to be selected against the actual demands of the intended service environment rather than on the basis of the standard alone.

• A Class 3 material for aerospace applications is included in this edition.
• A new resin type, oligomeric blend material, has been added.
• The document provides a classification and terminology framework for conformal coatings.
• Compatibility between the coating and the printed wire board is excluded from its scope.