A notable example is lighting applications. Present in vehicles, urban infrastructures and warehouses, LED lighting tends to develop in a nuanced use seeking to provide brightness and precise colors for perfect harmony. When it comes to lighting, the PCB can make the difference between a clean white glow or a dull yellow cast.
A white solder mask gives off pure white light.
The first reason why PCBs are key components in lighting applications is apparent when determining the reflectivity of the PCB itself. The bulbs can be purchased in numerous shades, from a warm yellow to a cool white. When you need a pure white, it is imperative to understand how light can reflect from different surfaces. And this includes the PCB as well. The best solution to achieve a pure white is to use a white solder mask instead of a green one. This ensures that the white light from the LED bounces off the white color of the PCB and gives the expected effect to the final application.
The reflectivity is not the same on all white solder mask. Be sure to choose a brand that is intended for lighting applications. Look up keywords like LED back panels, LED applications, bright white, and high reflectance. This will ensure that the solder mask you choose will have other properties that are equally needed in lighting applications.
Choose a quality solder mask to prevent color change during assembly
The second reason that makes PCBs a key component for lighting applications is that the resistance of the PCB during assembly is decisive in controlling the final color of the light. During the manufacturing and assembly process, a cheap solder mask can turn from bright white to a dull color. As an example, the electrolytic process of applying an ENIG surface finish has been known to turn white solder masks pink. This means that the final color of the light is pink and not pure white. Make the most of your time and money by choosing a quality welding helmet and get good results from the start.
Knowing how solder mask will adhere to circuits with different surface finishes will also help you achieve perfect lighting on the board. When deciding on the surface finish, consider the effects that the manufacturing and assembly process will have on its adhesion and hardness. Be aware of the heat resistance of the solder mask so that the board is not damaged by reflow or during component rework.
Experience gained in welding helmets for lighting applications leads us at NCAB to recommend the use of Taiyo brand materials. The WT and LEW series have been specially designed for reflectivity in lighting applications. Among the popular are:
- PSR4000-WT02
- PSR4000-WT03
- PSR4000-Lew2
- PSR4000-Lew3
When you are going to include this aspect in your engineering process, make sure that you understand the supply chain of the material. If you are going to request a specific material, be sure to check that this material is standard in several factories and not only in the one where you will produce. It frequently occurs that the material chosen by a factory for the production of a PCB becomes the standard of the end customer, without having previously understood whether its collection is easy.
Feel free to contact NCAB Group Iberia to the phone +34 915 398 877 For any questions about PCB, we will be happy to assist you.