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ways to erase/cover IC marking

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#53144

ways to erase/cover IC marking | 11 January, 2008

Prior to packing the boards, we cover the marking on the IC by dispensing epoxy on top it. This is a way to protect our design so no one can copy it. We have a lot of boards and the optr takes a long time doing it manually. im thinking of using a pneumatic dispenser to lessen stress on the hand. Is there a better way of doing this? any solvent that would quickly erase the IC marking?

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AR

#53145

ways to erase/cover IC marking | 11 January, 2008

Laser

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#53191

ways to erase/cover IC marking | 14 January, 2008

You don't mention any particular IC or manufacturer or marking method. However, most IC marking is done with lasers these days. The laser actually alters the encapsulation so the only way to erase the marking is to remove the encapsulation. Otherwise, you are back to the sandpaper, a Dremel tool, or epoxy ink applied with a pad and cured, we're afraid. Fuming nitric acid will remove epoxy encapsulation but we do not recommend using it!

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#53216

ways to erase/cover IC marking | 16 January, 2008

John:

As one of the previous replies indicated a LASER of the proper wavelength (organic materials) will do this job. Contact BEST at http://www.solder.net offline to see if this is an option you want to pursue.

Other methods include labels and micro abrasion.

BWET

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#53235

ways to erase/cover IC marking | 16 January, 2008

If this component is laser marked, you could just spray conformal coat on it and the marking will disappear.

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#53262

ways to erase/cover IC marking | 18 January, 2008

I agree, except you need to be careful with the depth of cut since it may affect the package internal connections (wirebonds)

-A

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chs

#53443

ways to erase/cover IC marking | 30 January, 2008

What type of conformal coating spray ? Is it permenant or washable ?

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#53472

ways to erase/cover IC marking | 30 January, 2008

Any ol' acrylic or urethane will work. It's possible to remove these conformal coatings. We've never removed coating from components to determine if the marking is still unlegible

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