





M788-1 Acrylic Conformal Coating for PCBs
M788-1 is a single-component, low-odor acrylic conformal coating for printed circuit boards and electronic components. Its aromatic-solvent-free formulation forms a clear, glossy, flexible film that protects against moisture, dust and sulfurization. Fluorescent tracing supports coating inspection under UV light, while room-temperature drying and optional oven drying offer flexibility in production.
- Description
- Technical Data
- FAQ
Description
Product Overview:
M788-1 is a solvent-based conformal coating formulated with modified acrylic resin, alcohol and glycol ether solvents, and additives. It provides a transparent protective layer for electronic assemblies requiring moisture resistance, electrical insulation and protection against environmental contamination.
The single-component formulation requires no separate hardener. It becomes touch-dry within 30 minutes at room temperature and through-dry in 24 hours. Oven drying at 80°C reduces the through-drying time to 2–3 hours. Optimum room-temperature performance develops after seven days.
The cured film combines flexibility, adhesion and weather resistance with insulation resistance above 5 × 10¹² Ω and dielectric withstand voltage above 1,500 V. It also passes sulfurization-resistance and thermal-shock tests and achieves a Grade 0 mold-resistance result.
M788-1 contains a fluorescent tracer to help operators check coverage under UV light. Its low-odor formulation contains no aromatic solvents and meets RoHS, REACH and halogen-free requirements.
Key Features and Benefits:
· Single-Component Acrylic Formulation: Ready to use without mixing a separate resin and hardener.
· Low Odor and No Aromatic Solvents: Uses an alcohol and glycol ether solvent system for applications where odor and solvent selection are important.
· Clear, Glossy Film: Preserves the visibility of component markings and board details after coating.
· Flexible Protective Layer: Combines flexibility, adhesion and weather resistance for electronic assembly protection.
· Moisture and Dust Protection: Helps protect circuit boards and electronic components from moisture and airborne contamination.
· Sulfurization Resistance: Passes sulfurization-resistance testing for applications requiring protection against sulfur-related corrosion.
· Electrical Insulation: Provides insulation resistance above 5 × 10¹² Ω and dielectric withstand voltage above 1,500 V.
· Fluorescent Inspection: Allows coating coverage to be checked under UV light, helping identify missed areas and uneven application.
· Ambient or Oven Drying: Supports room-temperature drying or accelerated drying at 80°C.
· Mold and Thermal-Shock Resistance: Achieves Grade 0 mold resistance and passes thermal-shock testing.
· RoHS, REACH and Halogen-Free: Meets requirements for restricted substances and halogen-free material selection.
Typical Applications:
M788-1 conformal coating is intended for:
· Printed Circuit Boards: Moisture protection, dust protection and electrical insulation for PCB assemblies.
· Electronic Components: Clear protective coating for component surfaces, leads and soldered connections.
· Industrial Control Electronics: Protection of control boards and electronic modules requiring coating flexibility, adhesion and weather resistance.
· Power Supply and Appliance Electronics: Insulation and moisture protection for power supply boards and appliance control assemblies.
· Assemblies Requiring Sulfurization Resistance: Protective coating for electronic assemblies exposed to environments where sulfur-related corrosion is a concern.
· Assemblies Requiring Fluorescent Inspection: PCB protection with UV-visible tracing to help operators inspect coverage around components, leads and board edges.
Physical Properties:
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Resin Type | Modified acrylic |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Solid Content | 28.5 ± 2% |
| Specific Gravity | 0.86 ± 0.02 |
| Viscosity — Tu-4 Cup | 12–18 s |
| Flash Point | 12°C |
| Touch-Drying Time — Room Temperature | ≤30 min |
| Through-Drying Time — Room Temperature | 24 h |
| Touch-Drying Time — 80°C | 3–10 min |
| Through-Drying Time — 80°C | 2–3 h |
| Time to Optimum Performance — Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Cured Film Appearance | Transparent |
| Water Absorption | ≤1.5% |
| Adhesion | Grade 0–2 |
| Dielectric Withstand Voltage | >1,500 V |
| Insulation Resistance | >5 × 10¹² Ω |
| Insulation Resistance After Moisture Testing | >1 × 10⁹ Ω |
| Neutral Salt Spray Resistance | No corrosion |
| Thermal-Shock Resistance | Pass |
| Mold Resistance | Grade 0 |
| Sulfurization Resistance | Pass |
| Operating Temperature | −20°C to +120°C |
| Fluorescent Tracer | Present |
| Recommended Thinner | X-08 |
Technical Notes:
· Viscosity is expressed as cup flow time in seconds.
· Dielectric withstand voltage in V is different from dielectric strength in kV/mm.
· Insulation resistance in Ω is different from volume resistivity in Ω·m or Ω·cm.
· Touch dryness does not indicate completion of curing or development of optimum properties.
Application Guidance:
· Production Environment
Provide adequate ventilation and local exhaust during coating and drying. Keep the work area clean and keep the product away from flames, sparks and heat sources.
Use equipment suitable for handling flammable solvent-based coatings. Keep containers closed whenever possible to reduce solvent loss and contamination.
· Surface Preparation
Ensure the coating surface is dry, clean and free from oil, dust and other contaminants. Special cleaning is generally unnecessary when the assembly already meets these conditions.
Mask connectors, electrical contacts, test points and other areas that must remain uncoated. Check compatibility with component materials, markings and solder masks before production.
· Application and Thinning
Use X-08 thinner to adjust the working viscosity and coating thickness to suit the application process.
Apply an even film over the required areas, paying attention to component leads, board edges and areas where coating may accumulate. Establish the application settings on representative assemblies before production.
· Drying and Curing
| Drying Route | Temperature | Touch-Drying Time | Through-Drying Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambient Drying | Room temperature | ≤30 min | 24 h |
| Oven Drying | 80°C | 3–10 min | 2–3 h |
Optimum room-temperature performance develops after seven days.
Select the baking temperature according to component heat resistance and production requirements. Do not exceed 100°C.
Allow coated assemblies to cool after baking before handling or inspection. Touch dryness is an initial drying stage and should not be treated as complete curing.
· Container and Equipment Management
Keep containers closed during use whenever possible. Do not direct fans or blowers at open containers, as this can accelerate solvent evaporation or cause surface whitening.
Before an extended shutdown, clean coating lines and nozzles. Transfer remaining working material into a separate, tightly sealed container. Do not return used coating to the original container.
Use the designated thinner to clean used containers, lines and nozzles.
· Inspection and Rework
Inspect the coating under UV light to check coverage and identify missed areas. Also check for pooling, bubbles, uneven film formation and coating on masked areas.
Before reworking an assembly, select a method compatible with the coating, board and components. Inspect the repaired area and confirm the required insulation performance before returning the assembly to service.
Precautions:
· M788-1 is flammable. Keep it away from flames, sparks and heat sources, and maintain effective ventilation during use.
· Avoid inhaling solvent vapors and prevent contact with skin and eyes. Wear suitable protective gloves and eye protection, and follow the MSDS for handling requirements.
· Use X-08 thinner for viscosity adjustment. Do not mix the coating with other products.
· Keep stock containers tightly sealed and store used working material separately. Do not return used coating to the original container.
· Do not exceed a baking temperature of 100°C. Allow heated assemblies to cool before touching them to avoid burns or damage to the film.
Packaging, Storage/Transport & Shelf Life:
· Packaging
4 L/pail, 20 L/drum
· Storage and Transportation:
Keep away from ignition sources and heat. Handle and transport in accordance with applicable regulations.
Protect the varnish from sunlight and ultraviolet light during storage and use. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area below 25°C.
· Shelf Life:
Six months when stored in sealed containers at temperatures below 25°C.
Please Note:
· As our products are continuously improved, the information in this manual may be updated from time to time without prior notice. Please feel free to contact our sales team for the latest version.
· Do not mix this product with other products.
· We strictly control product quality and supply products in accordance with applicable product standards. Custom products are supplied according to mutually agreed specifications. Application conditions vary and are beyond our control. You should therefore test and evaluate the product and the information provided in this manual, together with the recommended application procedures, to determine suitability for your specific use.
Conformal Coatings:
Thinner:
Frequently Asked Questions About M788-1 Conformal Coating
1. What is M788-1 conformal coating used for?
M788-1 is a single-component, modified acrylic conformal coating designed to protect printed circuit boards and electronic components against moisture, dust, and environmental contamination.
Typical applications include industrial control boards, power supply electronics, appliance control assemblies, and circuitry requiring sulfurization resistance. It dries to a transparent protective film that preserves the visibility of component markings.
2. Does M788-1 require a separate hardener?
No. M788-1 is supplied as a single-component coating and does not require mixing separate resin and hardener components.
When viscosity adjustment is needed, use the specified X-08 thinner. Establish the addition ratio according to the application process, required coverage, and drying conditions.
3. How long does M788-1 take to dry at room temperature?
M788-1 becomes touch-dry within 30 minutes and through-dry in approximately 24 hours at room temperature. Optimum room-temperature performance develops after seven days.
Touch dryness is an initial drying stage. Allow sufficient time for the coating to develop the properties required for electrical testing, packaging, and service.
4. Can M788-1 be oven-dried?
Yes. At 80°C, M788-1 has a reported touch-drying time of 3–10 minutes and a through-drying time of two to three hours.
Select the drying process according to coating thickness, assembly geometry, airflow, and component temperature limits. Do not exceed the specified maximum baking temperature of 100°C, and allow heated assemblies to cool before handling.
5. Which thinner should be used with M788-1?
Use X-08 thinner to adjust M788-1’s working viscosity and coating thickness. The supplied coating has a specified flow time of 12–18 seconds measured with a Tu-4 cup.
Determine the dilution ratio through trials on representative assemblies. Check wetting, coverage, pooling, and drying before adopting the settings for production. Do not mix M788-1 with other coating products.
6. Do circuit boards need cleaning before M788-1 is applied?
The coating surface must be dry, clean, and free from oil, dust, and other contaminants. Additional cleaning may be unnecessary when the assembly already meets these conditions.
Evaluate flux residues and compatibility with solder mask, plastics, adhesives, and component markings. Mask connectors, electrical contacts, test points, and other areas that must remain uncoated.
7. Does M788-1 contain a fluorescent tracer?
Yes. M788-1 contains a fluorescent tracer that allows coating coverage to be inspected under UV light. This helps operators identify missed areas around components, leads, and board edges.
Fluorescence indicates coating presence, not complete drying. Also inspect for pooling, bubbles, uneven film formation, and coating on areas intended to remain uncoated.
8. Is M788-1 a UV-curable conformal coating?
M788-1 uses room-temperature or oven drying. Its fluorescent tracer supports UV inspection of coverage; it is not a UV-curing mechanism.
Use the specified drying conditions rather than relying on exposure to an inspection lamp to dry the coating.
9. What electrical insulation performance does M788-1 provide?
The TDS reports insulation resistance greater than 5 × 10¹² Ω and dielectric withstand voltage greater than 1,500 V. After moisture testing, the reported insulation resistance remains greater than 1 × 10⁹ Ω.
The withstand-voltage result is not dielectric strength in kV/mm or a finished-board operating-voltage rating. Assembly design, coverage, coating thickness, and complete drying also affect electrical reliability.
10. How does M788-1 protect electronics against moisture and corrosion?
M788-1 forms a continuous protective film that helps limit exposure of coated surfaces to moisture and contamination. The TDS reports water absorption of no more than 1.5% and no corrosion in the stated neutral salt-spray test.
These results support evaluation for humid or salt-exposed environments. Conformal coating does not independently establish waterproofing, continuous immersion suitability, or an enclosure ingress-protection rating.
11. Does M788-1 provide sulfurization and mold resistance?
Yes. The TDS reports a passing sulfurization-resistance result and Grade 0 mold resistance.
These properties make M788-1 relevant to assemblies where sulfur-related corrosion or mold exposure is a concern. Evaluate the coated assembly under the intended exposure conditions and equipment acceptance criteria.
12. What is the operating temperature range of M788-1?
The stated operating temperature range is −20°C to +120°C. The TDS also reports a passing thermal-shock result.
Validate suitability for the actual assembly and its temperature-cycle requirements. The operating range is separate from the maximum baking temperature of 100°C used during processing.
13. Is M788-1 a low-odor, solvent-free coating?
M788-1 is a low-odor, solvent-based acrylic conformal coating. It uses alcohol and glycol ether solvents and contains no aromatic solvents.
Low odor does not mean solvent-free or nonflammable. M788-1 has a reported flash point of 12°C and requires effective ventilation and protection from flames, sparks, and heat sources.
14. Does M788-1 meet RoHS, REACH, and halogen-free requirements?
The product information states that M788-1 meets RoHS, REACH, and halogen-free requirements.
Request the supporting documents applicable to M788-1 for your customer and market requirements. Provide any specific substance restrictions or reporting requirements when submitting your enquiry.
15. How should M788-1 be managed during production pauses and rework?
Keep coating containers closed whenever possible and avoid directing fans at open containers. Before extended shutdowns, clean lines and nozzles and store remaining working material separately in a tightly sealed container. Do not return used coating to the original container.
For rework, use a method compatible with the coating, board, and components. Inspect the repaired area and confirm the required insulation performance before returning the assembly to service.
16. How is M788-1 packaged and stored?
M788-1 is supplied in 4 L pails and 20 L drums. Its stated shelf life is six months when stored in sealed containers below 25°C.
Store it in a cool, well-ventilated location, protected from sunlight and ultraviolet light. Keep it away from ignition sources and heat, and follow the current MSDS for handling and transport.
17. What information should I provide when requesting an M788-1 quotation?
Include your assembly type, application equipment, required coating coverage, available drying conditions, and electrical and environmental requirements. Mention any sulfurization-resistance or fluorescent-inspection needs.
For pricing and delivery, provide the required quantity, preferred pack size, destination, target delivery date, and any requirements for X-08 thinner, trial material, or supporting documents.
