If QC cannot see where conformal coating has gone, switch to a UV-traceable coating that glows under a UV lamp. Micron 3110 Protektor Conformal Coating UV is the UV-traceable version of the Protektor acrylic coating; its page says it glows under UV light so coated areas can be verified during inspection and quality control. For bulk brush or dip work there is a 5 L carboy (3111), and for metal parts rather than PCBs, Micron 3508 MetaCoat UV is a UV-traceable acrylic lacquer.
Why it happens
- Clear coatings are invisible under normal light. A good conformal coat is transparent, which is exactly why it is hard to inspect.
The result shows up later: uncoated spots found in field failures, or an auditor or customer asking for evidence of coating coverage that you cannot provide.
How to fix it
- PCB assemblies, aerosol: Micron 3110 Protektor Conformal Coating UV. Same acrylic family as the standard 3100: IPC-CC-830B / MIL-I-46058C, rated -70°C to 120°C, dry to touch in about 30 minutes, and removable with Protektor Conformal Coating Thinner.
- Bulk brush or dip: the 5 L carboy of the UV-traceable coating (3111).
- Metal parts, not PCBs, that need a UV-traceable clear lacquer: Micron 3508 Protektor MetaCoat UV, a UV-traceable acrylic lacquer for metal surfaces in 5 L, for brushing, spraying or dipping.
How inspection works in practice:
- Coat the board as usual.
- Once it is dry, view it under a UV lamp in a darkened area.
- Coated areas glow; gaps, thin spots and missed edges show up as dark areas.
- Record what you see, and recoat gaps before the board moves on.
The 3110 page does not give step-by-step application directions. Follow the instructions on the can and the TDS. Clean boards before coating so the film bonds evenly.
What to avoid
- Do not confuse 3110 with 3608 PolyCoat UV. 3608 is UV-cured, meaning it hardens under a UV lamp. It is not a UV tracer.
- The 3110 aerosol propellant is flammable (stated). Coat unpowered boards only, ventilate, and keep away from ignition sources.
- Do not use 3110 for service above 120°C, its stated upper limit.
- Do not judge coverage by eye under normal light; use the UV lamp.
When to ask an expert
Ask Micron technical if:
- your customer requires a specific UV inspection standard or procedure;
- you need help setting up inspection lighting or acceptance criteria;
- boards run hotter than the 120°C upper limit.
FAQ
What does "UV-traceable" mean?
The coating contains a tracer that glows under UV light, so you can see where it has been applied. It does not change how the coating protects the board.
Is 3110 the same coating as 3100 apart from the tracer?
The 3110 page says it is the UV-traceable version of the acrylic conformal coating, with the same standards, temperature range and dry-to-touch time listed.
What is the difference between 3110 and 3608?
3110 glows under UV for inspection. 3608 PolyCoat UV is a different product that cures under a medium-pressure mercury UV lamp on a production line.
Can I get the UV coating in bulk?
Yes. The 3110 page lists a 5 L carboy for brushing alongside the 550 ml aerosol.
What should QC record during UV inspection?
Record the board or batch ID, the date, whether all required areas glow evenly, and any gaps found and recoated. A photo under the UV lamp is a simple way to keep coverage evidence for audits.
Does the tracer show coating thickness?
The UV tracer shows where coating is present; it does not measure film thickness. If your customer specifies a thickness, measure it separately.
See the product: Micron 3110 Protektor Conformal Coating UV. Related: 3508 MetaCoat UV, 3100 Protektor Conformal Coating. More electronics fixes: electronics hub.