Identification and Removal of Conformal Coatings

Physical Sciences Inco (PSI) proposes to design and demonstrate a compact laser system for the removal of conformal coatings from electronic printed circuit boards prior to repair which is suitable for installation on a Navy ship. The system will be a self contained stand alone unit requiring only prime power and an exhaust vent. Two concepts will be evaluated. one is a workstation design which exploits a unique and innovative real time feedback control system to insure that no substantial damage can occur to the board or nearby components. As a result, a high level of automation can be included. This system will also identify the type of coating so that a compatible replacement coating can be applied subsequent to repair. The second design utilizes a hand held optics head which is manually directed towards the board and relies on visual feedback control. In this Phase I program, a preliminary design will be selected, developed and a demonstra- tion will be accomplished. Prototype systems, based on the selected design, can be fabricated, tested, and delivered in a successor Phase II program.