Glue - safest to use on PCBs? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SolderSucker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 01:46:14 pm
content: I need to stick some small anti-static foam sheets to the solder side of some PCBs - what is the best type of glue to use for this?I was thinking of something live Evo-Stick impact adhesive, it's of course highly flammable when in liquid form but I believe it's inert when set. Or is there a better alternative?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 03:12:19 pm
content: Antistatic (pink) or static dissipative (black) foam? For the pink stuff I’d just use double stick tape. For the black one, I’m not sure.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 03:24:00 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on August 10, 2020, 03:12:19 pmBe careful not to introduce another source of static.

author: SolderSucker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 03:32:43 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on August 10, 2020, 03:12:19 pmNo, not bubble wrap or similar, in this particular case this is some dense black antistatic foam material which is backed by some type of cardboard or plastic - it was originally stuck in place with some kind of glue and I needed to peel it off to get at the solder side of the board, now of course it's lost some of its adhesive qualities and won't stay stuck down any more (and I do need to stick it back in place).

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 04:07:13 pm
content: Don’t put words in my mouth: I didn’t say anything about bubble wrap. There’s pink antistaticfoam(several types, actually) and black static dissipative foam.Anyway, if it’s got a rigid backing, just use fresh double stick tape.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 05:44:27 pm
content: Be careful. I used to repair power supplies in Samsung and LG televisions and it was very common for the glue they used to become conductive over time and short circuit things on the power supply board. A favourite was gunk across the Class-Y capacitor which could bring the low-voltage outputs on the TV up to near mains potential (2-pin supply only, no PE, so aerial socket could become live.)

author: SolderSucker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 06:11:44 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on August 10, 2020, 05:44:27 pmThanks, that's useful to know. In this case it's only being used on a 5VDC board, nevertheless I still don't want any shorts to occur due to the glue becoming conductive.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 06:17:59 pm
content: Gel type superglue is about the best, though you will have a white bloom on the board when you eventually remove it again, but it is at least not conductive.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 12:58:57 am
content: Go2glue works as well, dries clear but is very conductive for a while as it dries. I've also used conformal coats as board adhesives but it can take a really long time to dry if you're not careful.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 01:26:59 am
content: There's a special silicone specifically designed for use on electronics. Super glue and hot glue are also good choices.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 06:50:21 am
content: Quote from: maginnovision on August 11, 2020, 12:58:57 amI like this one too, but keep in mind it contains benzeneish things. Excellent adhesive however. Not sure how benzene vapors effect electronics plastics either. I use it sparingly as strain relief.https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.060.937from a health stand point, it seems to stand up to its 'nice' smell. One of the only adhesives I like the smell of actually. Acrylic epoxies smell kind of ok (minty). Go2Glue is like menthol or something.Not a skin or eye irritant; No evidence of skin sensitization in humans or guinea pigs; No evidence of reproductive or developmental toxicity; [ToxPlanet: EC: SCTEE] Not expected to cause adverse health effects; [Solutia MSDS] See "Dodecylbenzene."