Removing Conformal Coating Safely

[Berserk256]

Hi there, I have just sold my 9800xt + tec to a fellow and he's wishing to remove all the insulation / conformal coating to install his own cooler. We are hoping to get some pointers for those who have done this before, how to remove it safely. I'm worried that a resistor or other surface-mount component will be damaged if not done properly.

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks. Here's a picture of the conformal on the back, a good amount was used. As for the front ofthe card it spreads basicly from the core out up to the edge of the ram.

http://www.pclincs.com/images/stories/Yogis%20TEC%20article/YogiPelt%2021.jpg

[saaya]

i dont understand what you mean... is there dielectric grease on the card you want to get rid of?

if thats it then remove the most you can with a paper towel or a real towel, then use an old toothbrush and then hang it over a room heater and put some paper below it, toilet or kitchen paper.

the grease will drop off slowly.

to speed it up you can use a hair drier, but be carefull and dont let it get too hot!!!

[Prandtl]

another member sais in another thread (http://xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=44152) that you can use Xylene to remove conformal coating. I have no idea what Xylene is, but maybe you should try to pm Wolf and see how he use it.

[saaya]

there is some pcb cleaning spray that also works great.

[WolfF]

Xylene is a compund chemical (3 benzene), is a solvent liquid.

To use it, you should submerge the piece with conformal coating, in Xylene about 15mins and the silicon compound unstucks, it droops itself easily, like a phlegm yagh... or cream XP

Toluene is another chemical little more agressive and efective - I use it -

either of both doesn't hurt IC, PCI electronic parts.

Most of the comercial silicon removers, contain Xylene or Toluene.

In fact Dow Corning recommends their use for repair or remove purpose.

They should sell at chemical store.

GL!

[saaya]

cool, thx! good to know :toast: