LumiLor Backplane Application
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HVLP system with 1.3mm nozzle and PSI of 20 - 25
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Disposable cup system
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¼ inch to ½ inch masking tape
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Filter - 120 mesh or 125 micron
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Glass or plastic stir sticks (DO NOT use wooden or metal stir sticks)
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Properly prepared and masked substrate
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Multimeter
Solvent based, sprayable, conductive paint used as the first layer in the LumiLor system.
Backplane is pre-mixed and ready to spray.
The backplane typically will consist of of 2 - 3 coats and typically will not exceed four coats.
Cross coat - Spray with a 50% to 75% overlap to cover the entire surface and then immediately spray a second coat perpendicular to the previous coat with a 50% to 75% overlap.
LumiLor will only emit light directly above where the backplane is applied.
The backplane material will crack if applied too heavy and/or if dry times are artificially accelerated.
Make sure to spray the connection area tab two or three times in each pass to ensure that it will have enough conductive material to support the electrical current.
Backplane and Busbar Backplane and busbar should not be applied at the same time. It may appear to be a time saving move but it decreases the chance of a successful project.
In this Article:
Backplane Masking
Unmask the substrate masking and add new masking to cover backplane connection area.
Steps for Unmasking Substrate Mask
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Unmask all the paint mask or application tape first.
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Unmask the masking tape and the vinyl tape at the same time.
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Make sure to pull the tape back against itself cutting the edge of the paint that was applied.
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Note: If tape is pulled directly up or 90° from the surface it might pull up the previously painted areas.
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VERY IMPORTANT - Once all the tape is removed take 1000-1500 grit sandpaper and lightly sand down the entire perimeter of the backplane to knock down the peak of backplane material that was created from the fine line tape.
Steps for Masking Backplane
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Tape the backplane connection area(s) with masking tape including ? inch outside the connection area made by the backplane. This is to ensure the next two layers of the dielectric and LumiColor do not touch the connection site
Backplane Application
Step 1 - Mix and Strain
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Thoroughly shake for 1 to 2 minutes
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Mix with glass or plastic stir sticks to insure no solids are at bottom of container
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DO NOT use wooden or metal stir stick
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Shake again as needed
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Strain with 120 mesh or 125 micron filter
Step 2 - Apply First Coat
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Apply a light cross coat from approximately 8 to 10 inches away
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This allows the conductive layer to adhere to the substrate and have enough roughness for the next layer.
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Be sure to spray connection area
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Let dry for 5 to 10 minute dry time at 70° F.
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Result is a smooth finish with no particles embedded.
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Use a pointed wooden object such as a popsicle stick to carefully remove particles after dry time.
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Step 3 - Apply Second Coat
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Apply a medium to wet cross coat from approximately 6 to 8 inches away.
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Be sure to spray connection area.
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Let dry for 5 to 10 minute dry time at 70° F.
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Result is a smooth finish with no particles embedded.
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Use a pointed wooden object such as a popsicle stick to carefully remove particles after dry time.
Step 4 - Test Conductivity
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Check backplane conductivity once it is dry.
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Wet backplane material will not provide a stable reading, it will jump from low to high back and forth.
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Dry backplane will have a stable reading at a specific number.
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Check from different locations across the substrate to insure a consistent reading.
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Target reading is around 10 ohms.
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If ohms reading is greater than 20 then more backplane needs to be applied.
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Readings between 20 and 50 ohms will eventually start to generate heat when powered.
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Resistance above 50 ohms will start to burn.
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Step 5 - Apply Third Coast if Needed
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Apply a medium to wet cross coat from approximately 6 to 8 inches away.
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Apply at a 45° or 90° rotation, or cross hatch, to the direction the second coat was applied.
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Let dry for 5 to 10 minute dry time at 70° F.
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Result is a smooth finish with no particles embedded.
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If particles are found after dry time, use a pointed wooden object such as a popsicle stick to carefully remove particles.
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Step 6 - Re-test Conductivity
Target ohms reading MUST be achieved. If not repeat the process with another coat until the desired ohms reading is achieved.
Backplane Dry Time, Unused Material, and Clean-up
Wait a minimum of 15-30 minutes and a maximum of 8 - 12 hours before preparing for dielectric.
Return unused material to original container after agitated in the spray gun cup.
Clean any used containers and/or spray guns with thinners or acetone immediately after use.
