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Potting and Encapsulation

Authors:
Geoffrey Hunter
Geoffrey Hunter
Published On:
Jul 28, 2026
Last Updated:
Jul 28, 2026

Potting is the process of filling an enclosure (or a shell/case around a PCB) with a solid or gelatinous compound to protect the electronics inside from moisture, dust, vibration, shock and tampering.

Potting Compounds

The three common families of potting compounds are:

  • Epoxy
  • Polyurethane
  • Silicone

Resin can come in handy no-mess bags like the one shown below. Both parts are in the same bag, separated by a thin plastic divider. When you are ready to use it, you remove the divider and knead the bag to mix the two parts together. Then cut a corner off the bag and squeeze out the mixed resin.

A photo of a Electrolube UR5547 polyurethane resin pack (500g). Exact part number is UR5547RP500G.

Things to Watch Out For

Conformal Coating

Conformal coating is a related but lighter-weight alternative to potting, in which a thin protective film is applied over the PCB rather than encasing it in a solid compound.