Abstract: A mask material is readily discernible from a substrate to which the mask material is applied. The mask material may have a discernible characteristic, such as its color, luminescence or the like, which may render it visibly distinct from the substrate or detectable using automated inspection equipment. The discernible characteristic of the mask material may render it detectable through a protective coating.

Abstract: A method for applying a protective coating to selected portions of a substrate is disclosed. The method includes applying a mask to or forming a mask on at least one portion of the substrate that is not to be covered with the protective coating. The mask may be selectively formed by applying a flowable material to the substrate. Alternatively, the mask may be formed from a preformed film. With the mask in place, the protective coating may be applied to the substrate and the mask. A portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask may be delineated from other portions of the protective coating; for example, by cutting, weakening or removing material from the protective coating at locations at or adjacent to the perimeter of the mask. The portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask, and the mask, may then be removed from the substrate.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing portions of a protective coating from a substrate, such as an electronic device, includes removing portions of the protective coating from the substrate. The removal process may include cutting the protective coating at specific locations, then removing desired portions of the protective coating from the substrate, or it may include ablating the portions of the protective coating that are to be removed. Coating and removal systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing portions of a protective coating from a substrate, such as an electronic device, includes removing portions of the protective coating from the substrate. The removal process may include cutting the protective coating at specific locations, then removing desired portions of the protective coating from the substrate, or it may include ablating the portions of the protective coating that are to be removed. Coating and removal systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mask material is readily discernible from a substrate to which the mask material is applied. The mask material may have a discernible characteristic, such as its color, luminescence or the like, which may render it visibly distinct from the substrate or detectable using automated inspection equipment. The discernible characteristic of the mask material may render it detectable through a protective coating.

Abstract: A method for applying a protective coating to selected portions of a substrate is disclosed. The method includes applying a mask to or forming a mask on at least one portion of the substrate that is not to be covered with the protective coating. The mask may be selectively formed by applying a flowable material to the substrate. Alternatively, the mask may be formed from a preformed film. With the mask in place, the protective coating may be applied to the substrate and the mask. A portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask may be delineated from other portions of the protective coating; for example, by cutting, weakening or removing material from the protective coating at locations at or adjacent to the perimeter of the mask. The portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask, and the mask, may then be removed from the substrate.

Abstract: A method for applying a protective coating to selected portions of a substrate is disclosed. The method includes applying a mask to or forming a mask on at least one portion of the substrate that is not to be covered with the protective coating. The mask may be selectively formed by applying a flowable material to the substrate. Alternatively, the mask may be formed from a preformed film. With the mask in place, the protective coating may be applied to the substrate and the mask. A portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask may be delineated from other portions of the protective coating; for example, by cutting, weakening or removing material from the protective coating at locations at or adjacent to the perimeter of the mask. The portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask, and the mask, may then be removed from the substrate.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing portions of a protective coating from a substrate, such as an electronic device, includes removing portions of the protective coating from the substrate. The removal process may include cutting the protective coating at specific locations, then removing desired portions of the protective coating from the substrate, or it may include ablating the portions of the protective coating that are to be removed. Coating and removal systems are also disclosed.