Potting compounds are too often an afterthought in the design of electronic devices. They should not be. These encapsulating systems play a crucial role in the assembly and long-term protection of delicate electronic components. When properly selected and applied, potting compounds form the first line of defense against a wide range of environmental, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical conditions that would otherwise ruin electronic components. When not properly selected and applied, potting compounds may not offer the desired level of protection. Even worse, a poorly chosen epoxy may cause some damage of its own, by curing in such a way that subjects the potted electronic component to unwanted stresses or heat.