SCS Conformal Coatings: Lightweight, ultra-thin coatings provide rugged protection for uncrewed vehicles and support systems.

The use of uncrewed (or unmanned) aerial vehicles (UAVs) and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) continues to expand, overcoming long-standing logistical hurdles and increasing consumer convenience. Examples of such systems include:

  • Delivery: Rural, parcel, cargo and medical supplies
  • Industrial: Agricultural, inspection and maintenance
  • Commercial: Aerial imaging and public safety
  • Defense

UAVs and their support systems rely heavily on a multitude of electronics to complete their given tasks. Circuit boards, sensors, power supplies, actuators, radio frequency devices, cameras and LEDs are used for system propulsion, guidance, positioning, communication and illumination. These components need robust protection from chemical, environmental and weather-related factors, but such protection cannot add significant weight to the overall device.

A large UAV with multiple rotors flies in the sky, mountains visible in the background, its components ruggedized  by ultra-thin conformal coatings.

Robust Ruggedization and Lightweighting with SCS Conformal Coatings

Ruggedization and lightweighting enable UAV and UAS performance and reliability you can count on. The same trusted, high tech coatings that have protected spacecraft and satellite applications for more than 50 years are also available to ruggedize electronics and assemblies that power and operate unmanned systems.

While lightweighting primarily takes place in structural design, the effort can also be applied when choosing protection methods, including coatings. SCS conformal coatings are applied through various methods, but the thinnest coatings and nanocoatings are measured in angstroms and microns.

UAVs and their support systems must survive repeated exposure to the elements, namely moisture, humidity, chemicals, salt, dirt, etc. Conformal coatings provide excellent barrier protection in all of these environments, and SCS’ coating solutions provide unique properties and characteristics to match vehicle’s specific requirements.

As you continue to fine-tune the development of your unmanned systems, SCS shares your concerns for safety, performance and reliability. Learn more in our eBook or contact us today about the superior reliability and performance protection that SCS coatings can provide your UAVs and their support systems.

Unmanned System applications include:

  • Printed circuit boards
  • Sensors
  • Power supplies
  • Flight controllers
  • Actuators
  • Radio Frequency devices
  • Cameras
  • LEDs

SCS conformal coating benefits include:

  • Increases flight duration through lightweighting
  • Ultra-thin and conformal protection
  • Excellent moisture and chemical barrier
  • Excellent dielectric properties
  • Unimpeded electrical signal transfer
  • Superior thermal stability
  • Excellent UV stability
  • Excellent crevice and multi-layer penetration
  • Strengthens wire bonds and solder joints
  • IPX8 waterproof protection

SCS Parylene resources and capabilities include:

  • AS/EN 9100 and ISO 9001 certified coating centers
  • Nadcap® accreditation
  • Meets the requirements of IPC-CC-830
  • 21 worldwide locations
  • Collaborations with global research and university facilities
A computer screen shows an SCS e-book cover featuring a UAV carrying a package, promoting lightweight Parylene coatings for UAVs.
NEW E-BOOK AVAILABLE!

Lightweight protection increases the reliability of UAVs

The same lightweight conformal coatings that have been used for 50 years on jet aircraft and space probes are available to protect electronic systems on drones.
Get the E-book!
A blue silhouette map of the world displaying all continents, representing the global network of SCS coating centers.

A global network of coating centers ready for your application.

Specialty Coating Systems offers customers regionally-located coating facilities to handle their engineering and production requirements. To discuss the benefits and properties of conformal coatings and your protection needs with an applications specialist, contact us online or call +1.317.244.1200.