SCS Blog
Recent SCS Blogs
Why does the Parylene Process take so Long?
Parylene is a transparent polymer that offers uniform and pinhole-free conformal coatings for printed circuit boards, medical devices and microelectronics. Common Parylene variants available through a modification of the molecular structure of para-xylylene include Parylenes N and C, ParyFree® and Parylene HT®. Each modification results in a slightly differing set of material properties that are... Read More >>
Parylene and MEMS Technology
Parylene’s application as a structural material in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices has garnered notable attention. Parylene C, known for its biocompatibility, is widely used in implantable medical devices. Parylene C is also compatible with MEMS microfabrication processes. What are MEMS? Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is the technology of very small devices; it merges at the nano-scale... Read More >>
Common Parylene Defects
While Parylene is an extremely effective conformal coating, applications only benefit when the coating is properly applied. When Parylene is either applied incorrectly or is deposited on a surface that is not prepared for adhesion, the coating can become compromised. Luckily, common Parylene defects can be identified, planned for and mitigated through proper procedures. Problems... Read More >>
What can be Coated: A Comparison of Liquid and Parylene Coatings
Conformal coatings are used to protect printed circuit boards (PCBs) from dust, humidity/moisture, mildew/mold, temperature cycling and other elements whose prolonged contact might interfere with assembly function. Coatings also enhance electrical clearance-tolerance, while safeguarding PCB components from contamination (particulate or otherwise), corrosive materials, and mechanical stress. The liquid coating materials – acrylic (AR), epoxy (ER),... Read More >>
Conformal Coatings for Oil and Gas Sensors
The oil and gas industry utilizes sensors in extremely demanding high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) environments, such as in downhole drilling (>200°C and 30 kspi). IThe US natural gas supply is predominantly found in reservoirs below 15,000 ft, presenting environmental drilling challenges due to temperature, pressure and gasses. Extending the lifespan of drilling equipment... Read More >>
NASA Conformal Coating Workmanship Standard
NASA-STD 8739.1 is the Workmanship Standard for Polymeric Application on Electronic Assemblies. The standard describes NASA’s technical requirements, procedures, and documenting requirements for staking, conformal coating, bonding and encapsulation of printed wiring boards and electronic assemblies. It contains requirements which establish the responsibility for documenting, fabrication and inspection procedures to be used for NASA work,... Read More >>
How do I know 100% of My Product was Coated with Parylene?
Parylene conformal coatings are highly reliable and are highly sought after in applications across the product spectrum, ranging from military sensors to medical implants. Because Parylene coatings are colorless (transparent), thin (micro-scale) and uniformly deposited all over the target surface, they are hardly visible to the naked eye. There are methods to detect, or test,... Read More >>
Brush Application of Conformal Coating
Conformal coatings’ functional value stems from their ability to safeguard printed circuit boards (PCBs) and similar electronics from external threats to their performance. Composed of acrylic, epoxy, silicone and urethane polymer resin, coatings also provide layers of insulative protection. These liquid coatings are applied to PCBs by wet methods, primarily by brush, dipping (component immersion)... Read More >>
Inspecting Parylene Coating
Parylene conformal coating (XY) offers insulative protection for intricate electronic circuit assemblies that need to perform under demanding conditions – facing potential chemical, electrical, moisture and vapor exposure. Applied using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), Parylene wicks deep into substrate surfaces, providing a level of protection that exceeds what liquid coatings like acrylic, epoxy, silicone and urethane can... Read More >>
What’s the Difference Between Potting and Conformal Coating?
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are an essential element of all electronic devices. Manufacturers must choose an appropriate method to protect their product’s most critical components from damage and harsh environmental conditions. That’s where this comparison of potting vs. conformal coating becomes invaluable — helping you select the right method of protection for your application and requirements. What... Read More >>
