SCS Blog
Recent SCS Blogs
Removing Conformal Coatings
Conformal coatings provide a long-term, stable and reliable encapsulation method for the electronic components from environmental effects. Different industries and service conditions call for different protective coatings. In some cases, changes in the requirements or mistakes would call for action to remove the coating. While some coating materials are easily removed, some are virtually impossible... Read More >>
Is Parylene Hydrophobic?
Hydrophobic Basics and Hydrophilicity In the science of surfaces and thin-film protection, the term hydrophobicity is used to designate the capacity of both a substrate surface and its protective coating to repel water. In contrast, hydrophilicity represents a substrate and coating’s affinity for water adsorption. One of the primary purposes of conformal coatings is to... Read More >>
Parylene vs Urethane Conformal Coatings
Parylene and urethane conformal coatings share many characteristics. Both are physically robust, resistant to chemicals and mitigate tin whisker formation. However, this does not mean that the two coatings are interchangeable. While Parylenes offer a unique blend of capabilities, many projects choose urethanes because of their cost, durability and other advantages. Parylene and Urethane Shared... Read More >>
Parylene and Sterilization
Parylene (XY) organic polymers are highly regarded through a wide range of industries – aerospace/defense, automotive, commercial, industrial, medical – for their utility as conformal coatings. Chemically inert, colorless and optically clear, Parylene coatings provide exceptional barrier protection, dielectric reliability, and insulation for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and similar electronic assemblies whose components must maintain... Read More >>
Epoxy Conformal Coatings: Benefits, Disadvantages and Uses
Selecting a suitable conformal material for coating printed circuit boards (PCBs), related electronics or other devices requires understanding of each coating type’s unique combination of benefits and drawbacks. These must be considered in relation to a given application. Four primary liquid coating materials – acrylic, epoxy, silicone, and urethane – are commonly used. These liquid... Read More >>
How Much does Parylene Cost?
The barrier properties of Parylene are universally sought after. Its resistance to solvents and moisture, remarkable dielectric strength and perfectly uniform coverage never fail to impress engineers. The inevitable question that ensues is, “How much does Parylene cost?” Material cost is a key element, with Parylene dimer ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per... Read More >>
NASA Certified and Similarly Rated Conformal Coating Companies
NASA certification is essential to aerospace conformal coating applications, and thus is sought after by many manufacturers in the industry. In addition to 8739.1, other NASA standards, such as ASTM E595 – a test developed by NASA to determine levels of coatings’ volatile content, appropriately screening low outgassing materials for use in space – are... Read More >>
Best Electronics Coatings
Available in five basic material types, conformal coatings serve as adaptable protective and insulating films for electronics. However, selecting the most suitable type can be difficult. Clearly defining the performance parameters of the components to be coated is crucial to determine the optimal conformal film material that aligns with the unit’s functional needs. An accurate... Read More >>
Conformal Coating Removal Standards
If problems in a conformal coating defy reliable repair, coating removal may be the only solution. Removing conformal coating from PCBs requires matching removal methodology with coating type and the component’s function. A variety of factors – bubbles/voids, coating thickness, component failure, inadequate masking, poor adhesion, surface finish, among many others – can necessitate coating removal.... Read More >>
Is Parylene Coating Biocompatible?
Parylene is one of the most biocompatible conformal coatings currently available. Its chemical properties make it a natural for use in medical and biological applications. In addition, some of its general benefits also make it particularly valuable in healthcare applications. Finally, Parylene also holds a stringent USP Class VI biocompatibility certification. Parylene’s Chemistry and Capabilities... Read More >>
