SCS Blog
Recent SCS Blogs
Urethane Conformal Coating: When Not to Use
Urethane conformal coating is a very common conformal coating choice. However, it is not suitable for all applications. Urethane conformal coatings are not an ideal solution for applications that will be in a high-vibration environment or have a high heat requirement. Because of the mechanical strength and resistance to abrasion that urethanes typically exhibit, a... Read More >>
Is Parylene a Nanocoating?
al films become less effective for coating them. Ongoing development of microelectricalmechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology, has little room for the thicker conformal films provided by liquid materials, such as acrylic, epoxy, silicone and urethane. Nanocoatings are increasing in prominence, frequently surpassing micro-thin Parylene for many MEMS/nanotechnology purposes. This is surprising, since Parylene’s micron-thin coating... Read More >>
Parylene Protection of Wearable Devices
Wearable devices have become an integral component of everyday life, with expanded uses for many conventional activities. Advanced consumer electronics and med-tech – ranging from external exercise monitors for human performance to implanted cardiac pumps, defibrillators and deep-brain sensors – represent only a fraction of wearable medical devices currently applied for healthcare and treatment. Smartphones... Read More >>
Dry-Film Lubricity of Parylene
Chemically inert Parylene (Poly-para-xylylene/XY) conformal film is often selected because its micron-thin protective films generate precise coating uniformity, regardless of substrate topography. To this extent, XY far exceeds the capacities of liquid materials – resins of acrylic, epoxy, silicone or urethane – for a wide range of coating assignments. While pre-synthesized liquid coatings are easier... Read More >>
Masking for Parylene Deposition
Parylene deposition is a complicated process that needs to be effectively monitored to ensure its superior levels of protection and performance. Improper application of Parylene may negatively impact the functionality, integrity and performance of an assembly or component. Masking specific substrate areas is crucial during the Parylene coating process. Examples of Potential Product Failure Parylene conformal... Read More >>
Nine Questions to Ask About Contamination, Cleaning, Failures, and Defects in Conformal Coating
To ensure a conformal coating provider has the credentials and expertise necessary for a specific application, certain criteria must be considered. The first step is to ensure the provider is knowledgeable about working with the five primary types of conformal coating: acrylics, urethanes, silicones, epoxies and Parylene. A company with this broad experience will provide... Read More >>
Will Parylene Pass a Taber Test?
Taber tests are designed to measure a material’s capacity to withstand abrasion and its effects during operation. Conformal coatings – liquids and Parylene – are used on printed circuit boards (PCBs) and related electrical assemblies to safeguard their function from hostile environments where operational conditions could lead to development of abrasion, arcing, electrical shorting, fungus,... Read More >>
Conformal Coating for Automotive Applications
Parylene is becoming one of the most useful tools in an automotive design engineer’s arsenal. From protecting internal sensors and circuit boards to keeping LED indicator lights bright and color-accurate, Parylene conformal coatings are an important part of protecting today’s sensitive automotive electronics. Parylene Basics Parylene is a unique conformal coating in that it gets... Read More >>
How Thick should Silicone Conformal Coating be Applied?
Silicone conformal coating is commonly used because of its excellent moisture resistance, short cure time and high temperature capabilities. It is also one of the easiest conformal coatings to work with. In order for the coating to function optimally, it has to be applied at the proper thickness. Maintaining appropriate thickness is critical for silicone... Read More >>
The Cost of Parylene Coating vs. Other Conformal Coatings
Parylene is widely regarded as the ultimate conformal coating for safeguarding devices, components, and surfaces in various industries due to its exceptional ability to prevent the infiltration of gases, liquids, or radiation onto circuit board components. The perceived cost of Parylene is a problem, however. This article will explore the cost of Parylene when compared... Read More >>
