How Long Does the Parylene Coating Process Take?

ParyIene’s distinctive vapor-phase polymerization method sets it apart significantly from the application procedures of other coating materials. This more intricate process involves directly depositing the substance onto the material being coated, enabling deeper penetration into the substrate surface. Executed within a specialized vacuum chamber, Parylene’s application process eliminates the need for the typical intermediate liquid deposition step found in competing coatings.

The main=chain phenyl group in the different Parylenes creates dependable molecule-to-molecule interactions, with excellent in-plane electronic polarization capabilities. These molecular layers are produced at room temperature through chemical vapor deposition (CVD), eliminating the need for specific surface treatments. This process results in a chemically stronger consistency compared to traditionally assembled monolayers. Parylene’s molecular layers are particularly valuable for microelectomechnical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology driven applications, which emphasize simplifying component manufacturability.

Unfortunately, compared to other coating options, more time is generally needed to assure Parylene’s superior conformal coating of targeted substrates, a consideration that needs to be an integral component of manufacturing strategies. For instance, the fact that coating thicknesses from 0.10 micron to 76 microns can be applied in a single operation enhances the quality of completion of manufacturing processes. In general, however, slower production time leads to:

• Smaller product batches
• Delayed delivery to customers or retail markets
• More cost to both manufacturer and customer

Parylene Deposition Rates and Process Duration

The application process of Parylene is slower and costlier compared to conventional wet chemistry coatings like acrylic and silicone. This multifaceted Parylene process comprises multiple steps. Unlike numerous rival methods, Parylene deposition does not follow a line-of-sight approach. Instead, the gaseous monomer uniformly envelops all surfaces of the object being coated concurrently.

Prior to CVD coating in the deposition chamber, it is crucial to conduct proper cleaning, adhesion promotion and masking processes. Deposition rates for Parylene conformal coating can vary significantly based on:

• The surface material of the selected substrate
• The type of Parylene coating applied
• Its deposition rate
• The character of the coating project (large/small batch, etc.)
• The assembly’s required surface thickness

The processing time can range from under an hour to over 24 hours, depending on the standard deposition rate of approximately 0.2 mils per hour. This rate is slower compared to the liquid application technique used by most other coating materials. Precision is crucial in matching the Parylene thickness to the product’s specified coating needs. The time taken to finish the coating process varies with deposition rates: thinner coatings require less time to complete, while thicknesses surpassing 0.2 mils per hour will demand more time, depending on the desired thickness.

Conclusion

Parylene’s distinctive vapor-phase polymerization method offers unparalleled advantages in creating molecular layers with exceptional properties for various industries, especially in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology applications. Despite the longer production time required for its superior conformal coating, the meticulous process results in chemically stronger consistency and enhanced manufacturability of components. While Parylene may demand more time and cost compared to traditional coatings, its unique characteristics and capabilities make it a valuable choice for industries that prioritize quality and reliability in their manufacturing processes.