How to Keep Parylene Coating Costs Low

When designing a project, designers must be mindful of costs. In the realm of conformal coating, the focus is on securing optimal device protection at minimal expense. For projects involving Parylene coating, a thorough grasp of the 5 key elements influencing Parylene pricing is crucial. Addressing each aspect effectively will help to achieve the most cost-effective solution for the project.

1. Parylene Labor Costs

In many cases, the biggest cost of a coating project is manual labor. Tasks such as cleaning, masking and inspection take time. They must also be performed by a well-trained technician.

Below are two ways to reduce labor costs:

1. The old saying, “measure twice, cut once” applies with a Parylene coating project. Mistakes in the planning stage can often lead to costly, time-consuming repairs. It is important to clearly document exactly what is needed. Avoiding communication errors that could disrupt the application process is crucial.
2. Ensure competent, well-trained technicians will be working on the project. Mistakes with Parylene lead to time-consuming, expensive repair work. Repair expenses frequently stand out as the primary unforeseen cost in a Parylene coating project.

2. Parylene Raw Material Costs

Parylene dimer is the raw, solid form of Parylene. During the application process, the dimer is vaporized and then pulled into a vacuum chamber. The gas molecules deposit evenly on any object inside the chamber, creating a thin, protective Parylene layer on the objects.

Certain types of Parylene dimers are priced as low as a couple of hundred dollars per pound, while some specialized variants can cost several thousand dollars per pound. To reduce material expenses, it is advisable to engage with a Parylene specialist at the outset of your design phase. Collaborating with an expert ensures that you only invest in specialized materials when they are truly essential.

3. Parylene Adhesion

Parylene’s versatility extends to coating a wide array of materials such as metal, ceramic, paper, plastic, ferrite, resin, and silicon, making it highly effective. Its adaptability allows it to conform to various shapes, including sharp edges, crevices, points, flat surfaces, and even internal surfaces. Unlike other coatings, Parylene excels under pressures, stresses and harsh environments.

Although Parylene is versatile, certain materials may require additional steps to ensure proper adhesion of Parylene to the coated device. The primary technique for enhancing Parylene adhesion involves employing A-174 silane as a surface modification method.

A-174 silane is typically applied post the masking process. Technicians apply the substance manually through spray, soaking, or a vapor phase silane technique. These silane molecules establish a chemical bond with the device’s surface, facilitating strong adherence for Parylene coating.

To reduce adhesion costs, ensure proper device preparation from the start. Inadequate preparation can lead to poor adhesion, resulting in costly rework and repairs.

4. Parylene Lot Sizes

The vacuum chambers used for Parylene coating have a fixed size. This means Parylene can only coat as many items as can fit in a single chamber. To optimize costs, work with your coating provider to get as many items inside the deposition chamber as possible at a given time.

5. Time to Complete a Parylene Batch Run

One Parylene coating run takes anywhere from a few hours to over a day. However, the preparation for a Parylene coating project begins weeks or months before the application.

Most coating suppliers adhere to a set of well-defined procedures for handling customer requests. For optimal outcomes and cost-effectiveness, it is advisable to entrust your devices to the providers’ standard processes. Requesting expedited service can compromise quality and may incur additional charges in the form of rush fees.

The Top Strategy to Control Escalating Expenses in Parylene Coating

To maintain cost-efficiency during a Parylene coating project, the key lies in avoiding mistakes from the outset. Thoroughly preparing a device for Parylene coating is paramount for successful outcomes. Engaging with a seasoned coating provider remains the optimal strategy to prevent coating failures. Experienced technicians possess the expertise to apply a diverse range of coatings without encountering the aforementioned issues. Moreover, they can ensure the project is executed in a cost-effective manner, benefiting both you and your company.