Parylene coatings are one of the most advanced protective solutions available for electronics, sensors, medical devices and precision components. Applied through chemical vapour deposition (CVD), Parylene forms a completely uniform, pinhole-free film that conforms to every surface—even into microscopic gaps and sharp edges.
Unlike traditional liquid coatings, Parylene has no solvents, doesn’t shrink or crack, and creates no surface tension. It is deposited as a vapour, meaning the coating forms molecule by molecule, producing a perfectly even layer that is ultra-thin, transparent and extremely durable. Because of this unique combination of properties, demand for high-reliability Parylene coating servicesandParylene equipment continues to grow across multiple industries
Because of this unique combination of properties—chemical resistance, moisture barrier performance, electrical insulation and biocompatibility—Parylene is now widely used across a range of industries. Below are five of the most important Parylene coating applications across global industries.
1. Aerospace and Defence
Aerospace and defence equipment must perform flawlessly in environments where failure is not an option. Electronics and sensors face extreme temperatures, pressure changes, vibration, salt fog, fuel vapours and moisture.
Why Parylene works so well in this industry:
- Ultra-thin and lightweight protection without affecting component tolerances.
- Exceptional barrier against corrosion, humidity and atmospheric contaminants.
- Stable electrical insulation even at high altitude and low pressure.
- Zero outgassing, ideal for space and satellite applications.
Typical aerospace/defence applications:
- Avionics and flight control systems
- Radar, communication and navigation modules
- Fuel system sensors and connectors
- Satellite electronics, optics and camera assemblies
- Military night-vision equipment and guidance systems
Learn how Parylene protects avionics, satellite electronics and mission-critical defence systems in our Aerospace & Defence page.
2. Medical Devices and Life Sciences
Medical devices require coatings that are biocompatible, durable and able to withstand sterilisation methods such as autoclaving, ethylene oxide or gamma radiation. Parylene meets all these demands.
Key advantages for medical use:
- Certified to ISO 10993 and USP Class VI biocompatibility standards.
- Safe for implantable and skin-contact devices.
- Creates a moisture and chemical barrier while preventing leaching of metals or chemicals from the device.
- Flexible and non-cracking, even on thin-film circuits or small components.
Where it is used:
- Pacemakers, neurostimulators and implantable sensors
- Cochlear implants, hearing aids and diagnostic tools
- Catheters, stents and surgical instruments
- Lab-on-chip devices and microfluidic systems
See how Parylene is used to protect implants, surgical tools and diagnostic devices on our Medical Coatings section.
3. Automotive and Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronics that must survive vibration, temperature changes, oils, salt, water and dust. With electric vehicles, the demands on sensors and high-voltage systems are even higher.
Benefits in the automotive sector:
- Protects PCBs, connectors and sensors from corrosion and moisture.
- High dielectric strength ensures insulation in battery management and high-voltage systems.
- Resistant to temperature extremes from engine heat to sub-zero climates.
- Lightweight and thin, ideal for compact and sensitive components.
Typical components protected:
- Battery management system (BMS) electronics
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including radar, LiDAR and cameras
- ECU (Electronic Control Units) and PCB assemblies
- LED lighting, sensors and underbody electronics
Learn more about Parylene protection for BMS, sensors and ADAS technologies on our Automotive & EV Parylene Coatings section.
4. Consumer Electronics and IoT Devices
Consumers expect their electronics to be smaller, lighter, waterproof and long-lasting. Parylene enables this without changing the appearance, size or performance of the device.
Why Parylene is chosen for consumer tech:
- Transparent, ultra-thin coating that doesn’t affect touchscreens, buttons or LEDs.
- Protects circuits from moisture, sweat, oils, dust and daily wear.
- Ideal for miniaturised components such as MEMS sensors and microphones.
- Improves lifespan and reliability without adding bulk.
Examples include:
- Smartwatches, fitness trackers and wearable electronics
- Smartphones components (microphones, speakers, cameras)
- Hearing aids and earbuds
- Smart home sensors and IoT devices
See how Parylene enhances durability in wearables, IoT devices and miniaturised electronics on our Consumer Electronics page.
5. Industrial, Energy and Harsh Environments
Industrial electronics face harsh settings—chemical vapours, humidity, salt, dirt, pressure and mechanical stress. Parylene helps ensure reliability, safety and longer operational life.
Why it’s valuable here:
- High resistance to chemicals, solvents and gases
- Prevents corrosion in offshore, marine and high-humidity environments
- Strong electrical insulation for high-voltage systems
- Works in high-pressure or submerged conditions without degrading
Applications in this sector:
- Pressure and temperature sensors
- Industrial control systems, PLCs and drive boards
- Oil, gas and renewable energy electronics
- Solar inverters, wind turbine sensors and power electronics
- Leak detection and chemical instrumentation systems
Discover how Parylene protects sensors, control systems and energy infrastructure in harsh environments on our Industrial & Energy sector page.
Summary
Parylene is no longer a specialist coating used only in niche applications—it is now a critical protection technology used across aerospace, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial sectors.
Its unrivalled combination of ultra-thin coverage, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, flexibility and biocompatibility makes it one of the most reliable and versatile coating technologies available.
Whether it’s safeguarding a pacemaker, a drone sensor or an EV battery system, Parylene enables engineers to design smaller, lighter and more durable products that meet the growing demand for reliability and performance.
Additional Resources and Links
To help readers explore specific aspects of Parylene technology in more depth, the following related articles can be linked within this blog:
Parylene Basics: Dimer Grades, Properties & Uses – ideal for introducing what Parylene is and why different dimer types matter.
Parylene Deposition: Process Parameters – can be linked in the introduction or technical sections when explaining the CVD process and performance.
Masking for Parylene – suitable in sections where precision, coverage or protection of components is discussed (especially aerospace and medical).
Optical Thickness Measurement for Parylene – relevant when discussing quality control, reliability and performance in high-tech industries.
Parylene vs Liquid Coatings: Selection Guide – a useful comparison reference in the conclusion or consumer electronics section.
Ready to Take Your Parylene Coating Further?
Choosing SCH Services means partnering with a specialist, not just a supplier. We provide complete Parylene Solutions—supported by coating service, equipment, materials, process development and training.
Why manufacturers choose SCH:
25+ Years of Expertise – Trusted across aerospace, medical, defence, automotive and electronics industries.
End-to-End Support – From coating selection and Parylene grades to masking, application methods, inspection and ESD protection.
Scalable Capacity – Prototype trials, validation work or full high-volume production — we match your demand.
Global Coverage – Technical support and supply across the UK, Europe, North America and Asia.
Proven Quality & Reliability – Consistent results across services, equipment and materials.
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