Parylene FAQs

Expert Guidance on Parylene Processes

Welcome to our Parylene FAQs guide. Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common Parylene frequently asked questions — what Parylene is, how it works, its benefits, and why industries worldwide rely on it for long-term protection.

Use this Parylene FAQ guide to understand the basics, then explore our Parylene coating solutions for more detail on services, equipment, dimers and training.

What Is Parylene and Why Is It Used?

Invisible. Reliable. Long-lasting.

Parylene is an ultra-thin, transparent, pinhole-free conformal coating that protects electronics, medical devices, aerospace systems and other high-value components. Applied by a unique chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process, it delivers protection that liquid coatings cannot match.

In many Parylene coating FAQs, the key point is that Parylene provides a truly conformal, 360° barrier without adding bulk, weight or visual impact.

How Does Parylene Work?

During deposition, Parylene is formed molecule by molecule inside a vacuum chamber. The vapour penetrates everywhere air can reach—around corners, recesses and edges—before polymerising directly on the surface.

This produces a 360° conformal layer that is smooth, uniform and pinhole-free. It ensures total coverage of intricate assemblies while preserving size, weight and performance.

Linear infographic showing the 5-step Parylene coating process: raw dimer, vaporisation, pyrolysis, deposition, and final polymer film, created by SCH Services Ltd.
A linear 5-step infographic illustrating the full Parylene coating process from raw dimer to polymer film, produced by SCH Services Ltd.

What Are the Key Benefits of Parylene?

Parylene coatings deliver reliable, long-term protection without altering product design. Unlike liquid coatings, Parylene is applied as a gas, creating an ultra-thin, pinhole-free barrier.

Benefits at a glance:

🌊 Moisture & corrosion resistance

🧪 Chemical protection against solvents and fuels

🔍 Complete coverage, even in cavities and edges

✨ Ultra-thin & transparent (microns thick)

⚡ High reliability with reduced failures

🌡 Thermal stability across extreme temperatures

🩺 Biocompatibility (Parylene C & N for medical use)

🌍 Environmentally responsible process

Where Is Parylene Used?

Parylene works behind the scenes in many industries where performance and reliability are critical:

  • Electronics & PCBs – prevents corrosion and shorts
  • Medical Devices – inert, biocompatible barriers for instruments & implants
  • Aerospace & Defence – reliable under heat, cold and chemical stress
  • Automotive Systems – protects sensors and electronics in harsh conditions
  • Consumer Products – wearables, hearing aids, drones, marine electronics

How Do Parylene Coatings Compare to Traditional Coatings?

Parylene vs. Liquid Conformal Coatings:

  • Coverage: Parylene offers true 360° coverage; liquids struggle in tight gaps.
  • Film Quality: Parylene films are pinhole-free; liquids may have brush marks or runs.
  • Design Impact: Parylene is ultra-thin & transparent; liquids are thicker and bulkier.
  • Masking: Parylene requires pre-deposition masking; liquids risk overspray.

What Are the Different Types of Parylene?

Each Parylene type offers unique strengths:

  • Parylene N – low dielectric constant, excellent dielectric properties.
  • Parylene C – strong moisture/chemical barrier, biocompatible.
  • Parylene D – higher thermal stability and mechanical strength.
  • Parylene F (AF-4) – superior high-temperature and UV resistance.

Why Do Manufacturers Choose Parylene?

Because it guarantees maximum reliability and long service life. For end users, this means safer, more durable products that withstand sweat, saltwater, vibration and heat.

Why Choose SCH Services?

Partnering with SCH Services means more than just outsourcing — you gain a complete, integrated platform for
Conformal Coating, Parylene & ProShieldESD Solutions, alongside equipment, materials and training,
all backed by decades of hands-on expertise.

  • ✈️ 25+ Years of Expertise – Specialists in coating technologies trusted by aerospace, medical, defence, automotive and electronics industries worldwide.
  • 🛠️ End-to-End Support – Guidance on coating selection, Parylene grades, masking strategies, application methods, inspection and ProShieldESD integration.
  • 📈 Scalable Solutions – From small prototype batches to full-scale, high-volume production, SCH delivers flexible capacity that grows with your needs.
  • 🌍 Global Reach – Responsive technical support and supply coverage across Europe, North America and Asia.
  • ✅ Proven Reliability – A strong reputation built on quality, consistency and customer satisfaction across services, equipment and materials.

📞 Call: +44 (0)1226 249019
✉ Email: sales@schservices.com
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