5 Reasons Why Parylene is the Gold Standard for High-Reliability Applications

Introduction: Why Parylene Stands Out

When it comes to protecting electronic assemblies, manufacturers have several conformal coating options available, including acrylics, silicones, urethanes, and epoxies. However, when performance, reliability, and long-term protection cannot be compromised, Parylene consistently stands apart as the industry benchmark.

At SCH Services Ltd, we provide a complete, end-to-end Parylene solution. Unlike providers that focus on a single element of the process, SCH supports the full lifecycle — from coating services and deposition systems to high-purity dimers, consumables, spares, consultancy, and training.

Whether you are outsourcing coating services, developing in-house capability, or strengthening your supply chain resilience, SCH delivers the expertise and infrastructure required to support electronics, aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.

Our focus is simple: dependable, scalable, and cost-effective Parylene solutions, backed by deep technical knowledge and proven industrial experience.

Learn more about SCH Services’ complete Parylene coating solutions here.

Below are five reasons why Parylene is widely regarded as the gold standard in conformal coating.

1. Superior Barrier Protection

Parylene forms an ultra-thin, pinhole-free polymer film that provides complete environmental protection against:

• Moisture and humidity
• Corrosive chemicals and solvents
• Salt spray and aggressive environments

Because Parylene is applied in vapour form, it coats all exposed surfaces evenly, including sharp edges, crevices, and areas beneath components. This level of coverage significantly improves long-term PCB reliability compared with liquid-applied coatings.

2. Uniform, Truly Conformal Coverage

Parylene is deposited molecule by molecule within a controlled vacuum chamber, resulting in a coating that is:

• Uniform across complex three-dimensional geometries
• Ultra-thin, typically between 10 and 50 microns
• Stress-free, with no pooling, bridging, or edge effects

This makes Parylene particularly well suited to miniaturised electronics and densely populated assemblies where conventional coatings struggle to perform.

3. Outstanding Chemical and Moisture Resistance

Parylene demonstrates excellent resistance to a wide range of environmental and chemical exposures, including:

• Water vapour transmission
• Fuels, oils, and industrial solvents
• Acidic and alkaline solutions

In automotive, industrial, and outdoor electronics applications, this resistance translates into stable, predictable protection throughout the product lifecycle.

4. Biocompatibility for Medical Applications

Parylene’s biocompatibility is a key differentiator in medical and healthcare applications. Certified to ISO 10993 standards, Parylene coatings are:

• Suitable for direct contact with human tissue and fluids
• Widely used in implantable devices such as pacemakers and stents
• Common in diagnostic equipment, sensors, and wearable technology

For medical device manufacturers, Parylene is not just a coating choice — it is a pathway to regulatory compliance and long-term device reliability.

5. Long-Term Reliability in Harsh Environments

Parylene remains stable across a wide temperature range, offers excellent dielectric strength, and resists UV and environmental degradation.

This makes it the coating of choice in demanding sectors such as:

• Aerospace and defence – avionics, satellites, and radar systems
• Automotive – electric vehicle systems and ADAS sensors
• Telecommunications and IoT – outdoor and remote installations

Where downtime or failure is unacceptable, Parylene delivers consistent long-term protection.

When to Choose Parylene Versus Other Coatings

While Parylene offers unmatched performance in high-reliability applications, it may not always be the most economical solution for low-cost or easily repairable products. Alternative coatings may be suitable where:

• Chemical exposure is minimal
• Miniaturisation is not critical
• Ease of repair is a priority

However, when reliability is critical and environmental exposure is unavoidable, Parylene remains the safest and most robust option.

Conclusion: The Benchmark for Reliability

From medical implants to aerospace electronics, Parylene has earned its reputation as the gold standard in conformal coating. Its unique vapour deposition process delivers uniform, durable, and biocompatible protection that liquid coatings cannot replicate.

For further information on Parylene coating services, equipment, and technical support, visit our Parylene services page.

SCH Services Ltd provides comprehensive Parylene solutions, supporting customers with coating services, equipment, materials, consultancy, and training from our UK base.