Rework is an unavoidable part of conformal coating and Parylene processing. Components get missed during masking, test points need exposing, defects appear after inspection, or engineering changes require parts of the board to be stripped. The question is no longer “how do we avoid rework?” but “how do we complete it quickly, safely and without damaging the PCB?”
For many manufacturers, rework still means scalpels, fibreglass pencils, chemical stripping using solvents either locally or complete removal, or manual scraping of Parylene with a blade. These methods work — but they’re slow, inconsistent, labour-heavy and carry a high risk of lifting pads, scratching solder mask or contaminating assemblies.
Micro-abrasive blasting using the Vaniman ProBlast 3 ESD has rapidly become the preferred alternative. It removes conformal coatings and even Parylene in seconds, without solvents or heat, and allows operators to expose precise areas for soldering or repair while protecting the PCB.
This article explains how it works, why it cuts rework time by up to 50%, and how it compares against wet stripping and manual scraping.
1. What Is the Vaniman ProBlast?
The Vaniman ProBlast is a micro-abrasion blasting unit designed for precision surface removal. Instead of knives or solvents, it uses a controlled stream of fine media (such as bicarbonate of soda, plastic bead or VanAcrylic) propelled by compressed air. The stream is directed through a handheld nozzle while a built-in vacuum extracts debris.
Key features:
- Foot-pedal control for on/off blasting
- Adjustable pressure and media flow for delicate work
- Works under a microscope or enclosed cabinet
- No heat, no solvents, no chemical residues
- Designed for PCB and electronic rework — not industrial sandblasting
2. Why Traditional Methods Slow Down Rework
Manual scraping (acrylic, polyurethane, silicone):
- Requires careful cutting around component leads or pads
- High chance of slipping and scratching solder mask or cutting tracks
- Slow, especially around fine-pitch components
- Operator-dependent — some take 2 minutes, others take 12
Parylene removal by scalpel or fibre pen:
- Parylene is chemically inert and extremely tough — knives tend to “drag” rather than cut cleanly
- Can take 20–30 minutes to expose pins on a connector
- Risk of delamination or cutting through gold plating
Wet stripping (chemical gels or immersion baths):
- Effective for acrylics and polyurethanes — but not for Parylene
- Slow: requires soak time, softening, then cleaning residues
- Can damage labels, plastics, adhesives or certain connectors
- Risk of chemical ingression under components if not fully rinsed
- Generates hazardous waste, PPE requirements, disposal costs
3. How ProBlast Cuts Rework Time in Half
Micro-abrasion blasting avoids chemical softening and manual cutting. Instead, it cleanly erodes the coating — and only the coating layer.
4. How It Works Without Damaging the PCB
The ProBlast is not a high-pressure industrial blaster. It is designed for delicate electronics. You choose the media type and air pressure depending on coating type. It’s also fully protected against ESD damage & effects.
5. ProBlast vs Wet Stripping vs Scraping
| Feature | ProBlast | Chemical Stripping | Manual Scraping |
| Works on Parylene? |  Yes |
 No |
 Yes, but slow |
| Time per rework | Fast | Medium–slow | Slow |
| Risk of board damage | Low | Medium (under-component ingress) | High (cuts, pad lifting) |
| Cleanliness level | Dry, vacuum extracted | Wet, requires cleaning | Debris and fibres |
| Operator fatigue | Low | Medium | High |
| Safety | No solvents | Chemical fumes & waste | Blade injuries |
6. Reduces Labour, Scrap and Defects
Using ProBlast simplifies rework to a repeatable process rather than relying on “steady hands and patience.”
7. ROI – How Quick Is the Payback?
Even small EMS companies recover the cost in weeks or months.
8. Where It Fits in the Process
The ProBlast is typically used at final inspection and demasking stages, rework stations, and Parylene removal areas.
9. Final Thoughts
Rework is inevitable in conformal coating and Parylene processing — but the method you choose determines whether it costs minutes or hours, pennies or scrap boards.
Find out more about the various conformal coating methods of removal at our Knowledge Hub.
Want to see how micro-abrasion blasting could work in your coating process? We can provide demonstrations, trials and training for your operators. Or, we can carry out Parylene Removal Services as required.
Call: +44 (0)1226 249019
Email: sales@schservices.com
