Conformal Coating Processes Hub
Index of Conformal Coating Processes
| Topic | More | Article |
|---|---|---|
| The Importance of Viscosity in Process Control – film quality & defect prevention | 🔗 | ↗ |
| Setting Up a Conformal Coating Production Line – controlled, repeatable workflow | 🔗 | ↗ |
| Conformal Coating Processes Overview – application methods & variables | 🔗 | ↗ |
| How to Spray Coat a PCB – manual & aerosol application step-by-step | 🔗 | ↗ |
| How to Dip Coat a PCB – uniform film build using dip tanks & withdrawal control | 🔗 | ↗ |
| How to Select a Conformal Coating Material – chemistry vs environment & serviceability | 🔗 | ↗ |
| Conformal Coating Masking: Methods & Materials – tapes, dots, boots, shapes | 🔗 | ↗ |
| Conformal Coating Curing & Drying – adhesion, reliability & throughput | 🔗 | ↗ |
| Thickness Measurement Overview (Wet, Dry, Optical) – verify to spec | 🔗 | ↗ |
| Surface Preparation & Cleanliness for Reliable Coating – cleaning methods & standards | 🔗 | ↗ |
Viscosity Windows & Process Control
Tight viscosity control stabilises film build, edge definition, and defect rates. Define windows, verify with Zahn/Ford cups or inline sensors, and log trends.
- Set target cp, temp, and solvent balance with flash stages.
- Link viscosity to spray/dip parameters and thickness outputs.
- Use SPC to detect drift before defects appear.
Setting Up a Production Line
Standardise fixtures, recipes, and flows from incoming inspection to final QA. Design for access, purge capture, and ESD control to stabilise takt time.
- Golden boards, revision control, and bead/edge validation.
- Defined flash/cure stages matched to chemistry.
- AQL plans with records, photos, and defect logs.
Processes Overview
Compare spray, dip, brush, selective robotic, and Parylene. Balance geometry, throughput, cost, and required coverage/clearance.
- Method selection matrix by volume/design complexity.
- Masking implications for liquids vs vapour deposition.
- Inspection and thickness control per method.
Spray Coating Process
Manual and aerosol spray coating is one of the most accessible conformal coating methods for prototypes, small batches, or rework. It delivers good coverage when applied correctly with controlled film thickness and masking.
- Requires clean, dry PCBs and controlled spray distance (15–25 cm).
- Best applied in multiple thin layers with flash-off time between coats.
- Correct masking prevents coating ingress into connectors and test points.
Dip Coating Process
Dip coating is a highly consistent method for applying conformal coating to PCBs, especially in volume production. The board is immersed in a coating tank and withdrawn at a controlled speed to produce a uniform film thickness across all surfaces.
- Boards must be clean, dry and correctly masked before immersion.
- Withdrawal speed, dwell time and coating viscosity directly control finished thickness.
- Allow excess material to drain to prevent edge build-up, bubbles or capillary wicking under components.
Selecting Coating Chemistry
Match environment (temp, humidity, chemicals) and serviceability to acrylic, urethane, silicone, epoxy, UV-cure, or Parylene.
- Adhesion promoters/primers and substrate compatibility.
- Rework needs vs protection level.
- Qualification on coupons before release.
Masking: Methods & Materials
Define keep-outs, choose barrier vs shielding, and combine tapes/dots/boots/shapes with latex sealing to prevent leakage.
- Fixture design for access and purge capture.
- Edge definition checks under UV/white light.
- Demask efficiency and residue prevention.
Curing & Drying Profiles
Tune solvent flash, bake, UV, or moisture cure for adhesion and throughput. Control temp/RH and solvent loading to avoid defects.
- Profile verification with test coupons and thickness checks.
- Outgassing risk management before Parylene.
- Documentation and AQL sampling.
Thickness Measurement Plans
Measure wet/dry/optical thickness on coupons and flat areas to IPC expectations. Use SPC to track Cp/Cpk.
- Gauge selection and calibration routines.
- Coupon strategy aligned to product families.
- Sampling plans based on risk and volume.
Surface Preparation & Cleanliness
Select cleaning methods by contaminant and design; verify ionic cleanliness to protect adhesion and long-term reliability.
- Aqueous, vapour degrease, ultrasonic, plasma options.
- ROSE, IC, and SIR testing to confirm limits.
- Storage/handling to avoid re-contamination.
Explore Topic Hubs
Conformal Coating Processes Hub
Equipment & Application Methods Hub
Masking Hub
Conformal Coating Design Hub
Inspection & Quality Hub
Removal & Rework Hub
Parylene Coating Hub
Defects & Failure Mechanisms Hub
Need Process Support?
Optimising electronics coating methods requires the right combination of materials, equipment, and operator training. Partner with SCH Services for:
- Training & Consultancy on coating processes
- Support Equipment including inspection booths, thickness measurement systems, and curing solutions
- Direct technical support from our global team
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 worldwide.
- 🛠️ End-to-End Support – Selection of chemistry/process, masking strategies, inspection, and ProShieldESD integration.
- 📈 Scalable Solutions – From prototypes to high-volume production.
- 🌍 Global Reach – Responsive support across Europe, North America, and Asia.
- ✅ Proven Reliability – Consistent results across services, equipment, and materials.
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