Setting Up a Conformal Coating Production Line

Practical Guidance for Reliable, Compliant Throughput

Building a robust conformal coating production line starts with clear process requirements, the right equipment, and disciplined process control. This technical bulletin outlines a proven approach—from application and drying to inspection and quality assurance—so you can reduce defects, improve yield, and meet customer and IPC-A-610 expectations.

Conformal coating production line – DS101 dip system with drying cabinet, IB101 inspection booth, and Positector thickness measurement – SCH Services UK

1) Define Process Requirements

Start with customer and standards requirements so the line is designed for compliance, not rework:

  • Coating chemistry: acrylic, urethane, silicone, epoxy, or Parylene
  • Target film thickness and inspection method (wet, dry, or optical)
  • Masking strategy and rework approach (if/when required)
  • Acceptance criteria per IPC-A-610 and IPC-CC-830

2) Select Application, Drying & Support Equipment

Choose the application method that fits volume and geometry, then add the right support equipment for a stable line:

  • Application: Dip systems (e.g., DS101) or selective/manual spray (e.g., CB100)
  • Drying/Curing: Drying cabinets and ovens matched to chemistry & throughput
  • Inspection: UV/white-light inspection booths (e.g., IB101)
  • Measurement: Wet film gauges, PosiTector 6000 dry film, optical systems for Parylene
  • Facilities: Fume extraction, ESD control, temperature & humidity management

Explore related equipment:
 Thickness Measurement, Removal & Rework, Inspection.

3) Process Control & Repeatability

Lock in stable parameters and verify outcomes routinely:

  • Viscosity monitoring (flow cups / inline): keep within defined windows
  • Documented machine settings: speeds, passes, pressures, temperatures
  • SPC checks on film build (wet→dry correlation, coupon strategy)
  • Recorded inspection points and acceptance criteria

See also: Conformal Coating Viscosity Control and Thickness Measurement Methods.

4) Inspection & Quality Assurance

Build inspection into the line to catch issues early and maintain traceability:

  • UV/white-light coverage checks: edges, meniscus, keep-outs
  • Defect control: pinholes, bubbles, dewetting, orange peel, delamination
  • Gauge plans: PosiTector 6000 (dry film) or optical for Parylene
  • Documentation & rework loop where needed

Reference: NASA NEPP resources on coating reliability.

Benefits of a Well-Designed Line

  • Consistent quality and fewer defects
  • Higher throughput with predictable cycle times
  • Standards compliance and easier audits
  • Flexibility to support new products or chemistries

Download the Technical Bulletin

Prefer the PDF format? Download the bulletin for offline reference:

📄 Download: Setting Up a Conformal Coating Production Line (PDF)

Need Help With Your Line?

SCH provides complete support—from process design and equipment selection to operator training and on-site optimisation. We also offer outsourced coating services when you need extra capacity.

Contact SCH to discuss your coating line →

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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