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Conformal coating masking solutions including reusable boots, high-temperature masking tapes, dots, and custom shapes for protecting PCBs during coating and Parylene processes

From Bottleneck to Breakthrough: How Custom Masking Shapes Transform Conformal Coating Production


In modern electronics and high-reliability assemblies, one of the most overlooked yet critical steps is maskingβ€”protecting areas that must remain coating-free during the conformal coating process. Done poorly, masking becomes a bottleneck: misalignment, rework, and delays can cripple throughput. But with custom masking shapes for conformal coating, you can turn that bottleneck into a breakthrough.

Explore our range of custom masking shapes for conformal coating designed to speed setup, improve consistency, and boost production yield.


The Masking Challenge

When applying conformal coatingsβ€”or advanced materials like Paryleneβ€”pads, connectors, keep-out zones, and sensitive features must be protected precisely. Traditional manual cutting of tape is slow, inconsistent, and often unreliable.

The result?

  • Masking residue left behind
  • Shrinkage or degradation under solvents
  • De-wetting caused by silicone contamination
  • Tape lifting or coating bleed into protected areas

These issues reduce yield, increase rework, and slow down production.

For a full breakdown of masking options and where each is best used, see Conformal Coating Masking: Methods & Materials.


The Advantage of Custom Masking Shapes

At SCH Services Ltd, we provide custom masking shapes designed specifically for conformal coating processesβ€”including the same materials we use in our own production services. That means the shapes we supply are proven daily for accuracy, consistency, and clean removal.

Benefits of custom shapes include:

  • Residue-free removal with no damage to components
  • Solvent and chemical resistance for demanding environments
  • Silicone-free materials to reduce contamination and coating defects
  • Clean, reliable adhesion that helps prevent lifting and bleed
  • Ready-to-use sheets for fast application and reduced operator time

Because we rely on these shapes daily in our own conformal coating services, we know firsthand how they improve throughput, reduce defects, and remove bottlenecks.

For standard formats or fast turnaround requirements, custom masking dot and shape sheets can also be ordered directly via our online shop. Order custom masking dot and shape sheets online.


From Bottleneck to Breakthrough

Standardising masking with custom masking shapes for conformal coating improves speed and repeatabilityβ€”while reducing operator variation.

CHALLENGE MANUAL MASKING CUSTOM MASKING SHAPES
Cutting & prep time High Minimal – peel & place
Consistency Operator dependent Uniform every time
Risk of rework/defects High Low
Cycle efficiency Slow Streamlined
Yield loss Frequent Reduced

By reducing cutting time and improving repeatability, masking becomes faster, cleaner, and more reliableβ€”supporting higher yield and smoother production flow.


SCH Services Ltd: Proven in Our Own Services

Unlike suppliers who only sell materials, SCH Services Ltd actively uses these masking shapes in our own conformal and Parylene coating services. Customers benefit from the same speed, precision, and clean demasking performance we demand for our own clients.

When reliability matters, masking isn’t a bottleneckβ€”it’s a breakthrough.

If you’re ready to standardise masking in your production, learn more about custom masking shapes for conformal coating and how they can reduce defects and cycle time.

If you already know your masking requirements, you can order custom masking dot and shape sheets directly from our shop, or contact us for fully bespoke designs.

Why less mistakes are made with conformal coating masking boots


Conformal coating masking boots reduceΒ mistakes in handling and coating printed circuit boards (PCBs).

The simple reason is that when using tape there is a higher level of skill involved in applying it to the printed circuit board. When placing a boot over a component it is a lot simpler. Therefore, the conformal coating is less likely to leak.

Conformal coating masking boots used on Printed circuit board as an alternative to masking tapesThree reasons conformal coating masking boots save you money

Here are three simple reasons that can save you up to 80% of your costs when using reusable masking boots compared to other conformal coating masking methods:

  1. Masking time is reduced because using boots can be 4-5 times quicker than masking tape.
  2. De-masking time is reduced since it is much quicker to remove boots
  3. Masking boots don’t leak. Therefore, there is less repair due to masking mistakes.

This means you can save a lot of money very quickly when switching to masking boots and reduce the mistakes made during the conformal coating process.

Call us on +44 1226 249019, email us at sales@schservices.com or click contact usΒ to send us your requests.

 

Conformal coating masking boots used on Printed circuit board as an alternative to masking tapes

Using custom masking boots for the conformal coating masking process saves time, money and improves quality. Find out why….


Masking is a critical step in conformal coating processes, protecting connectors, test points, and keep-out areas from unwanted coating ingress. Traditional masking materials such as tapes, dots, and liquid latex can be effective, but they are often labour-intensive and inconsistent.

In many conformal coating operations, masking and de-masking account for a significant proportion of overall process time and cost. In some cases, these steps can represent more than 75% of the total coating effort, driving up labour costs and limiting throughput.

To understand how masking boots fit into a complete conformal coating process, explore our masking solutions.


Using Recyclable Masking Boots as an Alternative to Tapes, Dots, and Latex

Reusable conformal coating masking boots offer a faster, more reliable alternative to traditional masking methods. By switching to masking boots, manufacturers can significantly reduce process time while improving consistency and repeatability.

Three key reasons to change to masking boots:

  1. Reduced masking time – Masking boots can be four to five times faster to apply than traditional masking tape or dots.
  2. Reduced de-masking time – Removal of masking boots is quicker and cleaner than peeling tape or removing cured latex.
  3. Improved sealing – Masking boots provide a more consistent seal and are less prone to leakage, reducing the need for inspection and repair.

These benefits allow manufacturers to achieve rapid cost savings and improve process efficiency when transitioning away from tape- and latex-based masking.


Find Out More About Conformal Coating Masking Boots

If you are reviewing your masking process or looking to reduce coating-related labour costs, SCH Services Ltd can help assess whether masking boots are suitable for your application.

If you would like to discuss masking boots for your assemblies or compare them against tape-based methods, contact our team.

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Conformal Coating UK

Conformal Coating UK
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