Conformal coating is vital for protecting electronics from moisture, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes. Yet many manufacturers donβt have the facilities or expertise to manage coating in-house. Thatβs where subcontract conformal coating servicesβsometimes called outsourced conformal coatingβplay a critical role. By partnering with a specialist provider like SCH Services, companies gain consistent results without the burden of running their own coating line.
What Are Subcontract Conformal Coating Services?
Subcontract conformal coating means entrusting your printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies to an external, professional coating house. Instead of purchasing capital equipment, training staff, and maintaining coating systems, you send assemblies to a contract conformal coating provider who applies the specified finish and returns them production-ready.
At SCH Services, we manage the full process:
- Intake & documentation
- Masking & preparation
- Application by spray, dip, or brush
- Curing & drying
- Inspection & testing
- Final packaging and return
All processes are carried out under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified conditions, supporting repeatability and traceability.
Why Do They Matter?
- Expertise and precision β Dedicated coating houses specialise in conformal coating, helping reduce defects and improve consistency.
- No need for in-house specialists β You avoid the challenge of recruiting, training, and retaining coating technicians and inspectors.
- Cost efficiency β Outsourcing removes capital spend and converts fixed overhead into a predictable service cost.
- Speed and flexibility β Scale from prototypes to production batches without changing your internal resource plan.
- Reduced risk β Strong process control and inspection reduces the likelihood of failures, claims, and rework.
- Compliance and reliability β Certified processes support customer requirements and audit readiness.
When Should You Consider Outsourcing?
- Prototypes & NPI: Volumes are too small to justify in-house investment.
- Low-to-medium volumes: Flexibility matters more than maximum throughput.
- Overflow capacity: Your line is at full load and you need additional support.
- Specialist projects: Aerospace, defence, or medical builds requiring tighter control and documentation.
Why Choose SCH Services?
With more than 25 years of experience, SCH Services supports OEMs and EMS providers with reliable subcontract conformal coating services across a wide range of product types and production volumes.
- Liquid and advanced coating options for PCB protection
- ISO-certified processes focused on quality and reliability
- Support from prototype through volume production
- Access to related services such as Parylene coating services when higher performance is required
If you want to explore coating routes and service options in one place, see our Conformal Coating Solutions page.
Conclusion
Subcontract conformal coating services provide manufacturers with the flexibility, expertise, and assurance needed to deliver reliable electronics. By outsourcing to a trusted partner like SCH, you avoid costly setup, reduce risk, and maintain consistent protection against demanding environments.
Next step: If youβd like to discuss volumes, specifications, or turnaround requirements, contact us via our contact page.
