conformal coating
Conformal Coating Services

Conformal Coating Services

As electronic products become more prevalent in various industries, the demand for high-quality PCBA boards has also increased. From precision medical equipment to aerospace technology, PCBA boards must be able to withstand harsh environments and conditions. At FS Technology, we understand the importance of providing the right protective measures for PCBA service.

That’s why we offer conformal coating as a solution. This process involves applying a layer of polymer film on the PCBA board after component soldering and testing, providing protection against moisture, chemical reactions, dust particles, corrosion, and high temperatures. While it may not be as robust as PCB potting, conformal coating is still highly effective in the communication and consumer electronics industries, and our customers have praised its performance. As a full-service turnkey PCBA manufacturer, we are committed to providing comprehensive solutions that meet the needs of our clients.

Advanced PCBA Conformal Coating Services

Global Certification and Compliance

FS Technology has been dedicated to providing PCBA services since its establishment in 2004. We have the ability to meet nearly all customer needs, from prototyping to mass production. As part of our turnkey project, we offer conformal coating services, and our commitment to quality certification enables us to serve customers from various industries around the world, including medical, military, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

  • Medical certification: ISO13485:2016
  • Quality Management: ISO 9001:2015
  • Automotive Certification: IATF16949:2016
  • Environmental Management: ISO 14001:2015
  • Occupational Health and Safety: ISO 45001:2018

Why FS Tech Conformal Coating

Conformal coatings are essential for protecting printed circuit boards from environmental factors such as salt, corrosion, and moisture. While other solutions are available, conformal coatings are preferred for cutting-edge applications due to their lightweight nature and ease of inspection. At FS Technology, we use a robotic dispensing system to ensure precise coverage area and foolproof coating thickness. We take pride in offering superior conformal coating services that outperform our competitors. Our strengths include:

  • High repeatability
  • Quick turnaround time
  • No prototype fees
  • Low cost and high profit
  • A variety of optional materials to choose from
  • Unprecedented quality control
Conformal Coating Dispensers

Alternative Conformal Coatings Services

At FS Technology, we pride ourselves on offering highly customizable services, with solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of each project and customer. Once a project is launched, our dedicated customer support team will transfer your information to our team of experienced engineers, who will provide professional advice and guidance.

Acrylic

Acrylic polymer solutions, dissolved in solvents, are commonly used as conformal coatings for PCBA boards. These solutions are applied to the board’s surface using techniques such as hand brushing, spraying, or dipping. Acrylic conformal coatings are known for their quick application, easy removal, and minimal shrinkage. They are widely used in various applications, such as automotive electronics, household appliances, and LED lighting systems.

However, these coatings may not be suitable for high-end PCBA boards that require resistance to chemical corrosion and high temperatures. Additionally, due to their high VOC content, the FS technology used in this process is usually carried out in a confined space.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a high-strength polymer commonly used in conformal coatings for electronics due to its flexibility, insulation, rigidity, and chemical resistance properties. While choosing this material for a conformal coating service may result in higher costs, it is worth the investment for high-margin industries such as oil and gas. Because in these industries, electronic products are often exposed to high temperatures and chemical corrosion, which can lead to short circuits in the circuit board.

Despite its many advantages, polyurethane contains a small amount of toxins that can be harmful to human health with long-term exposure. Additionally, it is difficult to remove and may cause damage to components if force is used during removal.

Epoxy

Manufacturers often choose Epoxy as a conformal coating for high-volume PCBA projects due to its simple processing. Epoxy is made using a thermosetting mixture of two elements that cures into a single-unit compound with heat or ultraviolet radiation. Compared to other materials, Epoxy has a longer lifespan and is less prone to paint peeling. The absence of an ester bond in Epoxy means that the aliphatic hydroxyl group contained in the epoxy resin does not react with alkali to form a three-dimensional network structure. As a result, Epoxy conformal coatings have excellent chemical properties and can operate under harsh conditions.

However, Epoxy also has several disadvantages. Epoxy resin contains aryl ether bonds that are easily degraded and broken down under the action of ultraviolet light. Thus, it is not suitable for outdoor applications. Additionally, if component damage occurs after applying this conformal coating, it can be challenging to desolder the component and may require the use of professional tools such as a soldering iron.

Parylene

Compared to other coatings, Parylene is a top choice for industries focused on health, such as infant or food processing industries. Parylene conformal coatings are chemically stable, free of initiators or catalysts in the polymerization reaction, and do not contain ionic impurities. They also do not promote biological growth, ensuring your PCBA board stays sterile. Additionally, Parylene coatings are completely pinhole-free at thicknesses greater than 0.5 micrometers (µ) or 0.25 to 1 millimeter (mm). This is achieved through a unique vapor deposition polymerization process, ensuring even coating on sharp edges, points, flat surfaces, crevices, and exposed inner surfaces without any voids.

However, Parylene conformal coating is one of the most expensive coating options available due to its complicated processes and the need for specialized equipment. As a result, many PCBA manufacturers do not offer this service, but at FS Technology, we provide Parylene conformal coating services to meet the unique needs of our customers.

Silicone​

If your project involves extreme temperatures, silicone conformal coating may be just what you need. It can handle temperatures ranging from -55℃ to 200℃, providing reliable protection against the damaging effects of heat, cold, and moisture on your PCB.

Paraxylylene

Paraxylylene conformal coatings are applied to circuit boards using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. This involves heating paraxylylene to convert it into a gas phase, which is then cooled and polymerized in a cylinder to create a thin film that is applied to the PCBA board.

Summarize

Choosing FS Technology for PCB assembly may not offer specialized conformal coating services like other companies, but our advantage lies in turnkey solutions. We are your loyal partner, providing support from design to delivery to ensure your product is fault-free. For prototyping projects, we offer a free conformal coating service for your board, which provides several benefits:

  • Reduces the overall project cost
  • Prevents performance degradation or damage of the PCBA board in extreme environments
  • Protects the board surface from direct contact with contaminants
  • Reduces whiskering and prevents current flow between adjacent components in a circuit
  • Insulates conductors that connect to each other
  • Reduces the need for complex board enclosures
  • Adds dielectric strength between conductors.
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