Are Parylene Noodles a Defect?

Posted by Sean Horn on Fri, Apr 6, 2018

Unlike liquid conformal coatings joined to substrate surfaces by wet application methods, polymeric parylene (XY) uses a unique chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process to assure adherence.  There is no intermediate liquid phase.  Rather, cross-link polymerization of powdered raw XY-dimer converts the solid to a vapor at the molecular level, polymerizing XY directly as a transparent […]

Conformal Coating Removal Standards

Posted by Sean Horn on Fri, Feb 17, 2017

If problems in a conformal coating defy reliable repair, coating removal may be the only solution.  Removing conformal coating from PCBs requires matching removal methodology with coating type and the component’s function.  A variety of factors – bubbles/voids, coating thickness, component failure, inadequate masking, poor adhesion, surface finish, among many others – can necessitate coati

Cracking in Conformal Coating: Major Causes and Preventative Strategies

Posted by Sean Horn on Fri, Feb 10, 2017

Conformal coatings protect printed circuit boards (PCBs) and similar electronic assemblies used for a wide range of aerospace, automotive, consumer, defense and medical applications.  Coatings effectively cover PCBs, shielding them from contaminants, liquid incursions, temperature fluctuations and other conditions potentially hazardous to component performance.  However, problems can develop if