Parylene Conformal Coating: What You Need To Know
Parylene conformal coating is a vapor-deposited polymer film widely used to protect sensitive components from moisture, chemicals, and environmental contaminants.
As a leader in surface protection solutions, we at A&A Coatings understand the importance of reliable barriers, especially for applications that demand long-term performance under stress. This coating method offers exceptional coverage and is trusted across industries ranging from medical technology to aerospace and advanced electronics.
What Is Parylene Conformal Coating?
Parylene is not applied like traditional wet coatings. Instead, it is deposited through a vapor phase process. This is where the raw dimer is vaporized, pyrolyzed, and then polymerized directly onto the surface in a vacuum environment.
The result is a thin, uniform, pinhole-free layer that conforms to the smallest crevices and contours of the substrate. Because it is applied at room temperature and without solvents, the integrity of delicate components remains fully intact throughout the process.
The transparency and thinness of parylene films also mean that it doesn’t interfere with optical, electrical, or mechanical performance. For components requiring high-precision and long-lasting reliability, parylene brings a solution that is as technically advanced as it is versatile.
Protective Benefits Across Industries
What sets parylene apart is its unique combination of performance traits. Its moisture barrier capabilities surpass those of traditional coatings. This makes it an excellent choice for electronics exposed to humid environments or condensation. It also resists chemical attacks from acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, all without degrading the surface or releasing unwanted byproducts.
Parylene offers strong electrical insulation and helps circuit boards and sensors function well under high voltages. In friction-heavy industries, its dry lubricity reduces wear and drag without using oils or greases.
Because parylene is biostable and biocompatible, it is commonly used to coat medical implants and instruments. The coating’s ability to withstand sterilization techniques like gamma radiation and autoclaving adds to its appeal in healthcare and biotech settings.
How the Process Works
The application process begins with cleaning and masking the component to guarantee a contamination-free surface.
Once loaded into the deposition chamber, the parylene dimer is vaporized under vacuum. It is then pyrolyzed into a reactive monomer gas. This gas flows over the substrate and polymerizes directly onto the surface, forming the conformal layer.
This process continues evenly across all exposed surfaces and results in a coating that follows every curve, crevice, and detail—something that traditional liquid coatings can’t replicate. The thickness can be precisely controlled, often ranging from fractions of a micron to several microns, depending on the application.
Applications That Rely on Parylene
Electronics manufacturers use parylene to protect PCBs, sensors, LEDs, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that are vulnerable to moisture and corrosion.
Aerospace engineers use Parylene to maintain operational stability in equipment exposed to temperature extremes, vibration, and potential chemical exposure. Automotive manufacturers also use Parylene to protect connectors, sensors, and control units from road salts, oil, and dust.
In the medical field, parylene has proven invaluable for coating catheters, stents, pacemaker components, and surgical tools. Its FDA-approved biocompatibility and inert behavior inside the body make it a trusted choice for long-term implants.
Why Choose A&A Coatings for Parylene Application
With decades of experience in industrial surface treatments, we’ve helped clients across the globe safeguard their equipment using cutting-edge coating technologies. Our team at A&A Coatings works closely with each client to understand their product specifications, performance goals, and environmental challenges.
With parylene conformal coating alongside our broad portfolio of thermal spray services, we give our partners access to custom solutions built on precision, protection, and reliability. Our in-house facilities are designed to handle both high-volume production and specialized prototype runs with equal attention to quality and turnaround.
At A&A Coatings, we’re committed to helping you protect what matters, be it a complex electronic assembly or a life-saving medical device. Get in touch with us to learn how our parylene and other advanced coating services can support your project from start to finish.
