Conformal Coating Services
Protecting Your Electronic Assemblies for Peak Performance and Longevity
- ITAR Registered and ISO 9001:2015 Certified
- IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721, and J-STD-001 Certified Technicians
- Serving Businesses Nationwide
Why Choose Conformal Coating for Your PCBs?
Essential Protection for Electronic Reliability
Conformal coating is a critical process for protecting printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) from harsh environmental factors, ensuring long-term reliability and performance. It’s not just a layer of protection; it’s an investment in the longevity and consistent operation of your valuable electronics. For businesses with products exposed to different climates and weather factors, this protection is vital.
Addressing Key Pain Points
Many businesses face challenges related to assembly failure due to environmental factors. Consider these common pain points:
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Premature Equipment Failure:
For end users of your assemblies, unexpected downtime due to equipment failure can disrupt operations, leading to lost revenue and increased maintenance costs. This is especially critical for industries like aerospace and the military, where reliability is non-negotiable. -
Reduced Product Lifespan:
Exposure to moisture, dust, or chemicals can significantly shorten the lifespan of electronic products, leading to customer dissatisfaction and warranty claims. -
Performance Degradation:
Even if a product doesn't fail outright, environmental factors can cause performance degradation, leading to inconsistent operation and reduced efficiency. This can be a significant issue for sensitive electronics used in the energy and embedded electronics sectors, for instance. -
Costly Repairs and Replacements:
Repairing or replacing damaged products can be expensive, especially for complex assemblies. Conformal coating significantly reduces the risk of this damage being caused by environmental factors. -
Safety Concerns:
In some applications, PCBA failure can pose safety hazards. Conformal coating adds a layer of protection that can help prevent short circuits and other electrical hazards.
The SisTech Advantage
At SisTech Manufacturing, we provide comprehensive conformal coating services designed to meet the demanding requirements of various industries, addressing these pain points directly. Here’s how conformal coating, applied by our expert team, benefits your electronics:
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Environmental Protection:
Shields assemblies from moisture, dust, chemicals, salt spray, and extreme temperatures, preventing corrosion and degradation. This is essential for applications in diverse climates, with varying risk factors. -
Enhanced Reliability:
Reduces the risk of component failure due to environmental stressors, extending the operational lifespan of your electronic assemblies. -
Improved Dielectric Strength:
Provides an insulating layer that prevents electrical leakage and short circuits, especially in high-voltage applications. -
Mitigation of Tin Whiskers:
Helps prevent the growth of tin whiskers, a known cause of failures in lead-free electronic assemblies. -
Increased Mechanical Strength:
While not the same as underfill or potting, conformal coating adds a layer of physical protection, making the assembly more resistant to vibration and shock. This is crucial for electronics with use in applications such as the Military or Aerospace industries, particularly in demanding environments.
Conformal Coating Capabilities
Material Selection Expertise
SisTech Manufacturing offers conformal coating services to meet your specific project needs. We understand that the choice of coating material is critical to achieving optimal protection. While we are capable of working with a variety of coating types, please contact us to verify we have your needed material on hand. Our team is happy to help you assess your options and make recommendations!
Tailored Solutions for Diverse Needs
We are experts at what coating material and application method works best for any industry. Here is a list of the main coating services we provide:
Acrylic
A cost-effective option offering good moisture and abrasion resistance, suitable for general-purpose applications. It’s easy to apply and rework, making it a popular choice. We have the ability to run low-to-high production of either UV or heat-curable Acrylic coating.
Urethane
Offers excellent chemical and abrasion resistance, suitable for harsh environments. Provides good moisture protection and dielectric strength. We have the ability to run low-to-high production of either UV or heat-curable Urethane coating.
Silicone provides excellent high-temperature resistance and flexibility, ideal for applications with wide temperature fluctuations. It also offers good moisture and chemical resistance. On a case by case basis, we can conduct lower batch quantities of silicone coating; however, it is incompatible with our conformal coating machines and not generally a coating we recommend.
While Sistech does not provide Parylene coating in-house, we can work with our trusted partners should you require Parylene coating services. Parylene is a specialized coating applied via vapor deposition, providing exceptional barrier properties and uniform coverage, even in complex geometries. It is ideal for high-reliability applications requiring extreme protection.
Our Conformal Coating Process
A Step-by-Step Approach to Quality
SisTech Manufacturing follows a rigorous, multi-step process to ensure consistent, high-quality conformal coating application.
This meticulous approach guarantees optimal protection and performance for your PCBs. We emphasize transparency and precision throughout each stage.
Detailed Process Breakdown
Surface Preparation
- Thorough Cleaning: We meticulously clean the PCB assembly surface using specialized cleaning agents to remove any contaminants, including dust, flux residue, and oils.
- Drying: The cleaned PCB is thoroughly dried to ensure no moisture remains, which could compromise coating adhesion and performance.
Masking (If Required)
- Precise Application: Areas that should not be coated (e.g., connectors, test points, specific components, etc.) are carefully masked using specialized tapes, boots, or liquid masking agents.
- Leakage Prevention: We ensure a tight seal around masked areas to prevent coating ingress, which could interfere with the functionality of these components.
- Material Compatibility: We select masking materials that are compatible with the chosen conformal coating and curing process, preventing any adverse reactions.
Coating Application
- Selective Spray Coating: We primarily utilize an automated selective spray coating system (MYC50), providing precise control over coating thickness and coverage. This method is ideal for complex PCBAs with varying component heights, and supports repeatabily precise applications.
- Brushing (Limited Use): In specific cases, we may use manual brushing for small-scale applications or touch-ups. This method offers flexibility but is generally less precise than automated methods.
- Experienced Technicians: Our technicians visually ensure even coverage under UV light to address any common issues ahead of curing.
Curing
- Controlled Environment: The coated PCB assembly is cured according to the manufacturer's specifications in a controlled environment, ensuring optimal coating properties.
- UV Curing: UV-curable coatings are cured using ultraviolet light, providing rapid curing and excellent chemical resistance. These newer coatings are great at balancing the best properties from acrylic and urethane coatings, in addition to curing quickly. Sistech’s AUV150 fusion-lamp curing system is capable of curing the entire spectrum of UV-curable coatings.
- Heat Curing: Many coatings require heat curing to achieve full cure and optimal performance. Specific timing and temperature profiles are required to ensure no manufacturing defects arise during heat cure.
- Air Drying: Some coatings are air-dried at room temperature.
Inspection
- Advanced Optical Imaging Inspection: The coated and cured PCB assembly is inspected using our state-of-the-art i70XS conformal coating AOI machine. This machine helps to ensure each assembly has a consistent and uniform coating in accordance with IPC-A-610 specifications and thicknesses. It also identifies any defects that are common in the industry, such as bubbling, orange peeling, and pinholes.
Demasking (If Required)
- Masking Removal: Masking materials are carefully removed after the coating has fully cured, ensuring no damage to the underlying components or the coating itself.
- Residue Inspection: We inspect the demasked areas to ensure no masking residue remains, which could interfere with the assembly’s functionality.
This process ensures the PCBA is protected to the highest standards, meeting the stringent requirements of industries across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Rigorous Quality Control and Inspection
Commitment to Uncompromising Quality
Quality is paramount at SisTech Manufacturing. We maintain strict quality control throughout the conformal coating process, adhering to IPC-A-610 standards, one of the cornerstones of quality in the electronics manufacturing industry. Our inspection capabilities include:
Comprehensive Inspection Methods
UV Inspection
For coatings containing UV tracers, we utilize UV lamps to inspect for coating presence and uniformity, ensuring complete coverage.
Advanced Optical Inspection Machine
We use our new i70XS conformal coating AOI machine to inspect each assembly for adherence to industry standards, ensure no defects exist, and verify the coating thickness is within specifications to provide adequate protection.
Visual Inspection
Trained technicians, certified to IPC-A-610, visually inspect coated assemblies under magnification for defects such as uneven coverage, bubbles, voids, fisheyes, and contamination.
Adhesion Testing (Optional)
We may perform adhesion testing, such as cross-hatch testing, to verify the coating’s adhesion to the PCB substrate.
Lot Tracking and Traceability
We can perform lot tracking and traceability for all assemblies, providing full documentation of the coating process, materials used, and inspection results. This is particularly important for clients in regulated industries.
Our commitment to quality ensures that your assemblies receive the highest level of protection, meeting the demands of your application and exceeding industry standards.
This dedication extends to our services nationwide.
Industries We Serve
Protecting Critical Electronics Across Sectors
SisTech Manufacturing’s conformal coating services are crucial for a wide range of industries where long-term electronic reliability is critical, including:
Specific Industry Applications
Aerospace
Protecting sensitive electronics from extreme temperatures, vibration, and atmospheric conditions encountered in flight and space applications. This includes components used in navigation, communication, and control systems.
Defense
Ensuring the reliable operation of mission-critical equipment in harsh environments, including extreme temperatures, humidity, and exposure to sand, dust, and chemicals. This covers applications such as communication systems, weapons guidance, and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) equipment.
Energy
Safeguarding electronics used in solar power, wind energy, and other renewable energy applications. This includes components in inverters, control systems, and monitoring equipment.
Embedded Systems
Providing robust protection for embedded devices used in various applications, including industrial automation, medical devices, and automotive electronics.
Consumer Electronics
While many consumer products are manufactured overseas, we offer competitive solutions for high-reliability applications and niche markets where superior protection and performance is required.
We are expanding our reach to serve clients nationwide, especially in the Pacific Northwest, Huntsville, Denver, and the DMV area, with a focus on the defense ecosystem and other industries requiring high-reliability electronics. Our expertise and capabilities make us a trusted partner for businesses in these regions.
Our Commitment to Your Success
Partnership for Long-Term Reliability
SisTech Manufacturing is dedicated to providing the highest quality conformal coating services. We are more than just a service provider; we are a partner in ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of your electronic assemblies. Our Bend, Oregon facility is equipped and staffed to serve the greater Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Experience and Expertise
Our experienced team, state-of-the-art equipment, and rigorous quality control processes ensure that your electronic assemblies are protected and perform reliably, even in the most challenging environments. We provide comprehensive feedback and DFM (Design for Manufacturing) recommendations to improve yields on complex assemblies, setting us apart from other providers. We understand the unique challenges faced by businesses in various industries and are committed to providing tailored solutions.
Protect Your Electronics Today
Get Started with a Free Consultation
Ready to discuss your conformal coating needs? Contact SisTech Manufacturing for a free consultation and quote. We’ll help you choose the best coating solution for your project and ensure the long-term reliability of your electronic assemblies. Our team is ready to answer your questions and provide expert guidance.
Multiple Contact Options
Frequently Asked Questions about Conformal Coating
Addressing Common Inquiries
Below are some frequently asked questions about our conformal coating services:
Detailed Answers to Key Questions
We offer a variety of conformal coating types, with primary focus on Acrylic (Type AR) and Urethane (Type UR). We are able to support lower batch quantities of Silicone (Type SR) inhouse, and have trusted partners externally to support Parylene coating needs. Each type offers different benefits in terms of cost, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and ease of application. Contact us to discuss the best option for your specific project requirements.
Turnaround time depends on factors such as coating type, quantity, complexity of the assembly, and current workload. We offer quick-turn prototype builds and can provide up-to-date estimated lead times upon request. We strive to meet your deadlines while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Our conformal coating process adheres to IPC-A-610 standards with coatings themselves meeting IPC-CC-830C; our technicians are IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721, and J-STD-001 certified. We are also ISO 9001:2015 and ITAR registered, demonstrating our commitment to quality and compliance.
Yes, we can provide lot tracking and traceability for assemblies, providing complete documentation of the materials used, processes performed, and inspection results.
Yes, our selective coating process and masking capabilities allow us to coat boards with a wide variety of components, including sensitive components and those with unusual geometries. The MYC50 is fully equipped with high-precision coating capabilities such as a synchronous three-vale system and closed-loop flow monitor feedback. We carefully mask areas that should not be coated, ensuring precise application and protection.
We are located at 63068 Lower Meadow Drive, Bend, OR 97701. We currently serve customers nationwide.
Conformal coating is a thin, protective layer applied to the surface of a PCB, conforming to its shape. Potting, on the other hand, involves completely encasing the PCB in a solid or gel-like material. Conformal coating is typically used for environmental protection, while potting provides additional mechanical support and vibration damping. Should any problems arise, most conformal coatings can be reworked. This is not always the case with potting materials.
The best conformal coating for your application depends on several factors, including the operating environment, performance requirements, required lead-times, and budget. Our team can help you evaluate these factors and select the most appropriate coating material and application method. We’ll consider factors like temperature range, humidity, exposure to chemicals, and required dielectric strength. Many of our current customers use UV40 by HumiSeal, which offers some of the best properties from both acrylic and urethane, while boasting a curing time of seconds versus hours.
