Parylene Design Guidelines
Parylene coatings are a unique type of coating that is applied directly onto surfaces as a vapor. It provides excellent dielectric strength and exceptional resistance to moisture, chemicals and extreme temperatures. Because of its vapor coating method, parylene can be applied very thin and still provide excellent circuit board protection. Below we share things to consider when working with parylene to save you money, time and heartache.
MASKING CONSIDERATIONS
Parylene vapor is highly intrusive and will penetrate the smallest of openings to coat everything in its path. Parylene repair and removal is often a difficult and costly process to implement. The masking process is therefore critical to the success of coated parts. Whenever possible, developing the coating process in parallel with the product development results in the most effective and efficient process.
Board Simplicity
Design the board to make it efficient to mask and de-mask the areas to be free of Parylene. For example, flat solder pads are easier to mask when associated components are not yet attached creating complex 3D topographies.
Masking Tolerance
Ensure there is space between components to allow masking materials to be applied efficiently and ensure secure coverage. For example, placing small resistors adjacent to a connector that will require masking may result in the resistor not being parylene coated thoroughly.
Masking Selection
Parylene offers a truly conformal coating without bridging, peeling, or pooling. As a result, choose to mask only when absolutely needed. For example, un-plated holes and other low points will not pool. Heat sinks, dependent on coat thickness, may not meaningfully impact heat dissipation as there is no bridging between individual fins.
COMPONENT CONSIDERATIONS
When selecting components for your board, emphasis should be placed on ‘vapor-friendly’ connectors. Doing so can drastically reduce the amount of masking required. Choose sealed connectors, switches, and relays that have a closed back or bottom without vent holes or alignment pinholes.
Pre-Sealing Connectors
Sealing connectors prior to arriving at the masking stage will reduce overall process cost. Choose silicone or epoxy material to seal connector bases and openings.
Male Connectors
Where applicable, choose male pin type connectors for your board design. Male connectors simplify the masking process by mating with a simple boot to seal. Female sockets require careful and time-consuming masking.
Cables and wires
Parylene is deposited inside a vacuum chamber of fixed size. To make efficient use of chamber’s space constraints avoid cables and wires that protrude from your board. Selecting shorter cable and wires will increase density per batch reducing cost.
FAQs
What are the best practices for masking when working with parylene?
It is important to design the board with simplicity, ensure there is space between components for masking materials, and to choose to mask only when absolutely needed. Components should be sealed prior to the masking stage if possible, and male pin type connectors are recommended over female sockets. Finally, shorter cables and wires should be used to increase density per batch and reduce cost.
How does the parylene process work?
Parylene is a unique type of coating that is applied directly onto surfaces as a vapor. This vapor is highly intrusive and will penetrate the smallest of openings to coat everything in its path. The coating provides excellent dielectric strength and exceptional resistance to moisture, chemicals and extreme temperatures.
What are the benefits of working with parylene?
Parylene offers a truly conformal coating without bridging, peeling, or pooling, and provides excellent dielectric strength and exceptional resistance to moisture, chemicals and extreme temperatures. It can also be applied very thin and still provide excellent circuit board protection.
What are the considerations when selecting components for the board?
Components should be selected that are ‘vapor-friendly’ so as to reduce the amount of masking required. Sealed connectors, switches, and relays that have a closed back or bottom without vent holes or alignment pinholes are optimal. Male pin type connectors are also recommended, as well as shorter cables and wires to increase density per batch.