A side-by-side comparison of three thin film coating technologies for electronic applications.
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R&D product leaders like you and me drive innovation. We turn ideas and problems into safe and manufacturable products by exploring new technologies, materials, and processes to meet technical needs and customer expectations. One such need and expectation is the development of smaller, "smarter," more reliable components and products.
Protective coatings, particularly thin films (materials with thicknesses ranging from a few nanometers to a few micrometers), are one way to enable this development. Three of these coating techniques are thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), and Plasma-enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD). Each of these techniques can deposit a wide range of materials. However, here we are going to refer to them as the techniques used to deposit HZO Guardian (Parylene), HZO Defender (thin ceramic), and HZO Sentinel Zero (layered hydrophobic) coatings using the respective methods.
Read more about HZO Guardian Plus Parylene Coatings
Understand Sentinel Zero PECVD Coatings
Let's examine the basic science behind each coating and the pros and cons of each. By the end of this overview, you should have a good idea of which option might be best for you, but I'll sum things up with some generalizations and questions you and your team can ask as you continue your research. This won’t be as much of a scientific paper, but rather a plain-language or conversational explanation of the concepts. If you’d like a deeper dive into the science, feel free to contact me personally and set up a meeting.
But before I dive in, let's align on what aspects of the coating you will likely be interested in. I realize everyone's knowledge of thin film coatings may vary. My company has a resource page, and I also recommend this paper by Vasilyev here to explore the science of thin film coatings further. However, in general, depending on your product, you might prioritize understanding the following:
Conformality: Can the coating reach deep crevices and cover 3D geometries evenly?
Barrier Properties: How well does it block moisture, oxygen, or gases?
Mechanical Properties: Will it withstand abrasion or flexing?
Dielectric Performance: Is it insulating enough for sensitive or higher-power electronics?
UV Resistance: Will it hold up in direct sunlight or sterilization conditions?
Process Constraints: These include throughput, masking needs, temperature, etc.
With those criteria in mind, let's look at Parylene, ALD, and PECVD coatings. For transparency, these are the coatings we offer or have offered at my company, HZO, which is also why I can speak to the science. I optimize and solve problems with these materials and processes every day.
Parylene is a vapor-deposited polymer known for uniformly coating complex shapes and internal crevices. This is thanks to its long-lived reactive species, which can travel deep into structures before reacting.
Parylene is deposited using a thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, which means it has a better “throw,” allowing you to get really conformal around components. The thermal activation of the precursor molecules typically allows the activation to last longer than an electrical activation. Parylene would be able to get inside smaller or deeper crevices, and you'd be able to coat hidden and difficult to reach areas that you normally can't conformally coat in a dip coating process.
The coating is also flexible, but thick. And by thick - I mean relatively thick. Compared to an acrylic conformal coating, Parylene coatings are typically half as thick. But we're comparing it to the coatings yielded by the other two techniques in this overview - PECVD and ALD.
A common Parylene coating project is 7-25 microns thick, PECVD coatings could be 6 microns thick, but they are routinely 0.8-2.7 microns thick, and ALD coatings get even thinner. This is typical, but at HZO, we do a lot of customization, so if you have a question about a different thickness, please reach out.
A low magnification SEM image (left) and a corresponding Cl (chlorine) map (right) of a cross-section of a board-to-board connector. Note that the 10-micron thick coating covers the surfaces of the thin gap under the connector, reaching as far as the edge of the opening allowed it to.
If you need to coat underneath pins or if you need to coat in some crevices, then Parylene's a good balance between having something that's really conformal and not too thin versus something that's not conformal enough. I'll sum up Parylene's strengths and limitations below.Snapshot of the ALD Process.
Snapshot of the PECVD Process.
Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) is a plasma-assisted deposition technique that offers flexibility and speed. At HZO, our PECVD applied coatings excel in applications requiring thinner coatings (<6 microns) and at these thinner coating levels they give better protection than the equivalent thickness of a parylene coating. They can be hydrophobic, more oleophobic, transparent to high frequencies, and UV resistant.
Get Technical Datasheet for Sentinel Zero – UV resistant, PFOS & PFAS-free PECVD Coatings
Get Technical Datasheet for EX – Transparent to High Frequencies (Low Loss Tangent), Omniphobic
Have more questions about the different properties of our PECVD coatings? Contact me.
PECVD-applied coatings can be deposited quickly and made in layers. For example, you can have a hard layer that is less conformal and more of a line-of-sight coating, and you could include that with a more conformal layer that is softer, but penetrates deeper into crevices. Then, the last or top layer could be a highly hydrophobic layer to prevent liquid water from ingressing into the stack or it could be harder layer to prevent the stack from being scratched.
PECVD coatings are a lot more conformal than many other coating techniques, but out of the three coatings we are discussing here, the PECVD coatings are less conformal because you have to activate your species electrically in a plasma, and that activated chemical has a limited lifetime.
In other words, if the travel time required before your activated gas reacts with a surface is too great because the area to coat is too far away or around too many corners, then that area will get less to no coating. The activated species has a limited time remaining active once it leaves the plasma zone.
Our PECVD coatings are often chosen for their hydrophobic properties and UV resistance, which are crucial in specific applications. Take hydrophobicity. Water carries ions, and those ions help transport electricity and water itself. All devices run on some kind of electricity. So we want to prevent the water from staying on the board and causing damage from the ions. The hydrophobicity prevents the water from staying on the board if the board isn’t immersed in water.
Think about the typical use case for electronic devices—most entail only temporary exposure to water. Even though our PECVD coatings can be tailored for longer exposure to water, sweat, or other harmful solutions in tests such as the IPX7 or IPX8 tests, all of our PECVD coatings are significantly hydrophobic regardless of thickness. For example, we will probably spill water on our laptop; we won't use it underneath a pool. Hydrophobicity helps a lot with that. If the water gets into a little crack, capillary forces keep it in. If everything is hydrophilic, the water will want to stay in these cracks.
Of course, this causes problems you may not see with your computer right after the spill, but later on, corrosion develops because the water is still stuck in there.
Hydrophobicity helps the water not want to be there anymore. It pushes it out and helps it evaporate quickly, preventing the water from sitting on your device for too long. Meanwhile, UV resistance is critical for any application outside and not already in some kind of housing. Other coatings will degrade and break down in UV exposure, and so will their protection. This isn't the case with PECVD coatings.
A huge benefit of going with a thinner PECVD coating is the potential for cost savings. Six microns or less is generally the cut-off for costs. If you can keep close to this thickness layer, you can have punch-through capabilities. This means that when you have a connection that's often removed and put back on, you're punching through the coating once you plug in that connection.
It is true that if you remove that connection from where it was plugged in, it isn't protected anymore. But other products like greases can help protect that area from water ingress, so if you want to plug in and unplug something while it's underwater, then greasing up that connection will help a lot, but as mentioned above a product with a thin plasma coating wouldn’t be constantly used in an underwater environment.
This will drastically reduce or eliminate the need for masking parts, reducing the price of the coating process and the cost of repairing it. If you need some areas without coating, you can use shadow masking, which is much cheaper than actual masking with glues.
Another benefit of the thin PECVD coatings is their ability to be transparent for high-frequency signals like radio waves, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other signals that your device will be sending or receiving. One reason for this is the thin nature of the PECVD coatings, and the other is the low loss tangent of the chemistry used in our Sentinel EX coatings.
Moderate
Dielectric Properties Excellent ModerateGood
Mechanical Properties Flexible, relatively thick Fragile (ceramic) Softer than Parylene WVTR/Barrier Performance Good, relatively thick Excellent, thin Moderate UV Resistance Low Moderate High Hydrophobicity Moderate Low High Process Speed Moderate Slow Fast Masking Complexity High High Moderate-Low Coating Cost (Speed+Masking) Moderate High Low-Moderate Best Use Case Flexible, dielectric Ultra-thin, barrier UV, incidentalWhat are the common factors influencing the choice of one coating technology over another?
Factors to think about are what environment your end product is going to be in and what the coating will cost. Do you have something that's going to be underwater all the time and can cost more? Parylene is your best bet. Do you need to ensure that there's no particular ingress of a certain gas species in your environment? You might need an ALD coating to help with the protection you need. And if you need this to be out in a UV environment where we don't want any of it to degrade, then a plasma coating is a better choice. Do you just need to extend the life of your product by keeping water and sweat away? Then, a hydrophobic PECVD coating would work great.
Another factor is longevity. Do you want your product to last for years? Tens of years? Hundreds? We know that the longer you want a coating and its protection and enhancement to last, usually, the bigger, the thicker, and the more durable the coating needs to be. Most of our plasma coatings are thinner and help you protect a product from incidentals, but not for continuous immersion uses, although mass production coatings with a harder outer layer are being developed.
Ultimately, though, I'm afraid there's no "winning" coating here. Only the right tool for the job. Some good questions to ask as you continue your research might be:
And some general advice?
Have you ever considered reliability and its relationship with your company’s reputation and revenue? I’ll be the first to admit that the Parylene and thin film coatings we manufacture at HZO might not be the hottest topic to discuss at executive networking functions. Still, they enhance electronics, enabling them to survive in extremely harsh environments. And reliability is good economics. Every dependable product you deliver today strengthens your business tomorrow.
Protective coatings, often considered a minor detail in product development or infrastructure planning, are, in fact, critical to long-term performance, financial outcomes, and customer satisfaction. By investing strategically in coating technologies, businesses can significantly reduce warranty claims, extend asset life, improve operational uptime, and strengthen brand reputation. It is time that business leaders reframe protective coatings not as a cost center but as a high-impact lever for business success.
In nearly every sector, downtime, product failures, and maintenance costs are rising.
The average cost of unplanned downtime across industries is approximately $260,000 per hour (Source).
Equipment failure remains the most common cause of unplanned downtime in manufacturing. With the average manufacturer facing 800 hours of unplanned machine maintenance annually, mechanical issues represent a persistent challenge to manufacturing efficiency (Source).
The annual cost of downtime is now $129 million per facility among Fortune Global 500 companies, up 65% on the last survey in -20 (Source).
Concurrent with rising costs, customers expect longer-lasting, more resilient products. Reliability is no longer just a technical requirement—it’s a competitive differentiator. Neglecting protective coatings can increase lifecycle costs, lost contracts, and reputational damage. The question is not whether you can afford to invest in coatings—it’s whether you can afford not to.
Reliability is like electricity in your home - you don't always notice it when it's there, but the moment it's gone, everything comes to a halt.
Protective coatings guard against corrosion, chemical exposure, weathering, mechanical wear, and strong electrical activity. When applied properly, they form a frontline defense that dramatically increases product durability. Across industries—from automotive to infrastructure to electronics—companies have faced costly setbacks due to coating failures. A proactive strategy around coatings shifts businesses from reactive maintenance to preventative performance assurance.
Warranty claims are expensive and erode customer trust. Parylene and thin film coating systems can dramatically lower the frequency of field failures, reducing the volume and severity of warranty-related costs.
The U.S.-based consumer electronics industry paid $100 million in claims during (Source).
The U.S.-based semiconductor industry spent a total of $761 million on product warranty claims in (Source).
The U.S.-based aerospace industry as a whole spent $1.008 billion on warranty claims during calendar (Source).
Unplanned downtime can cost companies thousands—sometimes millions—per hour. Coatings that prevent corrosion or surface degradation extend maintenance cycles and allow equipment to operate longer. In industries like energy and manufacturing, where uptime is directly tied to revenue, even marginal improvements in product performance can yield exponential financial returns.
Uptime is directly proportional to production, meaning increased uptime leads to higher production levels (Source).
High uptime reduces the risk of accidents and associated liabilities.
Consistent uptime builds trust with stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory bodies.
Extending an asset's usable life delays capital expenditures and reduces waste. High-performance coatings contribute to this by mitigating wear and degradation over time. The cumulative impact? Lower total cost of ownership, fewer part replacements, and improved sustainability metrics—all of which are increasingly valued by investors and customers alike.
How Extended Product Life Lowers TCO:
Reliability isn't just about preventing problems—it's your silent sales engine, quietly turning customer trust into consistent, long-term revenue.
Investing in coatings offers intangible but highly strategic benefits. Products that last longer and fail less frequently are easier to sell. They build customer loyalty. They reinforce your reputation for quality. And in many cases, they help meet environmental and safety regulations. Enhancing components with Parylene and thin film coatings helps companies position themselves not just as manufacturers but as long-term partners.
A selection of HZO Customers
To fully capitalize on coatings, leaders must evaluate more than up-front costs. They need to consider lifecycle cost analysis, historical failure data, and customer feedback. Business leaders collaborate with R&D and product teams to assess where coatings can yield the highest returns. This isn’t just about materials science—it’s about strategic alignment and long-term thinking.
It’s time to lead with reliability. Protective coatings are more than a protective layer; they’re a strategic investment. By prioritizing performance from the surface up, we can reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and differentiate our offerings in a crowded market. Reliability isn’t just an engineering metric. It’s a brand promise, and coatings are how we keep it. Contact our team to talk about how we can help your business deliver reliability today.
If you're reading this article on ensuring good Parylene adhesion, chances are you already know a bit about Parylene and its properties, and now you're more curious about the process. As the Process Engineer Manager at HZO, I can't stress enough how beneficial streamlined, optimized production processes are when bringing our customer concepts to life.
Read more about Parylene masking
Our customers come from different industries but tend to want one thing in common—a durable, high-performance coating. Parylene needs good adhesion to do that.
You already understand the importance of a clean, well-prepared surface from daily life. When was the last time you waxed your car without washing it first? If you applied wax over a dirty, dusty, or greasy surface, the wax wouldn't bond adequately; there would be streaks, uneven coverage, and poor protection.
Similarly, if a PCBA isn't adequately cleaned before applying a Parylene coating, contaminants prevent it from adhering well, leading to weak coverage and potential failure. Surface preparation is understood and used across various industries—from chefs thoroughly cleaning a non-stick pan of debris before cooking to nail salons, filing and buffing nails, and swabbing them with acetone before applying paint.
Yet, it is a concept that I feel isn't discussed enough when we talk about coating reliability. I'm going to explain why surface prep and cleaning might be more important than you think and give you an overview of the process so you can walk away with some actionable tips to use on your production line. I will go into precise cleaning techniques, so if you are an assembler and your goal is to clean your PCBAs and components before sending them to be coated, you will also find value in this post.
But first, let's talk about why your assemblies and components need surface prep.
Surface preparation and board cleaning are hot topics in our industry, and an entire history of why this is a debate would be beyond the scope of this article. If you are looking for that type of deep dive, Aqueous has a great reference.
I've observed, anecdotally, in my career that prospective customers often choose to skip surface preparation during sampling, and this can correlate with poor coating adhesion. Despite explaining the importance of surface preparation for achieving strong adhesion, we've encountered situations where, when we first recommend cleaning and outline the risks of not doing so—such as encapsulating contaminants like dust or dirt—prospects often decline to proceed with cleaning in order to save on costs or processing time.
While there are cases where the outcome is acceptable, failures frequently occur due to contaminants trapped on the board. Given that not all potential sources of contamination on the manufacturing floor are immediately visible to the naked eye, our partners may be misled into skipping this crucial step. This can lead to issues down the line, as even invisible contaminants can compromise the quality of the coating adhesion and ultimately can lead to corrosion and other reliability issues.
This can frustrate our partners because of wasted time and resources, as we will have to start again, this time with surface preparation. However, it's somewhat understandable if you don't consider all of the possible sources of contamination on the manufacturing floor that may not even be visible to the human eye.
Contamination Sources
● Flux residues
● Material handling
● Upstream/ Downstream
● Touch up and Repair
● Fingerprints
● Dirt
● Lint
● Skin oils
● Hand Lotions
● Salts from worker perspiration
● Particulate matter in the air from cardboard
Think of these tiny contaminants as ticking time bombs when they come between the Parylene coating and your component. The coating may not lift right away - causing delamination - but only time will tell if you have a huge issue on your hands. If you're not a fan of risk, read about how to ensure good Parylene adhesion with surface prep and precise cleaning techniques.
Read about Parylene removal
Again, proper preparation of the substrate is crucial for the coating to adhere correctly. The surface should be clean (as possible) and free of contaminants that could interfere with the bonding process. First, use appropriate cleaning agents for the substrate to remove grease, dirt, oil, and other contaminants.
The choice of cleaning agent depends on the type of contamination and the material of the substrate. Common cleaning agents include:
Solvent and Aqueous-Based Cleaners
● Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): Effective for removing light oils, grease, and flux residues.
● Alkaline Detergents: Solutions containing surfactants, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, break down organic contaminants.
● Citrus-Based Cleaners: Environmentally friendly options that dissolve oils and grease.
● Deionized (DI) Water with Detergents: Used for water-soluble contaminants and light residues.
At HZO, we commonly recommend an ultrasonic wash and bake for precision removal and less abrasive cleaning. The ultrasonic wash uses high-frequency sound waves in a cleaning solution to remove contaminants such as dust, oils, and residues from the substrate at a microscopic level.
This method provides deep, uniform cleaning, especially for intricate or delicate components. Following this, the bake step involves heating the substrate to eliminate moisture and volatile residues that could interfere with the adhesion and uniformity of the parylene coating. Together, these steps enhance coating reliability, ensuring a clean and stable surface for deposition.
Specific pre-treatment surface modification steps may be required depending on the material, such as aluminum, steel, or plastic. You can use physical surface modification to give the Parylene physical roughness to latch onto. At HZO, we use plasma to roughen the surface and increase the surface area for adhesion. In this process, bombardment by active Argon atoms causes roughening at the molecular level.
You can also use chemical surface modification methods. These give coatings like Parylene a chemically attractive surface on which to bond. We use adhesion promotors such as silane to create a stronger bond.
Cleaning is not just about removing visible dirt; it also involves eliminating microscopic contaminants that could prevent the coating from bonding or make customer parts appear aesthetically unappealing. We tailor the cleaning method to the contamination and the substrate. Sensitive substrates cannot handle all cleaning methods.
For example, isopropyl alcohol is sometimes used to clean surfaces. We avoid solvent cleaning unless we know it's the proper solvent for the material to prevent damage or ensure no residues that could affect adhesion. After using solvents, we recommend using dry, filtered air to blow off any remaining residues or moisture.
The following chart describes types of substrate materials and their reactions to cleaning methods.
Compressed Air and Ionizers
Compressed air and air ionizers play a crucial role in the final stages of surface preparation for Parylene coating by ensuring no residual contaminants remain on the substrate. Dry, filtered compressed air, used in short bursts to avoid dislodging components, can remove any remaining dust, lint, or microscopic debris that may have settled after previous cleaning steps. This step is crucial for intricate or delicate components where trapped particles could compromise coating uniformity.
Alongside compressed air, air ionizers are often used to help neutralize static charges that attract dust and contaminants to the surface, especially in environments with sensitive electronics or plastic components. By eliminating electrostatic forces, air ionizers prevent airborne particles from re-adhering, ensuring a clean, contamination-free surface for optimal Parylene adhesion and performance.
Environmental conditions, such as room cleanliness, can affect the quality of a coating application. Specks of dirt, lint, or other particulates in the air could easily land on the components or assemblies. Keep items such as cardboard boxes off the floor and the production line orderly.
The process is always essential. To avoid contamination before coating, ensure that the coated parts are not exposed to contaminants like dust, as contaminants on the surface may interfere with adhesion.
Additionally, industry standards, such as IPC-A-610, provide recommended practices for safely handling electronic assemblies to minimize the amount of contamination. Recommendations include:
Personnel must be trained and follow appropriate ESD practices and procedures.
Never transport ESDS devices unless proper packaging is applied.
Regarding customer projects, we never make any assumptions, no matter how optimized or streamlined the process is. Test everything. We use cross-hatch testing internally to ensure our coating bonded well.
Cross-hatch testing is a widely used method for evaluating the adhesion strength of coatings to a substrate. This test involves making precise cuts in the coating, typically in a grid or cross-hatch pattern, using a sharp blade or specialized cutter. After scoring the surface, adhesive tape is applied and quickly removed to assess how much the coating detaches. The adhesion is then rated based on the percentage of coating removed, with classifications ranging from excellent adhesion (no coating loss) to poor adhesion (significant peeling or flaking). Cross-hatch testing provides a quick and reliable way to assess coating durability and performance, ensuring that coatings meet quality and industry standards before being subjected to real-world conditions.
When people contact us about Parylene coating, it's typically about a property they’ll need to meet a spec or solve a problem. For example, they need superior corrosion resistance. They'll also need good adhesion, which means they'll need good surface prep.
My team and I work daily to bring customer visions to life through streamlined, dependable processes. Our problem-solving skills save our customers money and time and enable and enhance our amazing technology at HZO.
In the coming months, I'll share more about how you can use the process to do the same for your company. Of course, I can't share the custom solutions we've developed for our partners, but I'm happy to provide value where I can.
Do you have questions about process engineering in Parylene or surface preparation? Use the contact form to send me a message, and I'll get back to you. Otherwise, learn more about the Parylene coating process in its entirety.
For nearly 13 years, I've had the opportunity to represent HZO at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) every year in Las Vegas. Whether it was doing interviews (when I was apparently a child), or showcasing TVs underwater with HZO Protection, HZO has always had a presence at the event to share how we can help protect any of the products unveiled at the show from harsh environments.
While some can't think of anything worse than being in Vegas for a week with hundreds of thousands of people staring at shiny objects that may never be released, I professionally and personally love this event to check out the latest technology brought together and unveiled in the desert of Nevada.
This year, while busy at our booth in South 3 showcasing a Raspberry Pi underwater to interested attendees, I managed to break away to walk the (many) show floors to see the latest and greatest that CES had to offer. Here's just a few of the trends I noticed.
Just the Beginning
Yes, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere today, and CES, the world's largest technology tradeshow, certainly isn't the exception. Since a brand can only steal an attendee's attention for a few seconds, it's hard to really see and appreciate any AI baked into a piece of hardware, but that doesn't mean companies didn't try.
Whether in smartglasses, robots, kitchen appliances, or fitness devices, AI will likely continue to enter the products you use every day to (hopefully) make them smarter, more efficient, and user friendly.
What is running the AI though? The answer is software and hardware and NVIDIA seems to be leading the charge on both fronts, winning the official Best of CES award.
Sit. Good robot.
Robots have always seemed to be part of the vision of the future, and exhibitors at CES did their best to convince you that the future is now. Walking robots, purse robots, cute robots, creepy robots, pool robots, robots that pick up your socks, and so, so much more.
Some went the route of what I'll call 'traditional' robots. Humanoid shapes that move, walk, and interact with the world around them, even shaking hands.
Meet and Greet at Old World Labs Booth
Old World Labs showcased their robot, which did all of the above and more. This was impressive because as of a few years ago, this sort of technology seemed to be only found in large companies like Boston Dynamics or Honda's Asimo, but it could now be found in several obscure booths around the event.
Other companies seem to be seeking to bypass the 'robot' vibe altogether and get as close to human replication as they can. One such company is Realbotix, which is creating lifelike robots with the goal of assisting in markets such as media and entertainment, corporate services, health care, and companionship. In the picture below, the robot moved its eyes to make direct eye contact with me, possibly looking into my soul. May I help you?
Big Smart Glasses is Watching
Like robotics, I was surprised to see how many AR/VR glasses by lesser-known brands were scattered throughout the event. The definition of smart glasses is mixed. Some promise to augment your life by projecting content on your lenses or analyzing what you're looking at through the lens of AI, while others simply offer built-in audio capabilities or lens color-changing functionality.
Ray Ban's Meta glasses seem to be a leader in the market now, but if CES is any indicator, many companies are hoping to have a piece of the pie. One company that stood out to me was Halliday. These glasses promise AI on board for meeting notes or questions and a built in projector for a teleprompter, notifications, or directions displayed on the lenses. What is most intriguing is the design which at first glance, looks like normal glasses, as well as a launch day price of $369.
Image: PocketBook
When people hear E Ink, they immediately think of their eReader that is likely gathering dust at home. The truth is, E Ink (or ePaper) has progressed a lot the past few years, including color options, and has found its way into interesting applications.
First up is the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G. It would be easy to pass by this among the sea of screens at the event, but this product has a unique switch that promises to improve the reading experience and battery life of the device. How? Toggle the switch on the side and the colorful screen slowly fades away, revealing a E Ink style screen that promises to be easier on the eyes and week long battery life when in 'Max Ink Mode'.
Look Ma, no color.
I will preface, that although it looks like E Ink, the display is not the technology we know and love, but does give a similar benefit of easy to read and preservation of power.
Pocketbook, an eReader company that has worked with HZO to protect their eReaders in the past, launched InkPoster, a 31.5" digital poster that showcases color E Ink, allowing you to display – and swap, vibrant art in your home with a year long battery life.
HZO CES Crew: Ryan Moore (author), James Tosh, and Joseph Juan
I just scratched the surface of all the tech that was debuted at CES . One thing I've noticed over the years of attending though is just how much the definition of 'consumer electronics' has expanded. The products we use every day are becoming electrified, smarter, faster, smaller, and changing the way we live, and where we experience them. That's one of the reasons we attend CES every year, to help exhibitors and attendees alike know that they can push the boundaries of innovation even more without the threat of harsh environments. See you in Vegas in .
Biocompatibility is vital to medical device safety. It ensures implants and other devices can be used in and on the body with minimal adverse reactions. Medical devices must be highly biocompatible, as they often contact the body's internal tissues and fluids.
Parylene's biocompatibility is crucial for its use in medical devices. Additionally, Parylene is physiologically non-reactive and isn't toxic.
Medical professionals and device makers rely on strict biocompatibility testing for safety. They follow established standards, especially ISO and the USP VI Standard.
A complete analysis of Parylene shows it is biocompatible. It meets the strict standards for medical device use. Third-party sources have tested the material, and it causes no harm to tissues or body fluids. Parylene's chemical inertness makes it compatible. It provides a safe interface between the device and human tissue.
Parylene's chemistry and structure make it biocompatible. It meets the USP's highest, Class VI, biocompatibility standards. Parylene has passed the USP's strict tests, described here. Also, it has a proven track record of reliable performance in the medical device industry.
Decades of use show Parylene coatings maintain their performance and integrity. Bodily fluids, varying pH levels, and enzymes do not reduce their effectiveness. Parylene-coated medical devices are vital. They provide reliable, long-lasting protection and function.
Parylene's uniform, pinhole-free coating does more than protect. It provides a reliable interface between the device and the body. So, encapsulated medical components can serve patients for as long as they are used. The difference is not just in Parylene's inertness. Parylene can also resist the harsh conditions of the human body.
Below, you can see a Parylene-coated Raspberry Pi computer running underwater in HZO’s lobby. As of the date of publication, this computer has been running fully submerged in tap water for over two years now:
Parylene often stands out for its unique properties. So, it is a good biocompatible material for medical uses. But, a range of alternatives exists. They include silicone, Teflon, and various medical-grade metals and polymers. Each material has a unique set of traits best in certain conditions.
Parylene is known for its great chemical resistance. It can also form pinhole-free coatings at a micron-level thickness. This lets devices work reliably in the harsh human body. Parylene coatings are ultrathin. They keep the feel and function of the underlying material. This is a big advantage over bulkier options like silicone rubber or polyurethane.
Consider Parylene versus stainless steel, which is a common choice for implants. Stainless steel is strong and fatigue-resistant. But it can't match Parylene's ability to conform to complex shapes. The difference shows in applications needing a seamless coat over complex parts. Here, Parylene's conformal nature gives a uniform layer. It fully isolates the parts from the body's fluids and tissues.
Unlike Teflon, a popular biocompatible material, Parylene is PFAS-free. It is REACH and RoHS compliant, and its ability to maintain physical integrity under sterilization methods boosts its comparability.
However, Parylene is not without its limitations. Parylene has great barrier properties and electrical insulation. But, its mechanical strength is not as good as that of metals or ceramics. This property requires careful thought in load-bearing implant uses where strength is vital. Also, the Parylene application process uses chemical vapor deposition. It's very effective but may complicate the manufacturing workflow. Simpler methods, like dip or spray coating, are used for silicone and latex.
Read about how to incorporate Parylene into your process
Other materials may have specific advantages, like higher tensile strength or elasticity. But, Parylene's combination of properties often justifies its selection. It depends on the intended use, performance, and regulatory standards. Manufacturers must balance performance and material costs. They also consider the complexity of application methods for producing and using medical devices.
Learn more in our webinar, Parylene: Pros, Cons, and Practicalities
Parylene is a very popular protective coating in the medical industry. In , the parylene market was valued at $98.38 million; by , it is expected to grow to $118.52 million. Why is Parylene so widely used? The answer lies in its powerful protective properties.
Parylene is highly resistant to moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors. The coatings protect medical devices in and on the body at 50% of the thickness of conventional conformal coatings, reducing product bulk and weight. Also, Parylene has very high dielectric strength, up to 7,000 V/mil. This ensures that electrical components can function uninterrupted by external stimuli.
Parylene's conformal coating attributes ensure a uniform, pinhole-free application. It adheres to every contour of the complex geometries in medical devices. This ensures complete encapsulation with no areas left vulnerable. Parylene's coating uniformity greatly improves device protection.
Download datasheet
Parylene coatings have established their utility in a wide range of medical devices. They improve protection and longevity. Here are some use cases for Parylene:
Diverse biomedical applications capitalize on Parylene's biocompatibility. It is present in both in vivo and in vitro environments. These include surgical instruments, cochlear implants, and diagnostic equipment sensors.
Do you have any questions about Parylene or what it can do for your next project? Please reach out to our team. We’re standing by to answer your questions and help you determine your next step.
Temperature affects the behavior of materials, causing them to expand or contract. However, not all materials respond to temperature variations in the same way. Some materials, like metals, tend to expand when heated, while others, like water, show a more complex behavior, with expansion occurring at specific temperatures.
Learn about other thermal coating properties, like thermal conductivity and glass transition temperature.
This property is crucial in predicting how a material will respond to temperature changes. This coefficient, represented by the Greek letter alpha (α), describes how much a material expands per unit length for each degree of temperature rise. Understanding this concept helps engineers make accurate predictions and design structures that can withstand temperature fluctuations.
The coefficient of linear expansion (α) can be calculated using the following formula:
α = ΔL / (L₀ × ΔT)
Where:
α is the coefficient of linear expansion
ΔL is the change in length
L₀ is the original length
ΔT is the change in temperature
Units used for expressing the coefficient
The coefficient of linear expansion is typically expressed in units of length per unit temperature, such as millimeters per degree Celsius (mm/°C) or inches per Fahrenheit (in/°F). These units emphasize the linear dimensions and temperature change required to induce a specific change in length. By using consistent units, scientists and engineers can easily compare and analyze the behavior of different materials.
Accurately measuring values is essential in understanding how materials respond to changes in temperature. Several experimental techniques are commonly employed to measure the coefficient of linear expansion. The most widely used method is known as the thermal expansion apparatus. This apparatus consists of a rod or sample material, which is heated or cooled while its length changes are recorded. By carefully analyzing the recorded data, researchers can calculate the coefficient of linear expansion for the material.
The interferometric method utilizes interference patterns created by light passing through a material. This technique accurately measures the changes in length resulting from thermal expansion.
Additionally, some advanced techniques like dilatometry, which involves measuring volume changes, and strain gauges, which record dimensional changes, are used for highly precise measurements of the coefficient of linear expansion.
Thermal expansion refers to the increase in size or volume of a material as its temperature rises. This expansion occurs because heat causes the atoms and molecules within the material to move more rapidly, increasing their average spacing. As a result, the material takes up more space and expands.
Meanwhile, the coefficient of linear expansion represents the change in length per unit length per unit change in temperature.
The relationship between the coefficient of linear expansion (α) and thermal expansion can be expressed using the following formula:
Thermal expansion = coefficient of linear expansion × Original length × Change in temperature
This formula allows engineers to calculate a material's dimensions change when its temperature changes.
Several factors can influence the coefficient of linear expansion in materials. These factors can affect how much a material expands or contracts when subjected to changes in temperature.
Crystal Structure, Bonding Types, and Impurities
The crystal structure of a material heavily influences the coefficient of linear expansion. Different crystal structures can lead to variations in the coefficient. The type of bonding between atoms in a material can also affect its coefficient. For example, materials with stronger intermolecular forces tend to have lower coefficients, while those with weaker ones tend to have higher ones.
Impurities in a material can also impact its coefficient of linear expansion. Their presence can disrupt the regular arrangement of atoms, causing changes in the expansion behavior.
External Factors
External factors such as pressure, magnetic fields, and electric fields can also influence this value. Pressure can alter the arrangement of atoms in a material, affecting its expansion behavior. Similarly, magnetic fields and electric fields can cause changes in the alignment and movement of atoms, leading to variations in the coefficient.
This property is highly dependent on the material properties of a substance. Different materials exhibit different coefficients due to their unique structures and bonding arrangements. For example, materials with stronger intermolecular forces tend to have lower values because their particles are held tightly together, making them less likely to expand significantly with temperature changes.
Material properties such as elasticity, rigidity, and thermal conductivity also play a significant role in determining this value. Elastic materials can return to their original shape after being subjected to deformation caused by thermal expansion. On the other hand, rigid materials are less prone to significant expansion due to their stiffness and resistance to deformation.
Additionally, materials with high thermal conductivity tend to have higher values. High thermal conductivity allows for faster heat transfer, leading to greater expansion or contraction in response to temperature changes.
When dimensional stability is critical, materials with low coefficients are preferred to minimize undesired expansions or contractions. On the other hand, materials with higher coefficients may be utilized in applications where controlled expansion is desired.
Engineers can make informed decisions regarding material selection, product design, and manufacturing processes by understanding how different materials expand or contract with temperature changes. This knowledge helps create efficient and durable structures, products, and systems. If you are looking for a coating material to suit your application needs, please contact our engineers to discuss DFM. Or, learn more about thin film protection capabilities, such as optical properties like transparency and index of refraction.
The ability to accurately predict the behavior of coating materials under tension is crucial in ensuring the integrity and reliability of electronic components. This includes studying different materials' deformation and failure mechanisms when subjected to a tensile load. One key parameter that is used to quantify the ability of a material to withstand such loads is its tensile strength at yield.
Tensile Strength at Yield indicates a material's ability to withstand loads and forces during its lifetime, making it crucial for designing structures and components that can endure various stresses. It is a vital measurement in numerous disciplines, such as engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive.
When a material is subjected to a tensile load, it experiences stress and undergoes deformation. The stress-strain curve, representing the relationship between the applied stress and resulting strain, provides valuable insights into the material's behavior. This curve can determine the ultimate tensile strength, the maximum stress the material can withstand before failure occurs.
The yield point is a critical parameter in studying tensile strength at yield. It refers to the point on the stress-strain curve where a significant increase in strain occurs with minimal or no increase in stress. The tensile strength at yield is the stress level at this point and represents the maximum stress a material can withstand without undergoing permanent deformation.
During the deformation process, materials can exhibit different types of behavior. Elastic deformation occurs when a material returns to its original shape upon removal of the load, while plastic deformation occurs when the material undergoes permanent changes in shape. Understanding the concepts of elastic and plastic deformation is essential in analyzing a material's behavior under tension.
Due to the importance of this mechanical material property, obtaining accurate Tensile Strength at Yield data is critical. Accurately measuring it requires appropriate testing methods, equipment, and adherence to specific standards. The most commonly used technique is the tensile test, where a sample material is subjected to an increasing axial load until it reaches its yield point. Sophisticated equipment, such as universal testing machines, performs these tests and obtains reliable measurements. Standard organizations, such as ASTM International, provide guidelines and standards for conducting these tests, ensuring consistency and comparability of results.
Standards and specifications are crucial in ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of measurements. National and international organizations have established various standards to regulate this critical characteristic of materials.
Similarly, numerous national and international standards have been developed to guide the measurement and characterization of tensile strength at yield. These standards outline the specific testing methods, equipment, and conditions to ensure accurate and comparable results across different laboratories and industries.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) are among the leading organizations that have established widely recognized standards for tensile strength at yield. Compliance with these standards is essential in ensuring test data's uniformity, reliability, and compatibility.
Material composition plays a crucial role in determining values. Different elements and their proportions can significantly affect the mechanical properties of a material, including its yield strength. For example, increasing the amount of carbon in certain materials can enhance tensile strength at yield.
The microstructure of a material also plays a vital role in determining this value. Factors such as grain size, phase distribution, and dislocation density can impact the material's ability to withstand deformation before yielding.
Because this mechanical property is crucial in determining various structures and products' overall reliability and safety, it should be closely considered during material selection. Every industry and application has unique requirements for choosing a coating material. Engineers must account for environmental conditions, load-bearing capacity, and durability requirements. They can select appropriate materials to meet the desired performance and safety standards by evaluating the tensile strength at yield requirements specific to each industry. A summary of requirements for particular applications is below.
Tensile strength at yield is a critical mechanical property used in coating material selection. It provides valuable information about the protective coating material's ability to withstand applied forces without permanent deformation. If a protective coating were to break, it could allow corrosives and contaminants to destroy electronic components, causing failure.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Custom Thin-film Coatings. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Design engineers rely on this property to evaluate and compare different coating materials, ensuring their suitability for specific applications. If you are designing an electronic component and need help determining which coating material is best for your product, please contact our engineers, or read additional information on thin film coating properties.
Biocompatible coatings seamlessly integrate with the human body, offering benefits through their ability to promote healing and prevent adverse reactions. They can improve patient outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance device functionality. As such, biocompatible coatings have become an indispensable tool in various medical applications.
Biocompatibility refers to the ability of a material to function without causing any harmful effects to the living tissues or organs it comes into contact with.
Several factors influence the biocompatibility of coatings. One such factor is the material composition. The choice of materials used in a coating can significantly impact its compatibility with the human body. Additionally, the surface properties of the coating play a vital role in determining its biocompatibility. Roughness, porosity, and surface energy can affect how the coating interacts with biological tissues and fluids.
When it comes to achieving biocompatibility in coatings, there are key considerations. First and foremost, the material should be non-toxic and non-allergenic. It should not trigger any adverse immune responses or elicit any toxic effects. Furthermore, the coating should withstand the physiological environment it will be exposed to, such as changes in pH, temperature, and mechanical stress.
Coating application processes also play a significant role in achieving biocompatibility. The application technique must ensure uniform coverage and adherence. Proper surface preparation and application techniques are essential to avoid issues arising from poor coating adhesion or inconsistencies.
Biocompatible coatings can significantly influence the body's response to medical devices and implants. A well-designed biocompatible coating can minimize inflammatory responses, prevent bacterial adhesion, and promote tissue integration. Furthermore, by providing a protective and biologically compatible barrier, these coatings enhance the safety and effectiveness of medical devices, improving patient outcomes.
There have been several successful applications of biocompatible coatings in medicine and biomedical engineering. Here are a few examples:
Various coating technologies are employed to achieve biocompatibility in different medical devices. These technologies involve using specific materials and techniques to create coatings that meet the required standards:
Chemical Composition
Different biocompatible coating materials, including polymers, such as Parylene, ceramics, and metals, are used. Each type has its unique characteristics and advantages for medical applications. Polymers, for example, are known for their flexibility and ability to mimic natural tissues. Ceramics offer excellent wear resistance and can provide a stable surface for cell growth, while metals are valued for their durability and strength.
Coating Techniques
Each coating technique has its advantages and limitations. The selection of a particular method depends on factors such as the desired coating properties, the substrate material, and the intended application. The deposition of biocompatible coatings requires specific techniques to ensure uniformity and adherence to the substrate. Several coating techniques are commonly employed in the medical industry, including:
Biocompatible coatings can be employed in manufacturing electronic devices, food processing equipment, and cosmetic products, among others. With their ability to provide a safe and reliable surface, biocompatible coatings offer advantages beyond the medical field.
However, within various areas of medicine, biocompatible coatings play a crucial role in enhancing the compatibility of medical devices, improving tissue engineering techniques, and revolutionizing drug delivery systems. These coatings have transformed the field of medicine by reducing rejection and adverse reactions and improving the overall efficiency of medical interventions. Three use cases are described below.
Medical Implants
One of the critical applications of biocompatible coatings is in the field of medical implants. For instance, in orthopedic implants, biocompatible coatings create an optimal environment for the implant to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding tissues and bones. Similarly, dental and cardiovascular implants benefit from biocompatible coatings, promoting long-term stability and functionality.
Drug Delivery Systems
Biocompatible coatings have revolutionized the field of drug delivery systems by improving stability, enhancing bioavailability, and enabling targeted drug delivery. The efficacy and safety of drug delivery are significantly improved by coating drug carriers such as nanoparticles, microparticles, and implants with biocompatible materials. These coatings protect the drugs from degradation, facilitate controlled release, and ensure targeted delivery to specific tissues or cells.
Biomedical Devices
Biocompatible coatings find extensive applications in various biomedical devices, including biosensors, microfluidic devices, and prosthetics. These coatings enable seamless integration and interaction with biological systems, enhancing the device's functionality and reducing the risk of adverse reactions. For example, biocompatible coatings on biosensors allow accurate and reliable detection of biomarkers, while coatings on prosthetic limbs improve their integration with the human body and enhance user comfort and mobility.
Selecting the most suitable material for a specific application is essential to ensure optimal biocompatibility and overall performance of the coating. There are various factors to consider when selecting materials for specific medical applications. These factors include:
Please contact our engineers if you require a biocompatible coating material for your application or have questions about protective thin film coating properties. Meanwhile, please browse our resource section to learn about other relevant properties, such as tensile strength, yield elongation, and corrosion resistance.
Dielectric materials are crucial in various industries and applications, serving as insulators, substrates, or capacitors. One important characteristic often evaluated in dielectric materials is their dissipation factor. The dissipation factor, also known as the loss tangent or tan δ, is a vital parameter that measures the dielectric losses in electrical systems and components. It quantifies the energy dissipated as heat when an alternating current (AC) signal passes through an insulating material or a capacitor.
This property provides valuable insight into the performance of dielectric materials. It measures the efficiency with which a dielectric material dissipates energy in the form of heat when subjected to an alternating current (AC) or high-frequency signal.
By analyzing this value, engineers can detect potential issues such as insulation breakdown, heat generation, and power loss, enabling them to effectively design and optimize electrical systems. Whether in high-frequency applications, power electronics, or telecommunications, the dissipation factor assists in selecting the appropriate materials, reducing energy loss, and enhancing electrical equipment's overall efficiency.
A high dissipation factor can indicate potential problems such as inefficient energy transfer or excessive heat generation in dielectric materials. By assessing this data, engineers can determine if a material is suitable for a specific application or needs replacing.
The dissipation factor is calculated by dividing the loss tangent of a dielectric material by its capacitance. The loss tangent is the ratio of the dissipated power to the stored energy in the material. There are several ways to determine the dissipation factor of various materials accurately. Professionals can use these techniques to obtain precise data and evaluate the performance and reliability of materials.
Bridge Method
The bridge method is a common measurement technique. It uses a bridge circuit consisting of resistors, capacitors, and inductors. By balancing the bridge, engineers can determine the material's dissipation factor under test.
Parallel-Plate Method
The parallel-plate method is another popular technique. It involves placing the material between two parallel plates and applying an alternating voltage across them. The dissipation factor is determined by measuring the power loss in the material.
Guard-Ring Method
The guard-ring method is a technique that minimizes the effects of stray capacitance during measurement. It involves placing a guard ring around the measurement electrodes to prevent current leakage due to the stray capacitance. This method helps to improve accuracy.
Several factors can influence the dissipation factor, affecting the efficiency and performance of electrical systems. Engineers and designers can optimize electrical systems by understanding and considering these factors, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.
Temperature
Temperature plays a significant role. As the temperature increases, molecular motion and energy losses increase, leading to a higher value. It is important to consider the temperature range in which a material will be used to ensure its dissipation factor remains within acceptable limits.
Dielectric Loss
Dielectric loss refers to the energy lost as heat due to the interaction between the electric field and the dielectric material. Materials with higher dielectric losses tend to have higher dissipation factors. Selecting materials with low dielectric loss can help minimize dissipation and improve system performance.
Frequency of Operation
The frequency of operation has a direct impact. At higher frequencies, the energy losses from the materials increase significantly, leading to an increased value. It is essential to consider the operating frequency when evaluating the dissipation factor of materials for electrical systems.
Resistance in the Circuit
The resistance in the circuit also contributes to the dissipation factor. Higher resistance causes larger energy losses and a greater value. Minimizing resistance through proper circuit design and selecting low-resistance components can help reduce the overall dissipation factor.
The dissipation factor provides valuable insights into the electrical behavior of components, enabling manufacturers to make informed decisions regarding their application in different industries. This value is relevant across various industries heavily relying on electrical components. Industries such as telecommunications, power generation, aerospace, and automotive require strict adherence to quality standards to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Engineers can compare materials' performance at high frequencies by evaluating this property. This evaluation allows them to select materials with lower dissipation factors, which result in reduced energy losses and improved system efficiency. Furthermore, optimizing this property can also lead to increased power handling capabilities and improved reliability. If you are designing an electronic product and need help selecting a protective coating with beneficial electrical properties, please contact our team for a consultation. Or, you can learn more about thin film coating properties.
Elongation yield refers to the maximum amount of deformation a material can undergo before it experiences a permanent change in shape or size. This property is fundamental in determining various coating materials' mechanical strength and behavior, making it an essential factor in design engineering and product design.
Understanding how this property affects material performance is crucial in determining the suitability of coating material for a particular application. It directly affects the material's ability to deform without breaking and sustain loads without failure. This high-level overview will discuss elongation yield and its implications for product design.
Elongation yield can be measured in various coating materials, including metals, polymers, and composites. Coating materials such as metals with higher values typically exhibit greater ductility, the measure of a material's ability to deform before fracture.
On the other hand, coating materials with a lower elongation yield tend to be less ductile and more prone to brittle behavior. They have limited ability to deform before reaching their breaking point. Such materials are usually more suitable for applications that require high strength and rigidity but not necessarily significant deformation.
Polymers, including plastics and rubber, display higher values than metals, enabling them to withstand extensive stretching or bending before breaking.
Composites, which consist of two or more different material components, can possess varying characteristics depending on their composition. The individual materials within a composite can have different abilities to undergo elongation yield, making the overall behavior complex.
Unit of Measure
Two standard units of measure are used to quantify elongation yield: percentage and millimeters.
The percentage unit of measure represents the elongation yield as a percentage of the original length of the material. For example, if a metal specimen stretches 10% before breaking, it has elongated by 10% of its original length.
On the other hand, millimeters are used to measure the actual physical elongation of a material. This unit of measure provides a more tangible representation of the deformation a material undergoes before reaching its breaking point.
Both units of measure have their advantages and are suitable for different applications. The choice between percentage and millimeters depends on the material type, testing specifications, and industry standards.
When determining a material's elongation yield, reliable data and thorough testing methods are essential to ensure accurate measurements and a deeper understanding of how a material will perform under various conditions. The data obtained during material testing provides valuable insights into the behavior of a material and its elongation yield. It includes measurements such as strain and stress, which calculate values.
By analyzing the relationship between stress and strain, engineers can identify the point at which the material starts deforming permanently, known as the elongation yield point.
Overview of the Different Testing Methods Used
Various testing methods are employed to measure this property, each offering advantages and limitations. Tensile testing, for example, is commonly used to evaluate a material's mechanical properties, including elongation yield.
In tensile testing, a material sample is subjected to controlled tension until it reaches its elongation yield point. The resulting data helps determine the material's ability to withstand loads and deformations.
On the other hand, impact testing measures the energy absorbed by a material when it fractures under sudden stresses. This method provides valuable insights into the material's toughness and resistance to sudden impacts.
Other testing techniques, such as bend and hardness tests, can also provide insights. The bend test involves subjecting a material to bending forces to determine its flexibility and resistance to deformation. On the other hand, the hardness test measures the material's resistance to indentation, indirectly indicating its elastic deformation capabilities.
Specific standards established by regulatory bodies and industry organizations govern the testing procedures. These standards ensure consistency and comparability of test results across different laboratories and manufacturers.
Engineers and designers can make informed decisions regarding coating material by considering the elongation yield. They can determine the material's capacity to stretch and deform before reaching its breaking point, safeguarding the reliability of the end product.
Moreover, understanding the elongation yield can also help optimize designs, reduce material waste, and enhance overall efficiency. Engineers can create designs that balance strength, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness by accurately predicting the coating material's behavior based on elongation yield values.
Electronic product reliability hinges on protective coating durability. If a coating breaks in any way, it could open the door to corrosives, chemicals, and other contaminants that could cause electronics to stop working. Therefore, understanding the elongation yield value is vital in ensuring electronic products' safety, durability, and performance in real-world applications. If you need help identifying the best coating material for your application, please contact our Applications engineers for a DFM consult. Alternatively, you can learn more about our coating protection capabilities, including Young's modulus, elongation at break, and tensile strength at yield.
If you're looking for the highest quality protection from the inside out, contact HZO today.
We all see references to waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellant devices being thrown around on electronic products and printed circuit boards. The big question is: What’s the difference? There are a lot of articles written on this topic, but we figured we would throw in our two cents as well and take a closer look at the differences between all three terms, with a specific focus on the world of devices.
First of all, let’s start with some quick dictionary definitions of waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent, as given by the Oxford English Dictionary:
Water resistance is the lowest level of water protection of the three. If a device is labeled as water-resistant, it means that the device’s construction makes it more difficult for water to get inside of it or possibly that it is coated with a very light substance that helps improve the device’s chances of surviving an encounter with water. Water-resistant qualities are great for products such as watches because they help those products withstand light rain or washing your hands.
Water-repellent coatings are the next step up from water-resistant coatings. Devices labeled as water-repellent have properties that repel water from them, which makes them hydrophobic. Water-repellent devices have a better chance of surviving a watery encounter. Most have thin-film nanotechnology, which can coat the inside and outside of an electronic device. Many companies claim water-repellency, but the term is heavily debated because a durable water-repellent is rare and because of all the questions and unpredictable elements associated with it.
Seals and enclosures can help you make your product resistant to moisture by preventing water from leaking in. These can add bulk and weight to PCBs and products and can become dislodged if a consumer drops a product or bumps into it. Humidity in the Application environment can also seep in. If your project needs slight protection, seals and enclosures could be a good solution.
Defining “waterproof” is simple, but the concept is more complicated. There is no established industry standard to classify a device as waterproof. The closest thing currently available, as far as a rating scale is concerned, is the Ingress Protection Rating scale (or IP Code). The IP Code assigns items a rating from 0-8 in terms of how effective the device is at keeping water from entering into it, a process called the ingress of water. One major flaw in this rating system: What about companies like us here at HZO who are not concerned about keeping water out of a device to save it from water damage? Our coatings allow water inside devices, but the waterproof material we coat them with protects them from any possible water damage. HZO’s services have a different intention than the effect the IP scale can measure. Still, our coatings help you protect your electronic devices from water damage.
Companies take a measured risk when labeling a product as waterproof. Most consumers assume that waterproofing is a permanent condition. Still, devices exposed to “waterproofing” can face water damage in certain situations.
Using the term waterproof can also be considered a risky move for many companies. This is because "waterproof" usually communicates that this is a permanent condition and that whatever has been ‘waterproofed’ will never fail due to contact with water–no matter the situation.
With all the controversy surrounding the correct use and results associated with these terms, it’s no wonder many people use them incorrectly. Unsurprisingly, the products labeled as water-resistant, water-repellent, or waterproof are often misrepresented due to incorrect labeling. The words almost need new definitions with how far technology has come since these terms were first used. We also need a standard to measure a device’s waterproof qualities and represent the possibilities and kinds of technology like HZO that are commercialized and available to device makers now. This outdated scale can’t measure the power of our coatings.
HZO Parylene protects PCBs from full submersion for years. Parylene is a conformal coating used to protect sensors, PCBs, and components from water. Parylene has stronger barrier properties than traditional polymer coatings, such as silicone, acrylic, or epoxy.
A splashproof product has a limited ability to resist water damage and is not immersible. For example, if you take your splashproof headphones with you on a run, they’ll be safe from sweat or droplets from your water bottle, but they won’t survive falling into a puddle.
Using the IP scale can demonstrate the differences between splashproof vs. waterproof products. Most waterproof electronics have an IP67 rating. A product qualifies as splashproof if it has an IP44 rating.
The scale from splashproof to waterproof includes:
Because of the advanced level of protection available for electronics that protect them from water, sweat, other liquids and corrosion, the need for new standards is necessary to raise the bar in the minds of consumers. That’s why HZO is seeking to create an HZO Protected World and asking for people everywhere to help us tell the device makers of the world that we want electronics that have better, more reliable protection. Protection from the Inside Out.
Download the IP Checklist
Download HZO's Ingress Protection (IP) Checklist Your shiny new smartwatch claims to be IP57 waterproof, your new claims to be water protected, and a slew of new electronic devices are entering the market boasting 'water resistance.' Yet, these devices may not survive an encounter in the rain or an accidental drop in the toilet. So, how do you know what's what in the world of water-protected electronics?
Clever advertising and loosely applied water protection ratings have led consumers to believe that the stamp of an IP rating or a water-resistant buzzword means that the device in question can take a dip in the pool or, at the very least, hack it in the shower. But sadly, that's usually not the case.
As manufacturers have tried to meet the growing consumer demand for water-resistant electronics, they have emphasized citing IP Code ratings. As beneficial as these ratings can be in certain situations, there is one major flaw: they don't tell the whole story. Here's the truth about IP and IP57 ratings.
An IP rating is a standard for water resistance in electronics. Water resistance is measured by numbers 1 through 9.
There are two types of IP ratings, which include two-digit IP ratings. Two-digit IP ratings indicate both water and particle resistance. The first digit displays particle and solid resistance, while the second digit shows the water protection level. If you own an electronic device with an IP rating of IP57, that device offers level 5 particle resistance and level 7 water protection.
One-digit IP ratings: Unlike two-digit ratings, one-digit IP ratings are metrics designed to show water resistance only, which means an 'X replaces the first digit.' For example, a rating of IPX7 would offer level 7 water protection out of 9 levels and is defined as can be submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes.
Well, that's kind of a long story. When a device claims to be waterproof or water-resistant, it's important to understand that these terms may not always carry the meaning you expect. Waterproof means impervious to water and all of the destruction that comes with it. Ultimately, it all depends on the manufacturer and the level of water resistance you're looking for.
Different IP ratings offer different types of protection, and you need to understand them if you want to grasp better whether your IPX5, IPX7, or IP57 device is genuinely waterproof. Following vague waterproof marketing terms can be challenging when you have little to no reference for what the actual numbers and ratings mean. Let's go through a few of the IP rating standard basics.
The water protection numbers exist on a scale of 1 to 9, while the solid protection metric operates on a scale from 1 to 6. Some of the most common numbers used to indicate high levels of water resistance are IPX5, IPX7, and IP57, each of which offers a different type of protection:
IPX5: An IPX5 rating implies that a device can endure direct contact with water that's projected from a nozzle. IPX7: IPX7 is one of the highest ratings, and ideally, it means that a device is durable enough to survive after being submerged in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes.
IP57: IP57 indicates a high (though not the highest) protection level from dust and water exposure.
The issue with these ratings is that it can be hard to tell whether they'll apply to real-world situations. To gain an IP certification, all an electronics manufacturer must send their device to a third-party laboratory to run the standard tests. If one (yes, just one) passes the test, the entire device line gets the determined IP certification. See the problem here? So, one tenacious device passes the IPX7 test, and the whole team gets to play as 'IPX7.' And with the sparkling new certification comes a heaping pile of consumer confusion.
"Does IPX7 mean waterproof?" "Does IP57 mean water-resistant?" "What can I actually do with my device?" When Traditional Ratings Fail To truly understand what your 'water-resistant device' is capable of, you need to read, and we might add, carefully read the manufacturer's terms and conditions.
Let's take a hypothetical, newly introduced 'waterproof' Android, for instance. The is advertised as "Waterproof*. Dust-tight. Worry-free." It also maintains an IP65 and IP68 rating. But what does the asterisk mean? If we look a little closer at the fine print, we find that the should never be put completely underwater or exposed to seawater, salt water, chlorinated water, or liquids such as drinks and juices. And if the ports and covers aren't firmly closed, all protection bets are off.
HZO is seeking to detangle the web of confusion that is currently surrounding the 'waterproof electronics' market by offering a superior water protection solution. A solution without limits, boundaries, or fine print. Using Parylene conformal coatings, HZO creates a thin film barrier between the vital circuitry of the electronics and any liquid that could potentially harm it. No need for seals, gaskets, port covers, or cases, and in theory, no real need for confusing IP standards. We have had a computer running fully submerged in tapwater in our lobby for two years now. HZO Protection is the standard.
Parylene coatings are renowned for their uniform and pinhole-free coverage, even at thicknesses as low as a few micrometers. Parylene's chemical and physical properties provide outstanding resistance to moisture and contaminants, essential for electronic components in IP57 devices. Not only is Parylene's molecular structure optimal for creating a barrier against various types of ingress, but its application process ensures that it adheres without compromising performance. Its unparalleled durability, even in extreme conditions, underscores why, when it comes to device protection, Parylene conformal coatings are the preferred method for ensuring compliance with stringent protection standards like IP57.
If you're looking for a solution that can make your products more robust and, well, better, we're here to help. Our coatings can make a wide range of electronics more usable from almost any location, enhancing product reliability and—even better—saving money. Contact us today to learn more from a skilled professional about how we can help your product exceed IP57 and IPX7 ratings.
EV batteries promise to revolutionize transportation as we know it, but is it all positive? The future of electric vehicles is riding on the dependable operation of these energy storage vessels, so their reliability is vital. Unfortunately, like all mechanical and chemical processes, battery technology isn’t foolproof and is susceptible to failure, especially in the hazardous environments in which they perform. To better understand EV battery weaknesses and address them, it’s key to understand their origins and what steps are being taken today to safeguard against potential failure points, no matter the circumstance.
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How Old is the Electric Car?
The electric car is synonymous with the future of transportation. However, few may realize that its inception dates to , four years before Karl Benz designed and built the first practical internal combustion vehicle. When consumers were polled in at the National Automobile Show in New York, the design was so popular that they voted electric vehicles the top choice over steam and combustion engines.
So why did the combustion engine ultimately win the race to mass adoption? Because of the same technical challenges facing EVs today: batteries. Early 20th-century battery technology was no match for the stored energy found in gasoline, nor could the average consumer purchase these primitive batteries due to price constraints.
However, in the early 21st century, battery technology has significantly improved, and the cost is within an affordable range. Finding solutions to these legacy problems has led to a staggering projected growth rate of 1,177% for EVs globally from to .
With this projected growth comes the compounding headache of ensuring the batteries operate reliably. Millions of drivers, commuters, and enthusiasts blindly rely on their vehicle’s battery to function as intended, no matter the driving conditions.
What are the potential points of failure in today’s batteries, including the rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries used to power EVs? Two natural threats can stop a battery, and therefore the vehicle it is powering, in its tracks: corrosion and strong .
These threats can be addressed safely and thoroughly through protective conformal coatings such as Parylene.
Corrosion and intense electrical activity can be prevented by properly coating susceptible components within the battery ecosystem. Parylene is a microns-thin conformal coating applied using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a polymerization process unique to the material, responsible for its pinhole-free and truly conformal properties. Not only does Parylene provide a barrier against corrosive liquids to the parts it is applied to, but the material itself is a strong dielectric, capable of withstanding strong electrical activity. Parylene coatings provide ideal protection to EV battery components, including circuitry, busbars, and cold plates.
Download HZO’s Parylene datasheet
The electric car has come a long way since its advent in , and we’re barreling towards mass adoption in the next ten years. It’s critical, however, that these vehicles perform as expected to preserve the precious cargo on board. EV batteries are susceptible to failure in the service environments they find themselves in and require proven protection while minimizing weight and cost.
Watch a webinar on improving electronic performance in harsh service environments
It’s crucial for engineers and design teams to not only find a solution to ensure reliability on the road but find an application partner capable of applying the coating consistently and effectively. HZO has gone through the PPAP process, so you can be assured that we have met the associated manufacturability and quality standards laid out by our automotive customers. We have also demonstrated the aptitude to meet the necessary specification requirements and produce parts that consistently meet these requirements during the actual production of parts for these clients.
HZO has a unique ability to coat large, complex boards and components due to proprietary coating and automation equipment, handling parts in large qualities, and producing repeatable quality coatings with high yield rates. Our customer-focused solutions can be delivered with several flexible end-to-end business models as our team of dedicated engineers and SMEs walk clients through every step of the way of the coating process. Are you interested to see how we could help with your EV battery protection needs? Request a quote today.
The Big Picture: Manufacturers determine IP ratings, not an impartial group. Although these rating systems are useful for comparison purposes, they are not the panacea for rating electronic waterproof design.
If you are designing a waterproof product and using IP ratings as a measuring stick, you may want to reconsider. When people think about IP ratings, what they normally understand as “waterproof” are IPX5, IPX6, IPX7, and IPX8. However, this is a misrepresentation. So why do we use IP ratings to measure the amount of liquid protection a device has?
Consumers have been demanding waterproof electronics for a while now, and in the past, manufacturing marketing teams were happy to deliver what they didn’t necessarily have. Marketing teams, particularly for watches, showcased the word “waterproof” in their messaging. But these watches couldn’t stand up to liquid submersion.
In an attempt to clear the confusion, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) replaced the word “waterproof” with “water-resistant This happened in when ISO issued the standard ISO for water-resistant products.
Nevertheless, a few years ago, commercials appeared with people using electronics in the shower, swimming with them in the pool, and dropping devices in the water – electronics, like smartphones, which, again, weren’t waterproof.
However, these commercials naturally led to the belief that the advertised products were, in fact, waterproof. However, customers described dropping so-called “waterproof” electronics for as little as 5 seconds, only to witness instant device destruction. The icing on the cake was that many manufacturers refused to mitigate liquid damage in their warranties.
As you might have imagined,lawsuits ensued.ISO tried to clarify again when they replaced the ISO standard with ISO to update the content in .
Now, the term “water-resistant” describes products and the testing protocols created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and ISO. Let’s look at some of those protocols now to understand how “waterproof” IP-rated devices are.
Learn more about NEMA vs IP ratings
The first thing to know about IP testing protocols is that testing uses pure water only in laboratory conditions while the device is powered off.
Additionally, IP ratings only test for very specific environments.
After testing, manufacturers inspect their devices’ enclosures for water ingress. Some water can even enter an enclosure and pass IP testing – under the condition that the exposure to water does not interfere with device operation or jeopardize user safety.
Below are the requisites manufacturers must meet to deem a device “IP protected.”
The IPX6 standard test confirms that a device has suitable protection against heavy seas or powerful jets of water.
The IPX7 test attempts to determine whether electronic enclosures can provide enough protection from temporary immersion in water. A device will be immersed in water for a half-hour. The temperature of the product and the water cannot vary more than 5 C.
IPX8 tests for continuous immersion are completely subject to the manufacturer’s requisites. At the very least, they should be more severe than IPX7 conditions.
So, if you submerge a product from the box into 1 meter of fresh water inside a laboratory, your bases are covered. But what happens when you step outside the lab?
Learn about other standards, like Mil-i-c and UL94 ratings
There are a few glaring problems when it comes to calling an IP-rated device “waterproof” in real-life scenarios:
Learn about hydrophilic coatings
If you want a waterproof (not “water-resistant”) device, you needParylene conformal coating. As we explained above, commonly used mechanical seals don’t cut it.
Parylene is a polymer that coats the circuit boards powering your devices from the inside out. It doesn’t add thickness or bulk to devices that other conformal coatings do, and our Parylene can nullify water damage and last up to 20 years. You can learn more about Parylene and our Parylene coating process here.
Learn more about our coatings
Although the IP rating standards are nebulous, they’re still useful for comparison, and many manufacturers require IP testing for devices that aren’t completely mission-critical. That’s why plasma-based nano coatings are sought out by engineers looking for affordable, ultra-thin conformal coating – they can meet any IP rating reliably and with scale.
But we digress. So, is IP57 waterproof? The answer is no; it is just water-resistant. When you consider your mission-critical waterproof electronic design, remember that you aren’t building products for a lab; you’re building products for life on life’s terms.
At American Polarizers, we understand that the success of your product depends on the quality of your manufacturers. Here are nine reasons why we think our laminations are better:
1 – Materials
API offers laminations with glass, acrylic, or film substrates in a broad range of colors and thicknesses. Depending on the materials and application, Optically Clear Adhesives (OCA) or UV Curing Adhesives are used for outstanding lamination to any substrate.
2 – Clarity & Resolution
API’s acrylic and glass optical laminations offer low birefringence, high clarity and excellent resolution. For example, our glass laminations are used for filters in the demanding television and movie industry where picture quality is paramount.
3 – Cleanliness
Our manufacturing facility is designed to produce optical laminations with the utmost cleanliness to achieve the best yields and optical performance
4 – Environmental Stability
Offering superior heat and humidity resistance, our laminations can be designed for applications in harsh environments and with temperatures up to 70º C.
5 – Waterjet and Laser Jet Cutting
API can provide optical laminations in almost any shape or size to meet virtually any application. All laser and waterjet cutting is done in-house to facilitate cost control and reduce production cycle time. With six laser cutters and two waterjet cutting machines on-site, we are able to hold very tight tolerances when cutting intricate shapes with little damage to the edge of polarizing substrates. For example, we can produce glass parts as small as 11 mm diameter and our laser cutters have a beam diameter of only 25 microns to minimize heat damage from cutting.
6 – Die Cutting and Machining
API also offers die cutting and machining services for a variety of non-metal materials, including plastics, gaskets, and tapes in large and small run quantities. If your part needs a ledge, bevel, or any special machining, count on API for a custom solution. Our in-house cutting capabilities combine high accuracy with the edge quality of die cutting for precise results every time.
7 – Custom Laminating Options
API offers a range of options to meet a wide range of application requirements including:
8 – ISO : Quality Management System
API’s Quality Management System is backed up by our ISO : certification. This rigorous process involves implementing a Quality Management System to encompass all areas of business, including employee training, operating procedures, equipment maintenance, and technical documentation. All procedures are closely monitored, continuously improved, and updated.
Are you interested in learning more about Optical dome? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!