Advanced conformal coatings provided by Specialty Coating Systems safeguard unmanned system electronics from extreme environments, ensuring long-term reliability, durability, and industry compliance across aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors.
The electronic components of unmanned systems must endure some of the harshest environments imaginable. From high-altitude UAVs battling extreme temperatures and moisture to UUVs navigating corrosive saltwater, ensuring reliable performance is paramount. Specialty Coating Systems (SCS) provides conformal coating solutions that protect these critical systems, safeguarding delicate circuits without compromising size, weight, or power constraints.
Specialty Coating Systems (SCS) is an established provider of conformal coating technologies, providing protective solutions for unmanned systems across the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. With over 50 years of expertise, SCS offers a broad range of coating solutions, including Parylene, liquid, plasma, ALD, and multilayer coatings, ensuring the reliability and longevity of electronic components in UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles), UUVs (unmanned underwater vehicles), and space-based systems.
Silicone-Based Coatings
Silicone conformal coatings serve as a critical protective barrier for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other electronic components, shielding them from environmental hazards such as moisture, high heat, dust, dirt, chemicals, and corrosion. These coatings are important for maintaining the performance and durability of unmanned systems operating in harsh environments.
Applied through manual or automated spray, brush, or dip processes, silicone conformal coatings cure into a thin, protective film that conforms to the contours of PCBs and their components. Some well-known silicone conformal coatings include DOWSIL™ 1-2577, DOWSIL 3-1953, HumiSeal® 1C49, and MG Chemicals 422B.
Silicone coatings offer several advantages over other conformal coatings, including moisture resistance, flexibility, and high-temperature endurance. Their moisture resistance makes them ideal for protecting PCBs in UAVs, UGVs, and other unmanned platforms that may encounter extreme humidity, rain, or water exposure. Their flexibility allows them to withstand significant vibration and shock, crucial for high-mobility applications where electronics are subjected to continuous movement. Additionally, silicones can withstand operating temperatures up to 200°C, making them well-suited for electronics, medical industries, and defense applications where thermal management is a key concern.
However, silicone coatings can present challenges, particularly when PCBs require repairs or modifications, as they can be difficult to remove. Additionally, improper application may lead to contamination, resulting in de-wetting or adhesion issues. SCS coating specialists apply silicone coatings with precision, mitigating risks associated with cross-contamination and adhesion issues.
As regulations and industry concerns regarding perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) continue to grow, manufacturers are moving toward PFAS-free solutions. Many types of silicone conformal coatings deliver the necessary protective properties while being free of PFAS, aligning with evolving environmental and safety standards.
Impact of Conformal Coatings on Unmanned Systems
SCS’ conformal coating solutions are designed to support the increasing demands of the unmanned systems industry. UAVs, drones, and other autonomous platforms rely on a vast array of PCBs and electronic components used in sensors, cameras, flight controllers, mission payloads, and communications equipment. These critical components must be shielded from environmental exposure to ensure uninterrupted performance and mission success.
As unmanned systems become increasingly essential across industrial, commercial, and defense applications, ensuring their resilience against extreme environmental conditions is critical. SCS’ conformal coatings provide effective protection, enhancing the reliability, longevity, and operational capabilities of UAVs, UGVs, UUVs, and space-based autonomous technologies.
