For decades, industries have turned to carbon and metal-based paints and molded solutions as a way to manage electrostatic discharge (ESD). These approaches rely on conductive fillers—such as carbon black, graphite, or metal powders—to provide static dissipation. At first glance, they seem effective. But in practice, both filler-based coatings and molded products create more problems than they solve, which is why solutions like ProShield ESD filler-free dissipative coating are redefining static control.

Modern electronics, medical devices, and aerospace systems demand permanent, reliable static protection. Traditional filler-based paints and moulded carbon boxes simply can’t keep up.

The Problem with Carbon and Metal Fillers & Moldings

1. Inconsistent Conductivity

Fillers rarely disperse evenly across a coating, and molded parts degrade over time. Both create patchy conductivity, leaving “weak spots” where ESD can build up and cause damage.

2. Performance Degradation

In coatings, fillers migrate, clump, or lose effectiveness; in molded parts, conductivity decreases as surfaces wear. What starts as protection becomes unreliable, requiring costly replacements or recoats.

3. Risk of Contamination

Carbon and metal particles can shed from coatings or molded items, contaminating sensitive environments. In sectors like electronics or medical devices, this poses serious compliance and safety risks.

4. Poor Substrate Compatibility

Filler-based coatings often fail on plastics, foams, or packaging, while molded solutions are limited in shape and application. Both restrict flexibility and service life.

5. High Lifecycle Costs

Between frequent recoating, replacing molded products, downtime, and labour, the hidden costs quickly add up. Although they may appear affordable upfront, traditional solutions become expensive to maintain.

The Smarter Alternative: ProShieldESD

Unlike traditional paints or molded products, ProShield ESD achieves uniform, permanent dissipative protection without relying on carbon or metal fillers.

• Permanent protection – no reapplication or replacement required
• Low-cost alternative to expensive paints and molded solutions
• No contamination risks from loose particles
• Wide substrate compatibility – works on plastics, foams, packaging, and floors
• Sustainable – less waste, fewer resources

The Future of Static Control

As industries demand greater reliability, flexibility, and sustainability, filler-based coatings and molded ESD products are no longer fit for purpose. They fail in performance, cost, and compliance.

ProShield ESD sets a new benchmark: permanent, low-cost static protection that replaces both paints and molded solutions—delivering a cleaner, smarter way forward.

For more information, visit

Adhesion is one of the most critical factors in achieving reliable conformal coating performance. Even the most advanced coating—such as Parylene—can fail if it doesn’t bond strongly to the underlying surface. That’s where adhesion promoters come in.

At SCH Services Ltd, we supply and use several types of adhesion promoters, each tailored to different substrate materials. Choosing the right one ensures a strong bond and long-term reliability.

Why Adhesion Promoters Are Needed

Some substrates, such as smooth metals, plastics, or low-surface-energy materials, naturally resist coating adhesion. Without treatment, coatings may:
– Peel or flake over time
– Fail cross-hatch adhesion testing (ISO 2409)
– Compromise moisture or chemical protection

Adhesion promoters modify the surface to increase its surface energy, creating an interface that coatings can lock onto.

How Adhesion Promoters Work

Adhesion promoters typically work by:
– Chemically reacting with the substrate to create a stable bond layer.
– Roughening or activating the surface to increase surface energy.
– Forming a bridge between the substrate and coating for long-term durability.

When applied correctly, they significantly reduce the risk of delamination, even at higher coating thicknesses or in harsh environments.

Different Promoters for Different Substrates

There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. At SCH Services Ltd, we offer a range of adhesion promoters designed for:
– Metals – to overcome smooth or oxidised surfaces.
– Plastics – especially low-energy substrates like polyethylene or polypropylene.
– Ceramics & Glass – to ensure strong bonds despite non-porous surfaces.
– PCB Materials – optimised for solder masks and copper traces.

By matching the promoter to the substrate, we ensure the coating achieves reliable, long-lasting adhesion.

SCH Services Ltd: Expertise in Adhesion Solutions

Whether you need Parylene, acrylic, urethane, or silicone coatings, SCH Services Ltd has the right adhesion promoter for your application. Because we use these promoters in our own coating services every day, you can trust that the solutions we supply are proven in real production environments.

When it comes to conformal coatings, adhesion is everything. A coating may offer excellent barrier protection, but if it delaminates or peels away from the surface, performance and reliability are instantly compromised. In the world of Parylene coatings, one question often raised is whether adhesion decreases as the coating thickness increases.

Understanding Parylene Deposition

Parylene is applied through a unique vapor deposition process, creating a pinhole-free, uniform layer. Unlike brush, dip, or spray coatings, this process ensures that every surface—flat, sharp-edged, or recessed—is covered evenly.

However, like all coatings, adhesion depends on both the substrate preparation and the thickness of the coating.

The Relationship Between Thickness and Adhesion

In general, thinner Parylene films (e.g., 2–5 μm) demonstrate the best adhesion because the stresses within the coating remain low. As the thickness increases—sometimes up to 50 μm or beyond—internal stresses in the polymer can build up. This may lead to reduced adhesion if the surface is not properly prepared.

The key factor is not just thickness but the surface energy and cleanliness of the substrate:
– Smooth, untreated surfaces can cause poor adhesion regardless of thickness.
– Surface activation (e.g., plasma treatment) dramatically improves adhesion across all thicknesses.
– On well-prepared surfaces, even thick Parylene coatings can achieve excellent adhesion and long-term reliability.

Best Practices for Strong Adhesion

To maintain adhesion across different thicknesses:
– Use surface pre-treatments such as plasma cleaning or adhesion promoters.
– Match coating thickness to application needs—don’t overcoat unnecessarily.
– Validate adhesion using industry standards such as cross-hatch adhesion testing (ISO 2409).

SCH Services Ltd: Expertise in Parylene Performance

At SCH Services Ltd, we understand how coating thickness impacts performance. We combine expert surface preparation with advanced deposition techniques to ensure Parylene adhesion remains strong at both thin and thick layers. Whether you require ultra-thin coatings for medical sensors or thick films for aerospace, our solutions deliver reliability without compromise.

For more information visit: https://www.conformalcoating.co.uk/parylene-coating-solutions/

Precision, Safety, and Reliability — Redefined

When it comes to coating removal and precision cleaning, the challenge has always been finding a media that’s effective yet gentle — one that removes coatings cleanly without compromising delicate substrates.

Now, there’s a new solution: Vaniman’s VanAcrylic Thermoset Plastic Blasting Media — engineered for precision coating removal, surface preparation, and de-painting in industries where quality and control are non-negotiable, including electronics, aerospace, and defence.

Why Choose VanAcrylic?

Traditional blasting media often mean compromise — whether it’s static build-up, inconsistent particle sizes, or health and environmental risks.

VanAcrylic eliminates those trade-offs, combining performance, safety, and consistency in one innovative solution.

Key Advantages:

• Precision performance – tightly controlled particle sizing ensures uniform strip rates and predictable results.
• ESD-safe – static-resistant composition works seamlessly with electrostatic-safe blasting systems.
• Chemically inert – non-reactive and safe across a broad range of materials.
• Environmentally responsible – non-toxic, free from silica dust, and safer for operators.
• Mil-Spec approved – trusted by aerospace and defence manufacturers worldwide.

Perfect Pairing: VanAcrylic + Master Problast3 ESD

The Master Problast3 ESD System is the ideal partner for VanAcrylic.

Together, they create a complete, closed-loop blasting solution that delivers exceptional control, repeatability, and operator safety.

The Problast3’s ESD-safe chamber and precision blasting controls unlock VanAcrylic’s full potential — providing consistent coating removal without static interference or substrate damage.

Operators benefit from:

• Cleaner, dust-controlled environments
• Consistent and repeatable blasting performance
• Reduced rework and downtime

For conformal coating and Parylene removal, de-painting, or precision cleaning, this duo delivers a standard of reliability unmatched in its class.

Applications at a Glance

VanAcrylic with the Master Problast3 ESD is ideal for:

• Conformal coating and Parylene removal on delicate PCBs
• De-painting and surface preparation without damaging components
• Precision cleaning for electronics, aerospace, and defence assemblies

Why It Matters

In high-reliability sectors, performance and compliance are everything.
VanAcrylic gives manufacturers a safer, cleaner, and more efficient way to remove coatings — while meeting the latest environmental, ESD, and Mil-Spec requirements.

When paired with the Master Problast3 ESD, it delivers a complete precision blasting solution — designed for today’s manufacturing challenges and tomorrow’s sustainability standards.

Available Now from SCH Services Ltd

SCH Services Ltd is proud to be an official UK distributor for Vaniman blasting systems and consumables, including the new VanAcrylic media.

If you’d like to see how VanAcrylic and the Master Problast3 ESD system can improve your process control and product quality,

Contact our team today or visit www.conformalcoating.co.uk to learn more.

When it comes to controlling electrostatic discharge (ESD), many industries have turned to ESD paints. These coatings are marketed as flexible enough to cover floors, ceilings, plastics, paper, cardboard, and foams, making them appear like a universal solution for static control.

But the reality is very different. While traditional paints may provide short-term conductivity, they degrade quickly, require frequent reapplication, and are very expensive compared to modern alternatives.

That’s why the concept of “lifetime dissipation” matters. With advanced coatings like ProShield ESD, businesses can achieve permanent static protection—without the costs and limitations of the traditional ESD paints.

The Problem with Traditional ESD Paints

Although they can be applied across a range of substrates—floors, ceilings, plastics, paper, cardboard, and foams—traditional paints suffer from serious flaws:

• Performance degradation – Fillers clump or separate, breaking the conductive path.
• Very expensive – High purchase price plus repeated reapplication.
• Maintenance downtime – Every recoat means disruption and extra labour.
• Contamination risks – Carbon or metal fillers can flake or contaminate sensitive environments.
• Hidden lifecycle costs – What looks cheap at first soon becomes costly.

What Does “Lifetime Dissipation” Really Mean?

Lifetime dissipation is the ability to provide continuous, uniform ESD protection across the entire life of the substrate—without needing to reapply the coating. If the coating can be seen it will be working and ensures:

• Permanent static protection on plastics, foams, cardboard, concrete, metals and more
• Reliable conductivity that doesn’t degrade
• Low-cost performance compared to expensive paints
• Wide compatibility with modern materials and applications

How ProShield ESD Delivers True Lifetime Dissipation

Unlike paints, ProShield ESD doesn’t rely on unstable fillers. Instead, it provides a uniform dissipative layer that remains effective across a wide variety of substrates, including plastics, foams, packaging, and flooring.

Key benefits:

• Permanent, maintenance-free protection
• Low-cost solution vs expensive ESD paints
• Versatile compatibility across plastics, foams, packaging & more
• Sustainable performance with less waste and downtime

Why Permanent Protection Matters

As electronics become smaller and more sensitive, a discharge of just 30 volts—far below human perception—can destroy them. Temporary coatings applied to floors, ceilings, or packaging can’t guarantee protection.

With ProShield ESD, businesses gain lifetime dissipation—a long-term, affordable, and reliable solution for modern industries.

Traditional ESD Paints vs ProShield ESD

Feature / Factor	Traditional ESD Paints	ProShield ESD
Application Areas	Floors, ceilings, plastics, paper, cardboard, foams	Nearly all substrate types including plastics, foams, packaging, flooring, wood and metals
Initial Cost	Very expensive	Low-cost alternative
Durability	Short-lived, degrades over time	Permanent, no degradation
Maintenance	Requires frequent reapplication → downtime & labour costs	Maintenance-free
Conductivity	Inconsistent; fillers wear unevenly	Uniform, stable dissipation
Fillers Used	Carbon/metal fillers → contamination risks	No fillers; clean, reliable
Lifecycle Cost	High (recoats, downtime, waste)	Low (one application, lasting protection)
Sustainability	More waste & higher resource use	Reduces waste, supports sustainability
Overall Value	Temporary fix with hidden costs	Permanent protection, long-term savings

Conclusion: Moving Beyond Traditional Paints and Mouldings

Traditional ESD paints and moulded carbon solutions may seem effective, but both suffer from high costs, limited versatility, and unreliable long-term performance. ProShield ESD delivers permanent, low-cost static control across plastics, foams, paper, packaging, and more—without the degradation or expense of fillers and moulded parts.

It’s time to move beyond outdated paints and mouldings and embrace a smarter, future-ready solution.

For more information visit:

Introduction

Conformal coating is vital for protecting electronics from moisture, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes. Yet many manufacturers don’t have the facilities or expertise to manage coating in-house. That’s where subcontract conformal coating services—sometimes called outsourced conformal coating—play a critical role. By partnering with a specialist provider like SCH Services, companies gain expert support, cost efficiency, and consistent results without the burden of running their own coating line.

What Are Subcontract Conformal Coating Services?

Subcontract conformal coating means entrusting your printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies to an external, professional coating house. Instead of purchasing capital equipment, training staff, and maintaining coating systems, you send your assemblies to a contract conformal coating provider who applies the specified finish and returns them production-ready.

At SCH Services, we manage the full process:

• Intake & documentation
• Masking & preparation
• Application by spray, dip, or brush
• Curing & drying
• Inspection & testing
• Final packaging and return

All processes are carried out under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified conditions, ensuring consistency and traceability.

Why Do They Matter?

• Expertise and Precision – Dedicated coating houses like SCH specialise in conformal coating. This focus means fewer defects, better adhesion, and compliance with IPC and MIL standards.
• No Need for In-House Experts – Hiring and retaining skilled conformal coating technicians can be difficult and costly. By subcontracting, you eliminate the need to recruit, train, and manage coating specialists in-house—your provider already has the expertise.
• Cost Efficiency – Outsourcing avoids the capital expense of equipment and staff. Subcontracting transforms fixed overhead into a flexible, predictable service cost.
• Speed and Flexibility – Professional coating partners can scale quickly, whether you need a handful of prototypes or high-volume production batches.
• Reduced Risk – Working with an established provider reduces the chance of coating failures, warranty claims, or costly rework.
• Compliance and Reliability – With certified processes and audited standards, subcontract conformal coating services ensure your electronics meet customer and regulatory requirements.

When Should You Consider Outsourcing?

• Prototypes & NPI: When volumes are too small to justify in-house investment.
• Low-to-medium volumes: Where flexibility is more important than throughput.
• Overflow capacity: When your line is at full load and you need extra support.
• Specialist projects: Aerospace, defence, or medical builds that demand strict compliance.

Why Choose SCH Services?

With more than 25 years of experience, SCH Services is the UK’s leading provider of subcontract conformal coating services. We offer:

• Liquid, nano, and Parylene coating options
• ISO-certified processes for quality and reliability
• Secure supply chains for consumables and spares
• Full support from prototype through production

By choosing SCH, you gain more than a subcontractor—you gain a long-term partner who helps you protect your products and reputation.

Conclusion

Subcontract conformal coating services provide manufacturers with the flexibility, expertise, and assurance they need to deliver reliable electronics. By outsourcing your coating requirements to a trusted partner like SCH, you avoid costly setup, reduce risks, and ensure your assemblies are protected against the toughest environments.

For more information, visit: https://www.conformalcoating.co.uk/conformal-coating-solutions/

Even the best Parylene coating cannot perform reliably if the surface beneath it is not properly prepared. Adhesion failures, delamination, and reduced barrier performance often trace back to poor substrate preparation. That’s why surface preparation is one of the most critical steps before Parylene deposition.

Parylene is applied via vapor deposition, forming a thin, uniform layer that reaches every exposed surface. However, if the substrate has contamination, low surface energy, or residues, the Parylene may not bond properly—resulting in peeling, flaking, or reduced adhesion.

Correct preparation ensures:
– Strong coating adhesion
– Reliable moisture and chemical protection
– Consistent long-term performance

Cleaning: Removing Contaminants

Before applying adhesion promoters, thorough cleaning is essential. Residues like flux, oils, or dust can prevent the coating from bonding properly. Techniques include:
– Solvent cleaning for organic residues
– Ultrasonic cleaning for precision components
– Controlled drying to avoid recontamination

Adhesion Promoters: Creating Reliable Bonding Sites

Adhesion promoters (such as silane-based primers) are widely used to enhance Parylene’s bonding strength. These chemical agents modify the substrate surface to create functional groups that improve adhesion. They are particularly effective on low-energy materials such as plastics, ceramics, or glass, ensuring Parylene bonds securely and permanently.

By combining effective cleaning with adhesion promoters, manufacturers can achieve optimal performance, preventing delamination and ensuring coatings that last.

SCH Services Ltd: Proven Preparation and Coating Expertise

At SCH Services Ltd, we combine cleaning and adhesion promoter treatments with expert Parylene deposition to deliver coatings that bond reliably across all substrates. Because we apply these techniques in our own coating services, customers benefit from proven processes designed for maximum performance.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is non-negotiable in industries such as electronics manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. For decades, two common approaches have dominated: molded ESD solutions (like carbon-filled boxes) and filler-based ESD paints. On paper, both seemed like effective answers. In practice, they’ve proven costly, inconsistent, and difficult to scale.

At SCH Services, we experienced these frustrations first-hand. That’s why we created ProShield ESD—a permanent, polymer-based dissipative coating that replaces outdated molded and filler-based technologies once and for all.

The Problems with Traditional ESD Solutions

1. Molded Carbon Boxes and Plastics

Carbon-filled molded solutions are heavy, expensive to produce, and limited to specific applications. Their conductivity degrades over time, and the one-size-fits-all approach leaves little flexibility for custom requirements.

2. Filler-Based ESD Paints

Most ESD paints rely on carbon or metal fillers for conductivity. These fillers wear down, clump, or flake, creating patchy protection, contamination risks, and compliance issues in sensitive environments. The paints themselves are expensive—and frequent reapplication only multiplies lifecycle costs.

3. Limited Versatility

Neither molded boxes nor traditional paints perform well across diverse substrates such as plastics, foams, packaging, or floors, making it hard to standardise static protection throughout a facility.

How We Solved It with ProShield ESD

ProShield ESD is a next-generation polymer-based dissipative coating. Unlike molded boxes or filler paints, it delivers uniform, permanent protection without performance trade-offs.

Key Advantages:

• Permanent Static Protection – No degradation, no reapplication, no downtime.
• Cost Savings – Lower upfront and lifecycle costs compared to molded boxes and ESD paints.
• Wide Compatibility – Effective on plastics, foams, packaging, and even floors.
• Clean and Reliable – No carbon or metal fillers, eliminating contamination risks.
• Sustainable – Reduces waste, material use, and environmental impact.

Benefits Across Industries

Whether in electronics assembly, aerospace, automotive, or medical devices, ProShield ESD provides:

• Long-term reliability with maintenance-free performance.
• Reduced costs compared to molded or painted solutions.
• Flexible application across multiple substrates and processes.

Conclusion: Moving Beyond Outdated ESD Protection

The old ways—carbon boxes, molded plastics, and filler-based paints—are no longer fit for purpose. They’re expensive, inconsistent, and restrictive.

ProShield ESD changes everything. With a permanent polymer coating that’s versatile, cost-effective, and contamination-free, industries can finally move beyond outdated solutions and embrace a smarter, more sustainable approach to static control.

For more information visit: https://proshieldesd.com/

https://www.conformalcoating.co.uk/proshield-esd-coating/

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a silent but costly threat in industries where sensitive electronics, packaging, and materials must be protected. Traditional anti-static coatings—temporary sprays, carbon fillers, or metal-based additives—have long been the default. But these solutions often degrade, deliver uneven performance, and drive up hidden costs due to constant reapplication.

ProShield ESD changes that. It represents a new era in dissipative coatings, offering permanent static protection, wide substrate compatibility, and low cost in a single innovative solution.

Why Industries Need a Better Static Control Solution

Many sectors including electronics manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and medical industries demand higher reliability than ever before. Current ESD protection methods often fall short:

• Limited lifespan – Coatings degrade, requiring frequent reapplication.
• Narrow compatibility – Results vary across plastics, foams, packaging, and flooring.
• High hidden costs – Short-lived coatings increase downtime, rework, and waste.

As microelectronics shrink in size and sensitivity, and as global supply chains tighten, industries need sustainable static control solutions that guarantee long-term reliability.

What Makes ProShield ESD Different?

ProShield ESD delivers uniform, dissipative performance without the drawbacks of temporary sprays or filler-based coatings.

Key Benefits of ProShield ESD:

• Permanent ESD Protection – Long-lasting, no reapplication required.
• Low-Cost Solution – Affordable compared to traditional ESD coatings.
• Versatile Substrate Compatibility – Effective on nearly all surfaces including plastics, foams, packaging, walls and flooring.
• No Carbon or Metal Fillers – Consistent conductivity, no contamination risks.
• Lifecycle Reliability – Protects components from production to handling and transport.

Applications Across Modern Industries

ProShield ESD is designed for many sectors where static control is mission-critical including:

• Electronics Manufacturing – Protect semiconductors and circuit boards from ESD damage.
• Automotive & Aerospace – Safeguard sensitive onboard systems with permanent static protection.
• Medical Devices – Ensure reliability where patient safety is non-negotiable.
• Logistics & Packaging – Deliver safe, ESD-safe handling and storage for high-value components.

A Smarter, Sustainable Approach

By eliminating repeated coating applications, ProShield ESD lowers downtime, reduces material waste, and cuts costs. This makes it not only efficient but also aligned with modern sustainability goals.

The Future of Dissipative Coatings

ProShield ESD is more than a product—it’s a strategy for industries that cannot afford compromise. With its combination of being low cost to purchase, permanent protection, and versatile compatibility, it sets a new standard in static control and dissipative coatings.

Businesses that adopt ProShield ESD gain an edge in reliability, cost savings, and compliance—securing their future in an increasingly demanding marketplace.

SCH Technologies is proud to announce that we are now the official UK and European distributor for the Vaniman Problast Micro Abrasive Blaster. This partnership strengthens our commitment to providing world-class solutions for electronics protection, rework, and surface preparation.

What is the Vaniman Problast?

The Vaniman Problast is a high-precision micro abrasive blaster designed to safely and accurately remove coatings, contaminants, and residues from delicate substrates. Renowned for its quality and reliability, the Problast is widely used in industries including:

•          Electronics manufacturing & rework

•          Aerospace & defence

•          Medical device production

•          Automotive electronics

•          Research and development labs

At SCH, our focus is on electronics and PCB protection, making the Problast a perfect fit for conformal coating and Parylene removal applications.

Why the Problast 3 is Essential for Electronics & Parylene Work

The latest model, the Vaniman Problast 3, includes built-in ESD protection. This is a critical feature for electronics rework because it prevents electrostatic discharge from damaging sensitive PCB components during coating removal.

When combined with its controlled precision blasting, the Problast 3 offers:

•          Selective coating removal without damaging substrates

•          Safe operation for sensitive electronics thanks to ESD control

•          Compatibility with a wide range of blasting media

•          A robust, compact design suitable for production lines and repair facilities

SCH also uses the Problast in our own conformal coating and Parylene rework services, proving its effectiveness in real-world production environments.

Part of SCH’s Turnkey Philosophy

The Problast is more than just a piece of equipment—it forms part of our unique turnkey philosophy. At SCH, we don’t simply supply machines; we provide a complete ecosystem of conformal coating and Parylene solutions. That includes:

•          Services – subcontract coating, rework, and consultancy

•          Materials – conformal coatings, Parylene dimers, masking materials

•          Equipment – application systems, ovens, inspection booths, and blasting tools

•          Training & support – hands-on guidance to embed processes in your facility

Adding the Vaniman Problast 3 strengthens our ability to deliver end-to-end solutions, enabling customers to protect, apply, remove, and rework coatings with full confidence.

Benefits of Working with SCH as Your Distributor

By sourcing the Problast directly through SCH, customers gain:

• Immediate UK & EU supply – no long lead times or overseas shipping hassles
• Technical expertise – direct guidance from coating specialists who use the equipment daily
• Spare parts & consumables – complete support package to keep systems running
• Training & consultancy – optional add-on services to integrate blasting into your processes

Supporting Your Entire Process

The addition of the Vaniman Problast expands our equipment portfolio, sitting alongside SCH’s dipping systems, spray booths, curing ovens, and Parylene solutions. Together, these technologies enable manufacturers to protect, rework, and optimise PCB assemblies to the highest international standards.

Conclusion

As the official UK & European distributor for the Vaniman Problast 3, SCH Technologies provides more than just equipment supply—we deliver a complete, turnkey solution for conformal coating and Parylene processes. With integrated ESD protection, the Problast 3 is an invaluable tool for ensuring efficient, precise, and reliable coating rework in sensitive electronics environments.

To learn more or request a demonstration, contact SCH today.