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Fluoropolymer Coatings
Ultra-thin protection.
Full functionality. 

Reliably protect your electronics from moisture, corrosion, condensation, and chemical exposure—with an ultra-thin fluoropolymer coating.

✔ Protection against moisture and corrosion

✔ Contactable surface

✔ No masking required

✔ Ultra-thin layer (500 nm)

✔ Suitable for mass production

✔ High process reliability

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Fluoropolymer coatings are ultra-thin functional coatings that can make surfaces permanently water-, dirt-, and chemical-repellent. In electronics, they are used to reliably protect components from moisture, corrosion, and other environmental influences without significantly altering their function or geometry.

Due to their thin layer thickness, fluoropolymer coatings differ fundamentally from conventional conformal coatings. In many applications, electrical contacts remain accessible, and the effort required for masking can be significantly reduced.

At a glance:

  • ultra-thin protective layer
  • hydrophobic and oleophobic properties
  • low surface energy
  • easily contactable
  • transparent coating
  • suitable for complex geometries
  • can be automated for industrial use

WHAT ARE FLUOROPOLYMER COATINGS?

Fluoropolymer coatings are a type of functional thin-film coating used for electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards (PCBAs).

They consist of fluorinated polymers that, due to their chemical structure, have a particularly low surface energy (8–12 mN/m).

After application, an ultrathin (500 nm), nearly invisible protective layer forms on the surface of the workpiece. This layer significantly alters the surface’s wetting properties and reduces the adhesion of water, dirt, and numerous other substances.

Unlike traditional protective coatings, fluoropolymer coatings are not primarily designed to create a thick barrier, but rather to specifically modify the surface properties. However, they do not alter the geometry of the assembly or the optical properties of LEDs or displays.

The protective coating adheres to nearly all surfaces and offers years of durability—both on the assemblies and during storage.

In addition, our fluoropolymer coatings are REACH-registered, RoHS-compliant, non-flammable, do not deplete the ozone layer, and are virtually odorless.

500nm
layer thickness

8-12 mN/m surface energy

non-flammable

REACH-registered

RoHS-compliant

Purocoat 17/02

No traditional PTFE or Teflon® coating

The technology used is not comparable to traditional PTFE or Teflon® coatings.

While PTFE is typically used as a thick nonstick or lubricating layer, this is an ultrathin protective coating designed specifically for electronics. The goal is not mechanical protection, but rather the reliable protection of electronic assemblies against moisture and contamination.

PROPERTIES OF FLUOROPOLYMER COATINGS

  • Water-repellent (hydrophobic):

    The low surface energy makes it harder for water to adhere and easier for it to roll off.

  • Oil- and dirt-repellent (oleophobic):

    Many fluoropolymer coatings also reduce oil wetting and make it easier to clean surfaces.

  • Ultra-thin layer:

    Compared to traditional protective coatings, only a very thin layer is applied. As a result, fits, tolerances, and component geometries are largely preserved.

  • Transparency:

    The coating is usually colorless and has little effect on the appearance of the assembly.

  • Contactability:

    Depending on the system and application, contacts, connectors, or test points can continue to be used even after coating. This often reduces the amount of masking required.

  • Chemical Resistance:

    Fluoropolymers exhibit high resistance to many chemicals. However, which substances they can withstand over the long term depends on the specific coating system.

ADVANTAGES OF FLUOROPOLYMER COATING

No masking required

Contacts, test points, and connectors remain fully contactable. Needle adapters can be used.

Easy to repair

Assemblies remain solderable, and rework is possible.

Universal adhesion

Adheres to a wide variety of surfaces.

Ready-to-use

Dries in just a few minutes.

LED-compatible

No blue shift, no haze.

Easy Storage & Disposal

Handy for everyday use.

FLUOROPOLYMERS vs. CONFORMAL COATINGS

Fluoropolymer coatings differ from traditional conformal coatings in several ways.

Fluoropolymer Coating

✓ No masking required

✓ Ultra-thin layer thickness

✓ Short processing times

✓ Contacts remain contactable

✓ Transparent & virtually invisible

✓ Ready-to-use

Discover Our Coatings

Conformal Coatings

✕ Extensive masking required

✕ Thick coating layer

✕ Long curing time

✕ Contacts must be carefully masked

✕ Visible coating

✕ Post-curing required

A CLEAN PROCESS FOR HIGH THROUGHPUT

The fluoropolymer coating is applied at room temperature.
Heat, UV, or storage curing is not required.

01 Dipping

The assemblies are placed into the coating bath either manually or automatically.

02 Coating

The solution spreads evenly in 10–30 seconds and forms an ultra-thin protective layer.

03 Drying

After 3–5 minutes, the assembly is ready for further processing.

✓ No additional curing
✓ Manual or automatic loading
✓ No separate exhaust system required
✓ Suitable for mass production

Total process time: typically less than 7 minutes

PROTECTION AGAINST COMMON FAILURE CAUSES

Fluoropolymer coatings increase the reliability of electronic assemblies—even when traditional painting is not required.

Effective against:

✓ Condensation and high humidity

✓ Dirt, dust, and air pollution

✓ Oil films, fuels, cleaning agents, and solvents

✓ 10% acids and alkalis

✓ Tropical climate and harsh environmental conditions

Discover Our Coatings

LIMITATIONS OF FLUOROPOLYMER COATINGS

Like any coating technology, fluoropolymer coatings are not suitable for every application.

Depending on the requirements, traditional protective coatings or other coating systems may be the better choice, for example when:

  • very thick coatings are required,
  • mechanical abrasion resistance is a priority,
  • a complete barrier against aggressive media is needed,
  • specific electrical or thermal properties are required.

Important to Know:

- No electrical insulation
- No mechanical protection against forces, impacts, or vibration
- Makes assemblies unsuitable for submersion in water
- Encapsulation or thick protective coatings are more suitable for heavy-duty mechanical protection

The selection of the appropriate coating should therefore always be based on the specific application.

APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIES

Fluoropolymer coatings are used in numerous industries.

  • Electronics Manufacturing:

    Protection for PCBs, Sensors, and Control Systems

  • Automotive:

    Protection of control units and sensors against condensation, oil contamination, and temperature fluctuations.

  • Industrial Electronics:

    Reliable protection for control systems, industrial PCs, and automation technology

  • Medical Technology:

    Ultra-thin protection for sensitive electronics without affecting optical or mechanical properties.

  • Aviation and Rail:

    Protection of electronic systems under varying climatic conditions.

COATING PROCESSES

Depending on the component geometry and production requirements, various processes are available.

  • Dip coating
  • Spray coating
  • Selective coating
  • Automated mass production processes

The choice of process depends, among other factors, on the component geometry, production volume, and the desired coating properties.

Puretecs offers dip coating systems for the fluoropolymer coating of electronic assemblies.
Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

Discover Coating Systems

WHICH (FLUOROPOLYMER) COATING IS THE RIGHT ONE?

Not every coating system is equally suitable for every application.

Factors such as the operating environment, electrical requirements, material combinations, and regulatory requirements influence the selection.

With the Coating Configurator, you can narrow down the requirements of your application step by step and identify suitable coating solutions.

Go to the Coating Configurator

PRODUCTS FROM PURETECS

Puretecs develops fluoropolymer coatings for a wide range of applications.

Here you will find our products:

Three aluminium bottles labeled Purocoat

Purocoat 17/02

  • Ultra-thin protective layer
  • Contactable
  • No masking required
  • Electrically non-conductive
Discover Purocoat 17/02

Purocoat 17/02 UV

  • Ultra-thin protective layer
  • Contactable
  • No masking required
  • Forms a protective layer that fluoresces slightly when exposed to UV light
Purocoat 17/02 UV entdecken
Discover all conductive coatings

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Is a fluoropolymer coating waterproof?

No. The coating protects against moisture, condensation, and splashing water, but does not make components permanently submersible.

Does it need to be masked before coating?

In the vast majority of cases, no. Connectors, contacts, and switches remain capable of making contact.

How thick is the coating?

Typical layer thicknesses are around 500 nm. This makes the coating significantly thinner than traditional protective coatings.

How does a fluoropolymer coating differ from a conformal coating?

A fluoropolymer coating (often used as a nanocoating) is an extremely thin, water- and oil-repellent protective layer. Unlike the thicker, full-surface insulating conformal coating (protective lacquer), which completely encapsulates assemblies, fluoropolymers focus on repellent surface properties with a microscopically thin layer thickness.

Is the coating environmentally friendly?

The materials used are:

  • PFOS-free
  • REACH-registered
  • RoHS-compliant
  • non-flammable