Parylene Coating Performance & Custom Masking
Parylene coating is recommended for applications demanding a highly flexible cable with a slippery, easily cleaned surface. Our custom-coating operation can apply a permanently bonded uniform film of 1µm thickness (or otherwise as specified) and our skilled technicians produce beautifully crisp masked edges, which lead to superior aesthetic quality and securely bonded overmolded strain reliefs and connectors. The silky surface of coated cables does not tangle, tug on skin, hair or fabric; it does not attract debris, and is far easier to clean than conventional silicone or TPE jacketed cables.
The parylene grade used at New England Wire Technologies offers optimum lubricity compared to other options, and is an inert, biocompatible dry lubricant that resists heat, radiation, solvents, fungus and bacteria growth. The coating is bonded to the jacket material, and at 1m, it adds virtually nothing to final dimensions.
Engineering Tip: Combine NEWtuf® reinforced silicone and our custom parylene coating for optimum performance & longevity.
Performance Characteristics:
- Low friction (comfortable, ergonomic surface)
- Biocompatible / inert transparent polymer
- Sterilization / autoclave stable
- Extremely thin coating, no build to jacket OD
- Crisp masked edges allow for durably bonded connections
- Custom masking and thickness specifications readily incorporated into our process
SLEEK™ Continuous Coating for Bulk Overmolding
Looking to reduce excess drag, friction, and stiction? SLEEK™ coating is a cost effective alternative to parylene and is ideal for situations where overmolding and long continuous lengths are a priority. A silicone-based material, SLEEK™ is applied in a continuous process and provides smooth, slick surfaces to silicone rubber insulated cables for ease of use while adding less than 1 mil (20 microns nominally, depending on application) to the overall cable diameter.
Performance Characteristics:
- Ultra slick surface offers low friction and mitigates drag
- Highly resistant to debris
- Glides easily over surfaces (skin, clothing, bedding, etc.)
- Robust coating is permanently bonded, no delamination
- Easy to clean using various methods
- Autoclave sterilizable (coating known to pass 1000 cycles)
- FDA, USP Class VI biocompatible
- Overmoldable, no masking required
- Available on bulk length reels, continuous lengths
Engineers Ask: Specialty Coatings FAQs
When should I choose Parylene and when should I choose SLEEK?
Choose Parylene when the application requires the most slippery, easily cleaned surface that still is sterilizable, biocompatible, and doesn’t add to the OD of the cable. Choose SLEEK when you still need a non-tacky surface that is low friction and that can be autoclaved but want long continuous lengths and overmoldability without the need to mask cut length cable ends.
Are specialty coatings necessary for every silicone cable?
No, specialty coatings on silicone rubber are only for applications that require the cable to move smoothly without drag, friction, or stiction. Generally, coatings are excellent for medical applications where the cable can move freely over surfaces, including a patient’s skin, hair, or clothing/bedding fabric.
Do specialty coatings make cleaning the cable easier?
Yes, silicone rubber itself is an excellent choice for medical cables as it can be autoclaved and cleaned using several standard sterilization methods. Add to that a coating that allows for a smooth, non-tacky surface and wiping down the cable becomes that much easier.
