How Westcontrol Berget Protects the Electronics of the Future with Advanced Parylene Technology
At Westcontrol Berget, technological precision is not only about producing advanced electronic solutions — it’s about ensuring they last. One of the most sophisticated methods for long-term electronics protection is parylene coating, a process that creates an ultra-thin, uniform, and highly durable protective layer on sensitive components.
Production Engineer Morten Lien, who oversees the electromechanical department, is among those who know the process best.
An Invisible but Essential Protective Layer
Parylene is a polymer-based conformal coating applied to electronic components to safeguard them from moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Unlike many other coating methods, parylene is applied through a vapor-deposition process inside a sealed vacuum chamber. The raw material evaporates and forms a seamless, uniform film — even around sharp edges, corners, and complex geometries — all without the use of solvents.
The process begins with a test phase where the correct amount of parylene is calculated to achieve the required coating thickness. Components are then prepared with an adhesion-enhancing primer before being suspended inside the vacuum chamber. When pressure and temperature reach the right levels, the parylene dimer vaporizes and deposits evenly across every surface.
“Everything placed in the chamber gets coated,” Morten explains. “It’s precision work. If something is masked incorrectly, the component is lost — parylene cannot be removed afterward.”
Engineered for Extreme Conditions
Parylene stands out due to its exceptional material properties. The Parylene C dimer used at Westcontrol Berget withstands temperatures up to 115°C and down to –200°C, while providing robust protection against acids, alkalis, chemical vapors, and moisture. It also has a high dielectric strength, offering outstanding electrical insulation. In addition, Parylene C is highly effective for tin whisker mitigation, which is essential for long-term reliability in demanding environments.
This level of durability reflects parylene’s origins in aerospace applications, where materials must tolerate harsh stressors and rapid temperature fluctuations.
When Quality Matters More Than Cost
Parylene is one of the most advanced — and costly — forms of conformal coating. Prices start at around NOK 10,000 per kilogram and can go significantly higher. For that reason, it is primarily used in products that must perform reliably in extreme environments where failure is not an option.
For critical electronic components, parylene provides both long-term corrosion protection and unmatched electrical insulation. While many manufacturers choose simpler and cheaper alternatives, parylene remains the top choice for the most demanding applications.
“It’s expensive, but it works,” says Lien. “For our customers, reliability is everything — and parylene delivers exactly that.”
Parylene Coating in Norway
Westcontrol Berget is among the very few companies in Norway that perform in-house parylene coating. Many others outsource the process because of the high material costs and the complexity of maintaining the equipment.
Keeping this expertise internal provides a significant competitive advantage — especially when customers require strict quality assurance, fast delivery, and consistent performance, Morten explains.
The parylene coater is used weekly and operated by a small, highly specialized team under Lien’s supervision.
“You need people who know what they’re doing,” he emphasizes. “The process requires experience. There is no room for mistakes.”
Precision Measured in Microns
After each coating cycle, the parylene layer is measured using a micrometer gauge to verify the exact thickness in microns. This ensures every component meets the customer’s required specifications. Westcontrol Berget also provides test samples with each delivery so clients can verify and document coating quality.
This combination of cutting-edge technology, strict precision, and thorough quality control allows the company to deliver electronics with exceptional reliability — even in the harshest environments.
Growing Demand for High-Performance Electronics Protection
Demand for parylene coating is increasing rapidly. More customers are contacting Westcontrol Berget to test the process on small production runs, many of which have evolved into long-term supply agreements.
With rising expectations for robustness and longevity in electronics — particularly in the defense, industrial, and automation sectors — the trend is clear.
“We definitely see the interest growing,” says Lien. “The need for reliable electronics isn’t going away. Parylene is becoming more important than ever.”
Setting the Standard for Future Electronics Protection
Westcontrol Berget’s parylene technology represents a powerful combination of expertise, precision, and innovation. The process doesn’t just protect components — it extends the lifespan of the technology that industries and society rely on.
With increasing demand and years of specialized experience, Westcontrol Berget continues to strengthen its position as a leading provider of advanced conformal coating and electronics protection in Norway.