Materials Used in PCB Boards
PCB boards are made of various materials, each with its own advantages. Understanding the different types of materials used in PCB fabrication can help you choose the best one for your specific needs.
Copper Clad Laminate
The primary material in a PCB is copper clad laminate. It consists of a substrate, copper foil, and adhesive. The substrate is an insulating layer made from polymer synthetic resin and reinforcing materials. Copper foil, typically 35-50 µm thick, covers the substrate. There are single-sided and double-sided copper clad laminates, with adhesive ensuring firm adhesion of the copper foil.
Common Types of Copper Clad Laminates
- FR-1: Made of phenolic cotton paper, more economical than FR-2.
- FR-2: Phenolic cotton paper.
Other Types of Copper Clad Laminates
- FR-3 – Cotton paper, epoxy resin
- FR-4 – Woven glass, epoxy resin
- FR-5 – Glass cloth, epoxy resin
- FR-6 – Masked glass, polyester
- G-10 – Glass cloth, epoxy resin
- CEM-1 – Cotton paper, epoxy resin (flame retardant)
- CEM-2 – Cotton paper, epoxy resin (non-flame retardant)
- CEM-3 – Glass cloth, epoxy resin
- CEM-4 – Glass cloth, epoxy resin
- CEM-5 – Glass cloth, polyester
- AIN – Aluminum Nitride
- SIC – Silicon Carbide
PCB copper-clad laminates vary based on insulating materials and binder resins, with general-purpose and special types available for different applications.
Commonly Used PCB Copper-Clad Laminates in China
- Copper-Clad Phenolic Paper Laminate: Made from insulating paper impregnated with phenolic resin, primarily used in radio equipment PCBs.
- Copper-Clad Phenolic Glass Cloth Laminate: Consists of alkali-free glass cloth impregnated with epoxy phenolic resin, suitable for higher temperature and frequency radio equipment PCBs.
- Copper-Clad PTFE Laminate: Ideal for high-frequency circuits.
- Copper-Clad Epoxy Glass Cloth Laminate: Commonly used for hole-metallized PCBs.
- Soft Polyester Copper-Clad Film: Used in flexible printed circuits and printed cables.
