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PCB Materials | Materials for Base of Printed Circuit Board

PCB Materials for Base of a Printed Circuit Board can be Resin Based, Fiberglass Based, Epoxy Glass, Metal Board, Flame retardant (UL94-VO, UL94-V1).

A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a Board made of different heat resistant insulating materials. Conductive copper tracks are printed or etched onto this con-conductive base substrate. Electronic components are then soldered onto this board making it a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA).

PCB Materials

PCB Materials

List of PCB Materials

PCB Materials can be classified according to their properties. The base material of a PCB (CCL – Copper Clad Laminate) is basically composite material made of dielectric layer (Resin, Glass Fiber) and conductor or high purity (copper foil).

# PCB Type Material Used
1. Paper Board Cotton Paper and Epoxy
2. Epoxy Glass Cloth Woven Glass and Epoxy
3. Composite Board Cotton Paper, Non-Woven Glass and Epoxy
4. HDI Board Resin Coated Copper
5. Special Board Metal, Ceramic

PCB Materials – Materials for Base of Printed Circuit Board

Let’s now understand different materials for base of Printed Circuit Board according to their properties.

PCB Materials classification according to reinforced materials (most common):

  1. Paper board – FR-1, FR-2 (Phenolic Cotton Paper), FR-3 (cotton paper and epoxy)
  2. Epoxy Glass Cloth – FR-4 (Woven Glass and Epoxy), FR-5 (Woven Glass and Epoxy)
  3. Composite board – CEM-1 (Cotton Paper and Epoxy), CEM-3 (Non-woven Glass and Epoxy)
  4. HDI board (RCC – Resin Coated Copper)
  5. Special board (metal board, ceramic board, etc.)

PCB Materials classification according to types of resin:

  1. Epoxy resin
  2. Polyester resin
  3. PI resin (polyimide)

PCB Base Material classification according to flame retardant properties:

  1. Flame retardant (UL94-VO, UL94-V1)
  2. Non-flame retardant (UL94-HB level)

PCB Materials FAQs

Commonly used materials to make a printed circuit board (PCB) are:

  1. Cotton Paper and Epoxy;
  2. Woven Glass and Epoxy;
  3. Cotton Paper, Non-Woven Glass and Epoxy;
  4. Resin Coated Copper;
  5. Metal and Ceramic.

PCB Materials can be of following 5 Types:

  1. Epoxy Resin;
  2. Polyester Resin;
  3. PI Resin (Polyimide);
  4. Flame Retardant;
  5. Non-flame Retardant

There are generally 4 Layers of a PCB:

  1. Substrate: Generally made up of Fiberglass or other Rigid or Flexible PCB Material.
  2. Copper: Itched on to the Laminate for electrical conductivity.
  3. Solder Mask:  For protection against corrosion and oxidation.
  4. Silkscreen: Ink traces on PCB to identify components, test points, warning and other symbols.

Woven or Non-Woven Fiberglass and Lightweight Polyester are BEST and commonly used PCB material.

Conclusion

Material for the base of a Printed Circuit Board is selected based on PCB design and Application. Not every PCB Material is suitable for all applications.

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Santosh Das

Santosh, founder of this Electronics Tutorial Website, is an Electronics Geek, Blogger and Young Entrepreneur. He possesses vast experience in the field of electronics, electronic components, PCB, Soldering, SMT, Telecommunication, ESD Safety, and PCB Assembly Tools, Equipment and Consumables. Keep visiting for daily dose of Tips and Tutorials.

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17 Responses

  1. Ekom Evic says:

    your materials and information structure are sound. Keep on.

  2. Parag Kudtarkar says:

    interesting article. Kindly contact me. Thank you, Parag Kudtarkar

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