PCB Fabrication

PCB Materials Overview

To accommodate the diverse functions and applications of various PCBs, a wide range of materials has been developed throughout the evolution of printed circuit board manufacturing. These materials range from basic options like FR1, FR2, CEM1, and CEM3 to more advanced options such as FR4, High TG FR4, Aluminum, and specialized high-standard materials like high-speed, high-frequency, PTFE, Ceramic, Polyimide, and IC substrate materials.

At LEAPPCB, we manufacture PCBs using a variety of materials to meet your specific needs. Our selection includes conventional FR4, high TG FR4, high-frequency FR4, high-speed FR4, halogen-free FR4, polyimide, high thermal conductive CEM3, aluminum/copper base, PTFE/Teflon, Ceramic, Alumina, Semi-flex, IC substrate, and more. All of our PCB materials are sourced from the most reputable brands in the industry.

Below is a list of the most commonly used PCB material brands along with some typical parameters for each.

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Material TypeGlass Transition Temperature (TG)Dielectric Constant (DK)Main Suppliers
FR4135°C3.8-4.7Shengyi, Isola, Nanya, ITEQ, KB
High TG FR4170-180°C3.8-4.6Shengyi, Isola, KB, Nanya, ITEQ
Halogen-Free FR4135-170°C4.5-4.9Shengyi, Isola, KB, Nanya, ITEQ
High-Speed FR4135-180°CLow Dk: 3.0-4.0; Low Df: 0.001-0.01TUC, Shengyi, Isola, Ventec, Rogers, ITEQ, Panasonic
CEM3120-130°C4.5-4.9Shengyi, KB
RF & Microwave135-280°CLow Dk: 2.2-3.5; Low Df: 0.001-0.01Rogers, Panasonic, Isola, Ventec, AGC, Arlon, TUC, Shengyi
Ceramic135-280°CLow Dk: 2.2-3.5; Low Df: 0.001-0.01Rogers, Shengyi, ITEQ
Polyimide for Rigid PCB250-300°C4.0-4.5Arlon, Nelco
Alumina250–350°CThermal Conductivity (W/m°C): 15-170Chinese local brand
Semiflex135-170°C3.8-4.7ISOLA, ITEQ, Shengyi
Polyimide for Flex PCB195-220°C3.0-3.5Dupont, Panasonic, Taiflex
Aluminum/Copper Based100-170°CThermal Conductivity (W/m°C): 1.0-4.0Laird, Bergquist, Ventec, Shengyi, ITEQ, TOTKING
IC Substrate170-220°C4.0-5.0MGC, Hitachi, Doosan, LG, Ajinomoto

Overview of Common PCB Base Materials

  • FR4

    • FR4 is a widely used glass fiber epoxy laminate that complies with UL 94V-0 standard. It is the most prevalent PCB material found in electronic products.
  • High TG FR4

    • This is an enhanced version of FR4, designed to withstand higher temperatures during both manufacturing processes and actual use.
  • Halogen-Free FR4

    • An environmentally friendly FR4 material, free of halogens, making it safe for human contact and often required in products that interact directly with users.
  • High-Speed FR4

    • This FR4 substrate is tailored for high-speed signal transmission, suitable for frequencies ranging from 1GHz to 100GHz.
  • CEM3

    • CEM3 is an epoxy-based material with a paper core, offering a lower-cost alternative to FR4. However, FR4 is generally recommended for better reliability.
  • RF & Microwave

    • This material is engineered for applications requiring high electromagnetic frequency (300MHz or higher), essential for devices that need high-frequency signal transmission.
  • Ceramic

    • Ceramic materials, reinforced with glass or PTFE, are used to manufacture high-frequency and high-speed PCBs.
  • Polyimide for Rigid PCB

    • A robust polyimide material ideal for PCBs that must withstand extremely high temperatures.
  • Alumina

    • Made from Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3), this material offers exceptionally high thermal conductivity, suitable for heat-intensive applications.
  • Semi-flex

    • A flexible variant of FR4, allowing limited bending at certain angles, typically used for PCBs that require minimal flexing during assembly.
  • Polyimide for Flex PCB

    • This polyimide material is highly flexible and can be bent or folded repeatedly, commonly used for manufacturing flexible and rigid-flex PCBs.
  • Aluminum/Copper Based

    • Materials with high thermal conductivity, often used in high-power lighting products or devices that require efficient heat dissipation.
  • IC Substrate

    • High-tech materials, including ceramic, PI (polyimide), or PE (polyester), used to produce PCBs that act as carriers for ICs and connect signals between chips and the PCB.

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Leap Electronic is your trusted partner and one-stop shop for PCB fabrication, component sourcing, PCB assembly, and electronic manufacturing. With over 16 years of expertise, we proudly serve over 1000 customers worldwide, delivering top-quality PCBs at competitive prices. Our ISO9001:2015 certification and UL listing ensure that all our products meet the highest industry standards. Every PCB is 100% E-tested and inspected using AOI and X-RAY, guaranteeing unparalleled reliability and performance.

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