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The classification of FR-4 PCB Materials and what are characteristic parameters of FR4?

The classification of FR-4 PCB Materials and what are characteristic parameters of FR4?

FR-4 classification:

The surface colors of FR-4 epoxy glass cloth laminate are include:

Yellow FR-4, white FR-4, black FR-4, blue FR-4, etc.

FR-4 is a type of sheet and used for PCB as the substrate. According to the different of reinforcement materials, the FR4 sheets are mainly classified into the following four types:

  • FR-4: glass cloth substrate
  • FR-1, FR-2, etc.: paper substrate
  • CEM series: composite substrate
  • Special material substrate (ceramic, metal base, etc.)

FR-4 is a laminate board that obtained by immersing epoxy resin with alkali-free glass fiber cloth by pressing under high-temperature and high-pressure,it’s rigid insulating laminated sheet.

Features and Uses

Features: High mechanical and dielectric properties, good heat and moisture resistance and good machinability.

Uses: Insulation structural parts in motors and electrical equipment, including various types of switches FPC reinforced, electrical insulating carbon film printed circuit boards, computer drilling mat mold fixtures (PCB test racks) and in humid environmental conditions and Used in transformer oil.

Basic characteristics:

No.Test ItemTest conditionUnitStandard ValueTesting Result
1DensityISO 1183g/cm3≥1.701.85
2Moisture Absorption (0.125”)ASTM D-570%0.15 max0.10
3Breakdown VoltageCondition A (0.062”) Condition D-48/50ASTM D-149 kV45 min 40 min66 65
4Permittivity @ 1 MHzCondition A (0.062'') Condition D-48/50ASTM D-1505.2 max 5.4 max4.4 4.5
5IZOD Strength (0.062”)Length-Wise Cross-WiseASTM D-229 ft-lb/in Notched7.0 min 5.5 min13 12
6Flexural Strength (0.062”)Length-Wise Cross-WiseASTM D-790 ksi (MPa)60.0 (414) min 50.0 (345) min80 (552) 70 (483)
7Flexural Modulus (0.062”)Length-Wise Cross-Wiseksi (GPa)2,900 (20) 2,600 (18)
8Tensile Strength (0.125”)Length-WiseASTM D-638 ksi (MPa)62 (430)
9Compressive Strength, Flat-Wise (0.500”)ASTM D-695ksi (MPa)66 (455)
10Bonding Strength (0.500”)Length-Wise Cross-WiseASTM D-229 Lb (kg)2000 (907) min 1600 (725) min2,500 (1,133) 1,900 (862)
11Shear Strength (punch type, 0.062”)ASTM D-732psi (MPa)21,500 (148)
12Temperature IndexASTM D-2304130
13Coefficient of Thermal ExpansionASTM E-228'/''℃x10-615
14Flammability RatingUL94ClassV-IV-0
15Dissipation Factor @ 1 MHzCondition A (0.062”) Condition D-48/50ASTM D-1500.025 max 0.035 max0.014 0.015
16Dielectric Strength (Condition A)ASTM D-149V/mil635
17Arc Resistance (0.125”)ASTM D-495Sec140
18Comparative Tracking Index (0.125”)ASTM D-3638*V230

Process characteristics:

  • FR-4 process platen melting point (203 ℃)
  • High resistance
  • Low loss factor (Df 0.0025)
  • Stable and low dielectric constant (Dk 2.35)
  • Thermoplastic materials

What is FR-4?

FR-4 is a code name of a flame-resistant material grade. It means a material specification that the resin material must be self-extinguishing after being burned. It is not a material name, but a material grade, so the current general circuit is used by many types of FR-4 grades,but most of them are made of Tera-Function epoxy with filler and glass fiber.

FR-4 Epoxy Glass Cloth Laminate,according to the industry applications,also known as FR-4 Epoxy Glass Cloth,Insulation Board,Epoxy resin Board, Brominated Epoxy Board, FR-4 , fiberglass board, FR-4 reinforcing board, FPC reinforcing board, flexible circuit reinforcing board, FR-4 epoxy board, flame retardant insulation board, FR-4 laminated board, epoxy board , FR-4 light board, FR-4 glass fiber board, epoxy glass cloth board, circuit board drilling pad.

Main technical features and applications:

Electrical insulation Stable, good flatness,smooth surface,standard thickness tolerance.

Suitable for high-performance electronic i