FR-4 PCB Laminates Break down material categories into manufacturing specifications
FR-4 is not a single brand or specific model. Manufacturing documents should further specify the grade, thermal properties, laminate structure, copper thickness, and electrical requirements, so that the generic material name becomes a spec that can be procured and reviewed.
FR-4: Materials and Selection Guidelines
This information is based on the manufacturer’s current documentation and the versions confirmed by both parties. The model descriptions do not constitute a commitment regarding real-time inventory or direct substitution; thickness, copper foil, and supply specifications are subject to project confirmation.
Selecting a Model Based on Thermal Processes
Evaluate heat resistance requirements based on the number of welds, temperature conditions, board thickness, and hole structure; do not treat all FR-4 materials as being of the same grade.
To be confirmed based on the specific grade
For example, 370HR is a candidate material for FR-4; for actual projects, you’ll need to verify the model suffix against the specifications of the core board and prepreg.
Verify Electrical Requirements Based on the Design
Impedance and loss evaluations should be based on the actual laminate; identical board thickness does not necessarily mean that the dielectric thickness, glass fiber content, or resin content are the same.
When selecting a model, be sure to focus on these three points
Production drawings cannot specify only FR-4.
Specify any additional materials or permissible ranges of material properties, as well as prohibited substitutes.
High Tg and Halogen-Free Single-Row
These two requirements pertain to different dimensions, so it is not possible to determine whether they are met based on the name “FR-4” alone.
Cost and Performance Are Evaluated Together
When evaluating eligible candidates, compare available specifications, panel configurations, and processing conditions—rather than just the unit price of the material.
From Candidate Materials to Production Materials
01 · Lock Data Version
Record the complete part number, suffix, original factory data sheet, and design objectives, and list any uncertain parameters as items to be confirmed.
02 · Review of Stacking and Processes
Based on the core board, bonding material, copper foil, circuit patterns, and via structures, confirm the available specifications and manufacturing conditions.
03 · Replace after confirmation
Any changes to materials must be compared against electrical, thermal, mechanical, and documentation requirements; once confirmed by the design team, they must be incorporated into the production documentation.
Submit this information to minimize back-and-forth during the selection process.
- Design Documents
- Gerber or ODB++, drill holes, board dimensions, number of layers, board thickness, and copper thickness.
- Material Specifications
- Complete part numbers and suffixes, manufacturer specifications, lamination, copper foil, and permitted substitution ranges.
- Conditions of Use
- Operating frequency bands or signal requirements, thermal processes, environmental and structural constraints.
- Delivery Requirements
- Quantity, target delivery date, inspection requirements, and required material certificates.
Common Selection Issues
Does FR-4 have a standard Dk value?
There is no single value that applies to all grades and configurations. The material, frequency, test method, and actual lamination should be verified.
Is high-Tg FR-4 definitely suitable for high-speed signals?
Signal loss cannot be determined based solely on Tg. Dk, Df, the copper foil, and the channel structure should all be evaluated.
How do I get started if no model is specified?
Submit application, stacking, electrical, and thermal requirements; the engineering review will propose candidate specifications, and the final materials will be confirmed by both parties.
Review the materials, then proceed with prototyping and production
Shenzhen Jingpeng Electronics | Submit your FR-4 material requirements, design documents, and quantities for review of supply specifications and manufacturing solutions.
