It’s critical to know and operate with standards when it comes to dimensions for industrial applications. Circuit boards, in particular, are susceptible to this. In the absence of an established standard, certain manufacturers opt to employ specific thicknesses of PCBs. It is highly advised that preferred thicknesses for solder gold plating kits should be used to simplify design, maximize the efficiency of production equipment, and save expenses.
Nevertheless, PCB thickness varies, and many manufacturers may choose to adjust it for engineering and manufacturing considerations. In May 2021, sales in the North American PCB industry increased by 9.1%, demonstrating the sector’s growing need for PCB boards. This blog will examine the elements that influence PCB thickness and the essential aspects to consider while making that decision.
What Influences the Thickness of PCBs?
- Dimensions, Weight, and Flexibility
The reduced weight and greater flexibility of thinner boards come at the expense of greater brittleness, though. For applications that don’t need the flexibility of flex PCBs, a somewhat thicker board can be preferable in order to maintain the board’s structural integrity. The heavier and larger the board, the more room it takes up in a device. Despite this, thicker panels are more durable.
- Thickness of Copper
When designing a printed circuit board, copper thickness is an important consideration. The amount of current that must flow through the printed circuit board determines the copper layer’s thickness.
The standard copper thickness ranges from 1.4 to 2.8 mils, although this thickness can be changed to meet the specific needs of the circuit board. Making a thicker board with thicker copper will be more expensive because of the additional materials and manufacturing problems required.
- Board Components
Many factors influence the lifespan and performance of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Fabrication of a typical circuit board begins with the substrate and continues with the laminate, solder mask, and silkscreen. The board’s structure and total thickness are heavily influenced by the materials used for the laminate and substrate.
- Number of PCB Laminated Layers
Of course, the thickness of a PCB is influenced by the number of layers it contains. While PCBs with a thickness of 2-6 layers may be acceptable, those with a thickness of 8 layers or more may not be.
Even though manufacturers may be able to employ thinner PCB layers to reach standard thickness, this becomes progressively infeasible as the number of layers grows.
- Types of Signals
Different signal types on PCBs impact the materials used for the board, which in turn has an impact on the board’s thickness. High-power signals require thicker copper and more considerable traces, which necessitate thicker boards. This implies that boards operating in a low-power environment are substantially thicker.
- Operating Environment
A PCB’s conductivity and resistance may be affected by the board’s thickness and the materials it’s made of, making varying thicknesses useful for different applications.
A thin or bendable board may not be the best option when working in harsh conditions. Moreover, thicker copper circuits are less thermostable at high currents, making them unsuitable for considerable thermal variation or current applications.
- PCB Thickness: Considerations When Choosing
There are occasions when the standard thickness is the greatest option, while there are others when the customizable thickness is the best option. The ultimate thickness of your PCB has a significant impact on several cost-determining parameters and the solder joint reliability. The following are some of the most important things to consider before finalizing your design and production choices:
- Capabilities of the Equipment
Your manufacturer’s ability to produce the board thickness you require should be your top priority. As soon as you know what characteristics your application requires, it’s essential to start looking for manufacturers to meet those requirements. However, it is crucial to remember that any complex approaches will increase the price.
- The Waiting Period
It is far more challenging to modify the thickness of tailored PCBs than to change the thickness of ordinary ones. In order to meet the specific requirements of a design, manufacturers may have to alter their equipment and procedures. Manufacturing may be delayed as a result of these changes, which may increase turnaround time.
The production process will take longer if your design includes any complicated elements. The manufacturer should be consulted to establish an approximate timeline and adapt your delivery estimate for a bespoke PCB thickness.
- Add-on Price
The final consideration is whether or not creating a customizable board is a worthwhile investment for your company. It’s essential for your company to carefully evaluate whether standard-thickness boards or custom-thickness boards are more cost-effective.
As the PCB’s thickness increases, so do its ability to handle electricity. Whether they’re carrying large voltage or current, high-power PCBs are thicker by default. Higher levels of mechanical sturdiness, reduced track resistance, and greater insulation levels necessitate thicker boards.