The choice of PCB board thickness is crucial when we make boards. It not only affects the mechanical strength, thermal performance and manufacturability of the circuit board, but also affects the cost of our production. Correctly understanding the thickness of PCB boards is a must for every engineer.
PCB thickness refers to the overall thickness of the PCB board, including the substrate and all copper layers, solder mask and silk screen. It is usually measured in millimeters (mm) or inches. PCB thickness may vary depending on the application, but most standard PCBs used in consumer electronics are 1.6 mm thick, about 0.063 inches. However, it should be noted that 1.6 is not the only option. Depending on the specific application, PCBs can be made thinner and thicker. For example, Jiepei provides boards with a thickness range of 0.3-4.0mm.
Importance of PCB Thickness
PCB thickness is a key parameter that affects all aspects of circuit board performance and reliability. It affects the mechanical strength, thermal performance and manufacturability of the circuit board. A well-designed PCB with the right thickness can ensure the best performance and lifespan of the electronic devices it supports. It is directly related to heat management and signal integrity. PCB thickness affects transmission line impedance, which affects signal quality. Mechanical strength is not to mention. Thicker PCBs are more rugged and can be used in harsh environments. Conductivity: Although the thickness of the conductive copper layer is a more direct measure of conductivity, the overall PCB thickness can also play a role. In a multi-layer PCB, the thickness and arrangement of the layers will affect the distribution of the power and ground layers, affecting the electrical performance of the board. Optimizing PCB thickness helps achieve the desired electrical characteristics and performance.
How to choose PCB thickness?
PCB thickness is generally divided into standard, ultra-thin, thick and other special thicknesses.
● Standard board thickness is 1.6 mm, which is the most commonly used thickness and is suitable for a wide range of electronic products, such as computer motherboards/home appliances.
● The thickness of ultra-thin boards ranges from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. Due to its light weight and softness, it is more suitable for small electronic products, such as smartphones/smart wearable devices, laptops, etc.
● The thickness of thick boards is generally between 2.4 mm and 3.2 mm. Compared with standard board thickness, thick boards have high load-bearing capacity and rigidity, and are used for products with high power and large electronic components, such as industrial/automotive/aerospace and military use.
When making boards, you need to consider whether your circuit board meets the scene requirements, clarify the product characteristics, and ensure safety while meeting performance requirements such as mechanical properties. At the same time, don't forget the impact of cost. Generally speaking, the price difference of PCBs with board thicknesses such as 1.2 and 1.6 mm is not much, but if the board thickness is above 2.0 mm, its cost will increase accordingly. The thicker the board, the more sheets of fiberglass cloth, so the cost will increase accordingly. Therefore, when choosing, you must consider the technical maturity and production conditions of the board factory.
For high-quality PCB solutions, trust South-Electronic. Offering 0.3-4.0mm thicknesses with precision and reliability, your ideal partner for all PCB needs.
