Something that is considered ordinary or usual is referred to as a standard because it acts as a yardstick by which other things of a similar nature may be compared. As an example, Apple has always been regarded by many as the pinnacle of the mobile market for quite some time.
Size is another definition of a standard. For instance, refrigerators typically range in width from 24 to 40 in. The standard serves as a crucial consideration when examining an object’s dimensions since it specifies what features and functionalities the product must have.
PCB thickness serves as a crucial guideline to take into account if you want to concentrate on PCBs. There doesn’t exist an official and definitive standard, though, which needs to remember always. However, as they refer to the most popular choice and are often available, some typical sizes are regarded as the norm.
Your manufacturer will often suggest that you adhere to those approved standards of PCB thickness so that your design may be adjusted to the equipment’s capabilities you’re utilizing and to save turnaround time and cost for the PCBs.
In this article, we talk about common standards of thicknesses PCB and show you exactly how to specify them. We also go through the factors that need to take into account when deciding between the standard and non-standard specifications, as it is a crucial design decision.
Standard PCB Thickness
The typical PCB thickness, according to manufacturers, is 1.57 mm, or around 0.062 inches. That is both somewhat right and partially incorrect. The reference size has been 0.062 inches since that is the bakelite layers size that was produced in the beginning days of Circuit board production. Actually, it’s merely a matter of historical precedent.
These days, PCB can be built smaller or bigger than the PCB standard for thickness. But for the majority of designs, that standard is still the most often chosen alternative. The existing standard really exists on a spectrum, to be precise. Three popular standard thicknesses of PCB are available: 0.78mm (0.03 in), 1.57mm (0.062 in), and 2.36mm (0.093 in).
A multitude of manufacturing and design considerations must take into account to choose the proper PCB thickness. The following design elements must consider while choosing:
- PCB material
- PCB layers count
- Copper Thickness
- Operating/Working environment
- Signals type
- Vias type
Here are a few manufacturing considerations that need to take into account while choosing the proper PCB thickness:
- Copper Thickness
- Layer count
- Equipment for drill holes
- Depanelization method
Standard Two-Layer PCB Thickness
Over time, multi-layered board designs have evolved and have become a common kind of board utilized in PCB manufacturing. They frequently comprise copper-covered glass cloth with an epoxy foundation. Technology advancements have made it possible for the multiple layers to support greater weights while maintaining a 63mm thickness.
Complex circuit wiring demands led to an increase in circuit board layer counts. As a result, the PCBs that were produced as well contain more layers, which causes the Circuit thickness to rise from 63mm up to 93mm.
Internal layer cores with thicknesses of 93, 59, 47, 39, 35, 28, 21, 18, 14, 9.5, 8, and 5 mils are available using Isola’s 370HR materials. For materials with high-temperature, there are various options of thickness, such as 39, 22, 14, 10, and 8 mils, available for cores of Isola’s 370HR.
The number of foil lamination layers affects the conventional PCB thickness as well. The typical thickness for foil lamination on a four-layer circuit board would be about 0.031.” The most suitable standard thickness for a six-layered foil lamination is about 0.062.”
Finally, the typical Circuit thickness includes 0.125, 0.093, and 0.062 inches for an eight-layered or a tenfold-layer board. Depending on the needs of your PCB, you may also select an internal copper foil layer that is 12, 1, or 2 ounces thick. Moreover, You can utilize your own stack-up or one of the dielectric builds we’ve supplied.
Can I Get A Custom Thickness of 0.093 Inches?
PCBs consist of sheets or panels in standard sizes. This indicates that they are produced in conventional sizes, which explains why the fabrication companies probably already have them on hand or can rapidly obtain them.
Other sizes could be possible, but they may constrain by the contract manufacturer’s equipment processing capacities, and obtaining customized PCB thickness will add to the delay.
Therefore, sure, you may have a customized PCB thickness. However, this will rely on your manufacturer, and you must account for a delay. This is because it takes longer to obtain these customized panels or sheets.
If your layout calls for an unusual PCB thickness, you must take it into account. If you are looking for a customized PCB thickness, there are some other elements to take into account; we will go over them in more detail in the next section.
Factors To Consider When Ordering Custom Thickness of 0.093 Inches
1. Equipment Capabilities
The most crucial element to take into account is this. Ensure that your manufacturing facility has the tools necessary to produce PCBs with the desired thickness. This and other crucial design decisions must create early in the design phase to avoid having to revise and rethink your whole PCB layout.
2. Longer Turnaround Time
The turnaround period will become longer if a rare Circuit thickness is needed since it takes longer to prepare the panels. Due to its potential to disrupt your timetable and have an influence on the prototype stage, this ought to be taken into account immediately.
3. Greater Cost
Choosing a customized PCB thickness can result in more costs due to the potential need for specialized materials, more work and labor hours, and manufacture, as is frequently the situation with bespoke products. To determine whether you can handle the added expenditures or not, you must examine this from the start.
A bespoke PCB thickness makes more sense in certain situations, while the conventional Circuit thickness is an excellent choice in others. Therefore, the decision is ultimately up to you. You may reduce your expenses and have quicker turnaround times by using standard Circuit thickness. If you want to go with a customized PCB thickness, you must find a fabrication facility with the appropriate tools.
Conclusion
You’ll be glad to learn that RayPCB has an extensive network of PCB manufacturing facilities all around the globe that can accommodate any project needs. Every shop offers a lot of experience, many quality certifications, and cutting-edge tools. We’ll be able to adhere to your instructions and construct your boards accurately the very first time.
All of the PCB assembly processes are in-house. We prioritize DFM to minimize turnaround duration and ensure that you don’t need to spend time making back-and-forth design revisions. All of the components are acquired from reliable vendors. Additionally, we offer complete assistance throughout the whole procedure. Beginning with design, enabling us to produce a seamless transition from the stage of prototyping to production.
We know for offering efficient, excellent PCB fabrication that will satisfy all of your demands. In contrast to other businesses, we devote our whole time to comprehending your design and objectives so that we can assist you in deciding between the standard and customized PCB thickness.
