The PCB manufacturer I work with mentioned that the cost remains the same for board thickness between 0.4mm and 1.6mm (for a 2-layer design). What are the advantages of opting for thinner or thicker FR-4 board thickness? My assumption is that thinner boards are lighter but could pose challenges for pick-and-place machines due to bending, while thicker boards might help with signal isolation. Are there other factors to consider?
Depends on the design but for a regular double sided – 2 layer – pretty much industry standard is .059”-.063” thick material. It’s cost effective due to the high volume and is easy to process. Thinner isn’t a problem but it’s best to keep it at least .030” thick to avoid any handling/process issues. Good example is no one makes a de-burr machine that can reliably process panels below .030”and this isn’t something you want to do by hand for no good reason. A 2 layer is built on a standard core so probably the biggest factor is glass style with thicker cores typically being made with heavier cloth. Usually not a problem unless the board has special requirements like 6mil holes and laser rout making thinner material a better choice.
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Thanks a bunch! It’s great to get a practical perspective. So, sticking to the .059"-.063" thickness range for a 2-layer design makes sense for cost-effectiveness and ease of processing. I hadn’t considered the challenges with handling and processing thinner boards below .030". And the point about glass style and its impact on special requirements like hole size is quite interesting. Anything else you think is crucial when deciding on board thickness for a 2-layer design?
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Absolutely, glad the info was helpful. When considering board thickness, thermal considerations can be crucial too. Thicker boards might handle heat dissipation better, but thin ones could offer more efficient thermal performance in certain cases. Also, if your design involves tight space constraints, a thinner board could be advantageous. It’s a bit of a balancing act, and it’s fascinating how these factors play into the decision-making process.
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Finding the right balance is key here. For instance, if a thinner board offers advantages like improved flexibility to mitigate vibrations, that’s great. However, opting for a thicker board would be wiser if the board undergoes stress or strain.
In reality, the differences between these options are usually minimal. Follow your board manufacturer’s or supplier’s recommendations, as they have the expertise to suggest the most suitable option based on your specific requirements.
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