Isn't FR4 green in color?
No, it is usually transparent. The green color comes from the solder mask in the PCB finished product. Return

Does the color of the logo has a meaning?
Yes, there are red and blue logos. Red is UL94-V0, blue is UL94-HB. If you have a blue logo material, it is either XPC (phenolic) or G10 (glass epoxy). In 1.50/1.60mm FR4 the logo is in the middle layer (layer 4) of the common 8 layer construction. Return

What is G10?
G10 is out of fashion now for standard PCBs. It is woven glass fabric with a different epoxy from FR4. It is only UL94-HB. The main usage nowadays is for thin watch circuit - since it is very punchable. Return

What is CEM-3?
CEM-3 is very similar to FR4. Instead of woven glass fabric a 'flies' type is used. CEM-3 has a milky white color and is very smooth. It is a complete replacement for FR4 and has a very large market share in Japan. Return

What is CEM-1?
CEM-1 is a paper based laminate with one layer of (7628) woven glass fabric. It is not suitable for PTH. Return

What does FR or CEM mean?
CEM - Composite Epoxy Material
FR - Fire Retardent Return

What is: PF-CP-Cu? IEC-249? GFN?
Here are a list of the common laminate standards:

ANSI-LI-1 XPC FR1 FR2 FR3 CEM-1 CEM-3 G10 FR4

DIN-IEC-249 part 2 - 2-1 2-7-FVO 2-3-FVO 2-9-FVO - - 2-5-FVO

MIL 13949 - - - PX - - GE GFN

BS 4584 PF-CP-Cu-4 PF-CP-Cu-6 PF-CP-Cu-8 - - - EP-GC-Cu-3 EP-GC-Cu-2

JIS PP7 PP7F PP3F PE1F CGE1F CGE3F GE4 GE4F

Attention This data might not be complete. Many manufacturer produce also laminates which fall not into a clear ANSI spec. That means that the actual DIN/JIS/BS etc. specification might differ. Please check with the actual manufacturer what standard will fit your request most. Return

What is FR3?
FR3 is mainly a europaen product. It is basically FR2 - but instead of phenolic resin it uses a epoxy resin as binder. The basic layer is paper. Return

What is FR2?
Paper material with phenolic binder. It is UL94-V0. Return

What is the difference between FR1 and FR2?
It is basically the same. FR1 has a higher TG of 130ºC instead of 105ºC for FR2. Some laminate manufacturer which produce FR1 will not produce FR2, since cost and usage are similar and there is no advantage for having both.Return

What is 'CTI'?
Comparative Tracking Index
Indicates the highest usable voltage for that laminate. It becomes important in application with high humidity, such as washing machines or cars. A higher index means a better protection. Similar is 'PTI' and 'KC'.Return

What are 'prepregs'?
A 'prepreg' is an epoxy coated glassfabric. It has two usages: as a dielectricum in multilayer PCBs, and as the raw material for FR4. 8 layers of '7628' prepregs are used in one sheet of 1.60mm FR4. The central layer (no. 4) usually carries the red company/UL logo.Return

Can I make my own FR4?
Sure, it's quite easy too. You just need: Prepregs & copper foil - and a (multilayer)press. The copper foil should be red or brass treated for best results. Return

What does '7628' mean? And what other numbers are there?
Here we go...

Type 106 1080 2112 2113 2125 2116 7628

Weight [g/m²] 25 49 70 83 88 108 200

Thickness [mm] 0.050 0.065 0.090 0.100 0.100 0.115 0.190

Warp/Weft 22 x 22 24 x 18.5 16 x 15 24 x 23 16 x 15 24 x 23 17 x 12

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How can I replace laminates?
XPC >>> FR2 >>> FR1 >>> FR3 >>> CEM-1 >>> CEM-3 or FR4. Return

What laminates are good for PTH?
CEM-3 and FR4 are best. FR3 and CEM-1 is not recommended. Below that PTH is not possible. (Of course you can still do 'Silver Paste TH') Return

Are there alternatives to PTH?
The hobby user can use rivets (or eyelids) which are available in electronic shops. There are a few other solution for low density PCBs, such es simple wiring etc. A more professional approach to making double sided connections is to use 'silver through hole' techniques. A silver paste is silk screened on the PCB, making the through hole connection. This procedure can be used on all types of laminates, incl. paper phenolics like XPC etc. Return

What is 'Pre-Sensitized' laminate?
This is for hobby applications. It is standard laminate, coated with a (liquid) image photoresist. Just tear off the light protection, expose, develop, etc. Return

What are 'Off-Cuts'?
Since nowadays many PCB factories prefer to get there laminate already in panel sizes there are often 'left over' sizes. This are sold at a lower price. The quality is mostly absolute A-grade. Return

What are 'Strips'?
Stripes are usually long pieces of laminate with a width of 50-150mm. Some laminate manufacturer (mainly Japanese) do cut there B-grade laminate to strips for the secondary market. For paperphenolics there is no real problem with the size. Where CNC drilling is required the panel size is critical since the througput will be lower. Return

What is 'Core Thickness'?
Core Thickness means the laminate base thickness without copper. This is relevant for multilayer PCBs which have a defined layer construction. It's mainly used for thincore FR4 laminate. Return

What quantity do I need to make import worthwhile?
It depends where your location is. We usually ship to the 'nearest container port'. For the USA this would be the West Coast. All european ports are possible too. The shipping charge is usually about US$30-70 per CBM (m³). On top of this you have some import charges and duties in your own country. The smalles lots we usually ship is 2 pallets or about 2000kg. Return