Laminates

Types of laminates for PCBs

The laminate forms a solid backbone for the electronic device, providing it with stability and proper support. PCBs mostly consist of etched paths, forming a rectangular plan. They are made of copper, which in turn is covered with a layer of soldermask, which makes the soldering process easier. Moreover, it is designed to reduce the possible risk of soldering spills on the PCB surface.

Laminates differ in parameters and properties. Using the wrong one may result in damage to electronic components, even if they belong to high quality products and are from a group of selected electronic components. We handle the laminate very carefully because it is sensitive to damage that can occur already at the assembly stage. In the case of PCBs, we usually choose FR4 type laminate, i.e. glass-epoxy laminate. The copper layer is 35μm thick and the total thickness of the laminate available in our offer ranges from 1.0mm to 1.6mm. Glass-epoxy laminate is characterized by very good mechanical and electrical properties. For this reason, it is so often used in the production of PCBs, all the more so because it is available in various variants with the possibility of precise adjustment to a specific project. Laminates are protected by a self-adhesive protective film and are covered with a photolacquer, which acts as a photosensitive coating.

Professional laminate processing

Laminates need to be properly processed before they can be used. They are an alternative to thermal transfer, used in PCB production. Laminates are also used to secure various types of documents, which are in paper form. Thanks to this, they are resistant to adverse effects of external factors such as water, UV radiation or tearing. In order to protect paper, it is worth using a special tool - a laminator. Laminates are available in sheets of different sizes. Even a wide selection will not always ensure a precise fit of the laminate to the project, especially if it has an unusual shape. In order to give it the right size, use the laminate scissors. You will get rid of unwanted dirt with a cleaner. After all these steps you can finally start etching the tile. This process is greatly improved and speeded up by an electric lawn mower. It is a device with the possibility of setting any etching parameters, adjusted to the design requirements. This translates into high quality of path printing. You will find all necessary elements and accessories to carry out this process in the set with the lawn mower. It is, among others, a heater that maintains the right temperature, an air pump that ensures constant air flow and clips that allow you to remove the finished plate without touching it.

Make sure your PCB is properly secured. Take advantage of our laminates and accessories, increase your chances of success in increasingly ambitious projects.