The materials of insulation boards are diverse, and different materials determine their characteristics and applicable scenarios. The following is a brief introduction to common insulation board materials on the market and their main uses. We can divide these materials into two categories: "rigid" and "flexible", which is a basic distinguishing point when choosing.
1. Epoxy resin glass cloth board
Common model: FR-4 (flame retardant type)
Features: Excellent comprehensive performance, high mechanical strength, good electrical performance, excellent heat resistance, easy processing (drilling, milling), and flame retardancy.
Main application: This is a widely used PCB substrate, from consumer electronics and communication devices to industrial control boards, with the vast majority of circuit boards using FR-4. It is also commonly used for insulation partitions and support plates in electrical equipment.
2. Phenolic resin paper substrate
Common models: FR-1, FR-2
Features: Low cost, easy to press, but inferior in heat resistance, mechanical strength, and electrical performance compared to FR-4.
Main use: Mainly used for single-sided, low-cost consumer electronic products, such as radios, small appliances, toys, and other internal circuit boards. Not suitable for surface mount.
3. Composite substrate
Common models: CEM-1, CEM-3
Features: Performance and price are between FR-4 and paper substrates. CEM-1 uses paper as the core and glass cloth as the surface; CEM-3 is similar to "simplified FR-4" and is made of fiberglass felt.
Main use: Commonly used for double-sided boards and some cost sensitive applications that require higher requirements than paper substrates, such as LED lighting, home appliance control boards, etc. CEM-3 is a common alternative to FR-4.
2、 Flexible insulation board
1. Polyimide film
Common model: PI Film
Features: It is resistant to high temperatures, chemical corrosion, excellent flexibility, and high mechanical strength.
Main purpose:
The substrate of flexible circuit board.
High temperature insulation applications: such as slot insulation and phase to phase insulation for motors and transformers.
High temperature resistant tape.
2. Polyester film
Common model: PET Film
Features: Good flexibility, moisture resistance, low cost, but poor temperature resistance, not resistant to high soldering temperatures.
Main application: Used for low-cost flexible circuits, film switches, and insulation wrapping of cables. Not suitable for occasions that require welding.
3、 Other special insulation materials
1. Mica board
Features: Excellent high temperature resistance, electrical insulation, and arc resistance.
Main applications: Insulation for heating elements of electric heating equipment (such as irons and ovens), insulation pads for motors and electrical appliances.
2. Organic silicone rubber sheet
Features: Flexibility, good elasticity, high and low temperature resistance, hydrophobic and moisture-proof.
Main applications: Thermal insulation gaskets for electronic products (such as circuit boards), sealing and insulation for high-voltage applications.
3. Teflon board
Chemical name: Polytetrafluoroethylene
Features: Excellent high-frequency performance, strong chemical resistance, low friction coefficient, but high cost and difficult processing.
Main applications: High frequency microwave circuit boards, aerospace electronic equipment, insulation parts in chemical corrosion environments.
Understanding the characteristics of these core materials can help you quickly identify insulation boards suitable for application scenarios.
