epoxy board(also known as epoxy glass fiber board, FR-4 board) is a composite material board made of epoxy resin as the substrate, glass fiber cloth as the reinforcing material, and cured under high temperature and high pressure. It combines the excellent chemical properties of epoxy resin with the high-strength characteristics of glass fiber, and is widely used in fields such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, and construction. The following are the core advantages of epoxy board:
1. Good electrical insulation performance
High insulation resistance: The volume resistivity of epoxy board can reach 10 ¹⁴~10 ¹⁶Ω· cm, and the surface resistivity is>10 ¹⁵ Ω, which can effectively isolate current, prevent leakage or short circuit.
Arc resistance: Under the action of high-voltage arc, the surface carbonization layer can prevent the spread of arc, ensuring equipment safety, and is suitable for high-voltage switches, transformers and other scenarios.
Low dielectric constant and loss: The dielectric constant (ε) is usually 4.0~5.5, and the dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) is less than 0.01 (at 1MHz), which is suitable for high-frequency circuits such as 5G communication and RF modules.
2. Excellent mechanical performance
High strength and rigidity: Glass fiber reinforced epoxy board has a bending strength of 300-500 MPa and excellent impact strength, which can replace metal for structural components.
Good dimensional stability: low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE ≈ 12 × 10 ⁻⁶/℃), not easily deformed under temperature changes, suitable for precision machining (such as CNC drilling and milling).
Wear resistant and scratch resistant: With high surface hardness (Mohs hardness ≥ 5), it can resist daily wear and extend its service life.
3. High temperature resistance and chemical corrosion resistance
Wide temperature resistance range:
Universal epoxy board: Long term use temperature -55 ℃~155 ℃, short-term tolerance 180 ℃.
High performance epoxy board (such as polyimide modification): Long term temperature resistance up to 240 ℃, suitable for aerospace and automotive engine compartments.
Chemical corrosion resistance: It has good resistance to acids, alkalis, salts, and organic solvents (such as gasoline and alcohol), and is suitable for chemical equipment and laboratory countertops.
4. Flame retardancy and safety
UL94 V-0 flame retardant: self extinguishing upon ignition, no dripping during combustion, in compliance with global electronic and electrical product safety standards (such as IEC, GB).
Low smoke and non-toxic: emits less smoke during combustion, and does not contain harmful substances such as halogens and heavy metals, meeting environmental requirements such as RoHS and REACH.
5. Processing performance and customization
Easy mechanical processing: Complex shapes can be made through processes such as CNC machine tools, laser cutting, and waterjet cutting, with tolerances controlled within ± 0.05mm.
Drilled and Tapped: Supports precision hole machining (such as 0.1mm micro holes) to meet the installation requirements of electronic components.
Diverse surface treatments: Copper plating, sandblasting, gold deposition and other surface treatments can be carried out to enhance conductivity or corrosion resistance.
6. Cost effectiveness and long lifespan
High cost-effectiveness: Compared with materials such as ceramics and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), epoxy board has lower cost and less processing difficulty, with significant overall cost advantages.
Long lifespan: Under normal usage conditions, the epoxy board can have a lifespan of over 10 years, reducing replacement frequency and maintenance costs.
7. Environmental Protection and Sustainability
Recyclable: Waste epoxy boards can be physically crushed or chemically degraded to recover glass fibers and resins, reducing environmental burden.
Low carbon production: Some manufacturers use water-based epoxy resin or bio based raw materials to reduce VOC emissions, which is in line with the trend of green manufacturing.
8. Special functional typeepoxy board
Thermal conductive epoxy board: Adding thermal conductive fillers such as boron nitride and aluminum oxide, the thermal conductivity can reach 1-10 W/m · K, suitable for power module heat dissipation.
High frequency epoxy board: By adjusting the resin formula, the dielectric constant (ε≈ 3.0~3.8) is reduced, making it suitable for 5G antennas and millimeter wave radar.
Anti static epoxy board: The surface resistance is controlled between 10 ⁶ and 10 ⁹ Ω to prevent static electricity accumulation. It is suitable for electronic component packaging and explosion-proof equipment.
Application scenario examples
Electronic and electrical: PCB substrate, transformer frame, motor slot wedge, switchgear insulation components.
Mechanical manufacturing: gears, bearings, structural supports, mold pads.
New energy: photovoltaic inverter heat dissipation plate, wind power inverter insulation layer, new energy vehicle battery pack shell.
Aerospace: satellite antenna substrate, aircraft interior panel, rocket engine insulation layer.