| Fab Gurus, (Earl) | What are the disadvantages of using paper phrenwhatsit as a substrate. I want to justify changing a substrate from paper to chem3 or FR4 and I need some info regarding long term failure issues, etc. | | Thanks, | Justin | Justin,
I've been waiting for an opportunity to reciprocate for all the information you've provided me for future and current use. I feel humbled, or is it jumbled. Anyway, great to see you back on the net after a time doing real work.
Paper phenolic is the cheapest grade material used in commercial electronics. That's number one together with its "punchability" for single sided applications (the ability to hard tool and punch holes and panels without concern for plating through holes).
It is not a resin "supported" by glass material. Therefore its uses are limited to the cheap type applications as power supplies, TV's, etc. Also, it is not as dimensionally stable as resin/glass systems and you cannot make multilayers using it.
Additionally, it does not take to drilling and plating well as the electroless deposition process likes to see some resin intermingled with glass fibers or it's catalyst (palladium) does not adhere to its surface well thus preventing adequate electroplating requirements (thickness, voiding, etc.).
Its Tg is way out of whack and I cannot remember how it gets its UL recognition as it does burn quickly. Z axis expansion is an issue based on Tg and its Z axis TCE - also which I do not remember, or being snobish, do not wish.
In summary, paper phenolic materials are used in very low end applications though do support the above mentioned applications. It simply has a limited world in which it may be used. Beyond your specific application, it may not function or perform well, if at all.
Enjoy Justin,
Earl Moon
reply »
Fab Gurus, (Earl)
What are the disadvantages of using pap...
- Feb 24, 1999
by
