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Arlon PCB Materials: Advanced Laminates for High-Performance PCBs

Views: 80 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-11-30 Origin: Site

Modern electronics demand materials that can handle high performance, durability, and reliability, especially in challenging environments. Arlon PCB materials stand out as a leading choice for industries requiring superior thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. This article explores Arlon PCBs, their features, types, applications, and advantages, guiding you to make informed decisions for your next project.

arlon 85n

What is Arlon PCB?

Arlon PCBs are circuit boards manufactured using laminates and prepregs developed by Arlon, a renowned name in high-performance PCB materials. Arlon specializes in creating advanced thermoset resin systems, polyimides, and high-frequency laminates that cater to demanding applications like aerospace, telecommunications, and medical equipment.

With decades of expertise, Arlon has built a reputation for innovation and quality, providing materials that meet stringent industry standards while excelling in harsh environments.

Types of Arlon PCB Materials

Polyimide Products

Arlon PCBs are known for their high-performance materials, starting with Polyimide Products, which offer exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength, making them ideal for aerospace, military, and high-temperature applications. These laminates ensure reliable performance in the most demanding environments.

Resin	Description	Tg (°C)	Z Axis Expansion (%)	UL-94 Rating	Td 5% (°C)	H₂O Absorp (%)	Tc (W/m-K)	IPC4101 Class	Comments
33N	Flame Retardant Polyimide	250	1.2	V0	389	0.21	0.20	GIL/40/41	Max Flame Retardance
35N	Flame Retardant Polyimide	250	1.2	V1	407	0.26	0.20	GIL/40/41	Reduced Cure Time
HF-50	Powdered Poly Hole Fill Compound	250	0.55	N/A	>400	0.40	0.50	N/A	Hole/Via Fill Compound
84N	Filled Polyimide Prepreg	250	1.0	Meets HB	407	0.30	0.25	GIL/40/41	Filling Heavy Copper
85N	High Temp Polyimide	250	1.2	HB	407	0.27	0.20	GIL/40/41	Optimum Long Term Stability
85HP	High Performance Polyimide	>250	≤1.0	Meets HB	430	0.19	0.50	GIL/40/41/43	Tc (W/mK) is 2x Polyimide
84HP	Filled Polyimide Prepreg	>250	≤1.0	Meets HB	430	0.19	0.50	GIL/40/41/43	Fills Thick Copper Layers
86HP	High Performance Polyimide	>250	≤1.0	V0	430	0.12	0.60	GIL/40/41	High Tc for Performance

Low Flow Products

Arlon's Low Flow Products are specialized prepregs designed for applications requiring minimal resin flow during lamination. They provide excellent bonding and dimensional stability, making them ideal for complex multilayer PCBs and rigid-flex designs where precise material control is critical.

Resin	Description	Tg (°C)	Z Axis Expansion (%)	UL-94 Rating	Td 5% (°C)	H₂O Absorp (%)	Tc (W/m-K)	IPC4101 Class	Comments
37N	Low Flow Polyimide Prepreg	200	2.3	Meets V0	340	<1.00	0.30	GIJ/42	Rigid Flex Applications
38N	2nd Gen Low Flow Polyimide Prepreg	200	1.5	Meets V0	330	<1.00	0.30	GIJ/42	Enhanced Rheology Rigid Flex
47N	Modified Epoxy Low Flow	135	3.5	V0	315	0.10	0.25	GFG/21	Heat Sink Bond, Low Temp Cure
49N	Multifunctional Epoxy Low Flow Lead	170	3.1	V0	303	0.10	0.25	GFG/26	Rigid-Flex, Heat Sinks
51N	Lead-Free Epoxy Low Flow	170	2.6	V0	368	0.15	0.25	GFG/126	Lead-Free Solderable, Rigid-Flex

Epoxy Products

Arlon's Epoxy Products are versatile, cost-effective materials offering good thermal and mechanical properties. They are widely used in general-purpose PCBs, consumer electronics, and industrial applications, providing reliable performance across various environments.

Resin	Description	Tg (°C)	Z Axis Expansion (%)	UL-94 Rating	Td 5% (°C)	H₂O Absorp (%)	Tc (W/m-K)	IPC4101 Class	Comments
44N	Filled Epoxy Prepreg	170	2.2	V0	>300	0.10	0.30	GFG/98	For Via/Clearance Hole Fill
45N	Multifunctional Epoxy	175	2.4	V0	>300	0.10	0.25	GFG/26	High Layer Count MLBs

Controlled Thermal Expansion/SMT

Arlon's Controlled Thermal Expansion/SMT Products are engineered to provide precise thermal stability and minimize expansion, making them ideal for Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and advanced electronics. These materials ensure reliable performance in applications requiring tight dimensional tolerances.

Resin	Description	Tg (°C)	Z Axis Expansion (%)	UL-94 Rating	Td 5% (°C)	H₂O Absorp (%)	Tc (W/m-K)	IPC4101 Class	Comments
45NK	Woven Aramid Reinforced Epoxy	170	2.8	V0	>300	0.80	0.22	AFN/50	Kevlar® X-Y CTE of 5-7 ppm/°C
55NT	Epoxy Nonwoven Aramid	170	3.5	V0	368	0.30	0.20	BFG/55	X-Y CTE of 6-9 ppm/°C
85NT	Polyimide Nonwoven Aramid	250	2.3	Meets HB	426	0.60	0.20	BIL/53	X-Y CTE of 7-9 ppm/°C

Key Features of Arlon PCB Materials

Arlon PCB materials are renowned for their advanced properties, tailored to meet the demands of various high-performance applications. While each material category (Polyimide, Low Flow, Epoxy, and SMT) has unique characteristics, all Arlon products share the following core features:

1. High Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)

Arlon materials exhibit high glass transition temperatures, meaning they maintain stability and reliability in extreme thermal environments. Tg refers to the temperature at which materials transition from a rigid, glassy state to a softer, rubbery state, ensuring durability under high heat. For example, Arlon Polyimide materials like 85N excel in aerospace and military applications requiring consistent performance under heat stress.

2. Low Loss Dielectric Thermoset

All Arlon PCB materials feature low-loss dielectric properties, minimizing energy dissipation during high-frequency operations. This is particularly beneficial for RF and microwave applications, where materials like Arlon 25N offer exceptional signal integrity.

3. Exceptional Thermal Resistance

Arlon products are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for applications in automotive electronics, industrial systems, and power electronics. Epoxy-based materials like 44N are commonly used for heat sink bonding and high-temperature environments.

4. Mechanical Strength and Dimensional Stability

Arlon laminates and prepregs provide excellent mechanical stability, reducing warping and ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions. This is especially critical for multilayer PCBs in telecommunications and industrial machinery.

5. Moisture Resistance

Arlon materials have low moisture absorption rates, ensuring reliability in humid environments or under exposure to harsh conditions. For example, Low Flow products like 38N are used in rigid-flex PCBs, where environmental stability is crucial.

6. Versatile Material Options

From Polyimide and Epoxy to Controlled Thermal Expansion materials, Arlon offers a wide variety of options tailored to specific needs. Polyimides are suited for high-temperature and high-performance scenarios, while Epoxy materials offer cost-effective solutions for general-purpose PCBs.

Comparing Arlon PCB Materials to Other Materials

When selecting PCB materials, understanding the advantages of Arlon products compared to other commonly used options is critical. Arlon materials are uniquely positioned to outperform standard materials like FR-4 and PTFE in specialized applications.

1. Arlon vs. FR-4

Thermal Performance: Arlon materials, such as Polyimide laminates, offer significantly higher glass transition temperatures (Tg), making them ideal for high-temperature environments like aerospace and automotive applications. In contrast, FR-4 struggles in extreme thermal conditions.
Electrical Properties: With low dielectric loss and excellent signal integrity, Arlon laminates outperform FR-4 in high-frequency applications, such as 5G and RF systems.
Durability: Arlon materials provide superior mechanical strength and moisture resistance, ensuring long-term reliability in harsh environments where FR-4 may fail.

2. Arlon vs. PTFE (Teflon)

Processing Ease: While PTFE laminates are known for their excellent high-frequency performance, they are more challenging to process due to their soft nature. Arlon materials strike a balance, offering high-frequency capabilities with easier manufacturability.
Thermal Stability: Arlon's high Tg Polyimides and controlled thermal expansion products provide better thermal stability than PTFE, making them suitable for applications requiring precise dimensional control.
Cost-Effectiveness: PTFE is often more expensive than Arlon materials, making Arlon a cost-effective choice for projects requiring high performance without exceeding budget constraints.

Designing an Arlon Printed Circuit Board

Designing an Arlon PCB largely follows the same process as standard PCB designs but requires careful selection of materials to leverage the unique properties of Arlon laminates and prepregs. The stack-up configuration, schematic layout, and overall functionality can remain similar, but substituting standard materials like FR-4 with Arlon materials ensures enhanced performance. Utilizing advanced PCB design software is essential to incorporate material-specific properties, optimize the layout, and ensure the design meets the required specifications for applications like high-frequency, high-temperature, or rigid-flex circuits. This approach guarantees that the final prototype aligns with both performance and durability expectations.

Manufacturing an Arlon PCB follows the same general process as standard PCB production, including design validation, prototyping, and high-volume manufacturing. The key difference lies in sourcing materials directly from Arlon LLC to meet your performance requirements. It is vital to specify Arlon laminates and prepregs in your Bill of Materials (BOM) and communicate this clearly to your contract manufacturer to ensure the desired results in the final product.

Conclusion

Arlon PCB materials are a top choice for industries requiring high-performance, reliable, and durable PCBs. Their unique properties, wide range of options, and compliance with global standards make them an excellent choice for advanced applications. Whether for aerospace, telecommunications, or industrial systems, Arlon PCBs deliver unmatched quality and performance.

Ready to start your project? VictoryPCB specializes in manufacturing high-quality PCBs. Contact us today by sales@victorypcb.com to discuss your requirements and experience unmatched precision and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: 1. What are Arlon PCB materials?

A: Arlon PCB materials are high-performance laminates and prepregs designed for demanding applications in industries like aerospace, telecommunications, and medical devices.

Q: 2. Are Arlon materials environmentally friendly?

A: Yes, Arlon materials comply with standards like RoHS and UL, ensuring eco-friendliness.

Q: 3. Why are Arlon PCBs popular in high-frequency applications?

A: Their low dielectric constant and loss factors ensure minimal signal loss, making them ideal for RF and microwave systems.

Q: 4. How do I choose the right Arlon material for my PCB?

A: Assess your project’s thermal, electrical, and mechanical requirements and consult with a trusted pcb manufacturer.

Q: 5. Can Arlon materials handle extreme temperatures?

A: Yes, Arlon’s polyimide and thermoset materials are designed for high-temperature environments.

About The Author

I am the Engineering and Sales supervisor working in Victorypcb from 2015. During the past years, I have been reponsible for all oversea exhibitions like USA(IPC Apex Expo), Europe(Munich Electronica) and Japan(Nepcon) etc. Our factory founded in 2005, now have 1521 clients all over the world and occupied very good reputation among them.