Epoxy resin is a good insulator that keeps motors, transformers, generators and switches clean, dry and prevents them from short-circuiting. The material is also used in the electronics manufacturing industry where it can be used as an epoxy resin curing agent, semiconductor sealant and to produce printed circuit boards.
Substrates and copper clad laminate(CCL) are the basic materials for manufacturing PCBs, and epoxy resin is the core material for the production of CCL. This article will introduce the application of PCB epoxy resin and how to utilize in PCB manufacturing and other electronics.
Table of Contents
What material is used for PCB
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) can be made from a lot of materials, but the most commonly used material is a type of fiberglass-reinforced PCB epoxy resin known as FR-4.
FR-4 is a is a kind of epoxy (epoxy resin) and a composite material made of a woven fiberglass cloth impregnated with an epoxy resin binder. It is known for its excellent electrical insulation properties, high strength, and dimensional stability. FR-4 has excellent resistance to moisture, chemicals and heat, which makes it ideal for use in electronic equipment operating in harsh environments.
Other materials that can be used for PCBs include polyimide (PI), which has excellent heat resistance and flexibility, and Rogers materials, which are specialized high-frequency substrates designed for use in high-speed applications.
The choice of material for a PCB requires an understanding of the available materials and their physical properties, and how they align with the desired function of the board and application, such as the operating frequency, temperature range, and mechanical stability needed.
What is epoxy resin in PCB
PCB epoxy resin is a type of thermosetting plastic material that is commonly used in the manufacture of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). The epoxy resin used in PCBs is a composite material made of a mixture of two components: the resin and the hardener.
The resin is typically a bisphenol-A-based epoxy, which is a type of liquid polymer that can be mixed with a hardener to form a solid plastic. When the resin and hardener are mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs that causes the mixture to harden and become a solid material.
During the manufacturing process, the epoxy resin is used to coat the copper-clad board and provide a stable base for the copper traces and components to be attached. The resin is then cured to form a solid substrate that is used to build the PCB.
What is the use of epoxy resin in PCB
PCB epoxy resin provides several benefits in PCB manufacturing, including:
Electrical insulation: Epoxy resin has excellent electrical insulation properties, which helps to prevent short circuits and other electrical problems in the circuit.
Mechanical stability: The cured epoxy resin is a strong and rigid material that provides mechanical support for the components and helps to prevent mechanical stress and deformation.
Chemical resistance: Epoxy resin can block a wide range of chemicals, including solvents and acids, which make it suitable for use in harsh environments.
Thermal stability: Epoxy resin has good thermal stability, high temperature resistance and does not degrade, which makes it ideal for use in high-temperature applications.
What are the two types of epoxy resin
Epoxy resin is a commonly used high-performance composite material with a wide variety of types that can be classified according to different properties and applications. In PCB manufacturing, there are two main types of PCB epoxy resin:
Standard epoxy resin: This is the most commonly used type of PCB epoxy resin and is a general-purpose resin that is suitable for a wide range of applications. It is typically used for coating, laminating, and bonding applications of the manufacture of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
High-performance epoxy resin: This type of PCB epoxy resin is formulated to have superior mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties compared to standard epoxy resin. It is often used in applications that require high strength, durability, and resistance to harsh environments. High-performance epoxy resin is commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and military applications, as well as in the manufacture of advanced composites and electronic components.
What are the important features of epoxy resin
Epoxy resin is a versatile material that has several important features that make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Some of the key features of PCB epoxy resin include:
Excellent adhesion: Epoxy resin has strong adhesive properties and can bond well to a variety of surfaces, including metals, plastics, and composites.
High strength: Epoxy resin has excellent mechanical strength, including tensile strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength. It can withstand high loads and stresses without breaking or deforming.
Good electrical insulation: Epoxy resin has excellent electrical insulation properties, making it an ideal material for electronic components and Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
Chemical resistance: Epoxy resin is not susceptible to a wide range of chemicals, including solvents, acids and bases.
Low shrinkage: Epoxy resin has low shrinkage during the curing process, which helps to minimize the development of internal stresses and improve the dimensional stability of the cured material.
How do you remove epoxy from PCB
Removing epoxy from a PCB can be a challenging task, as epoxy is a strong and durable material that adheres well to surfaces. Here are some methods that can be used to remove epoxy from a PCB:
Heat gun:
Using a heat gun to apply heat to the epoxy can soften it and make it easier to remove. However, this method requires caution as overheating can damage the PCB and components.
Chemical solvents: Chemical solvents such as acetone, alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol can be used to dissolve the epoxy. However, this method can be time-consuming and may require multiple applications.
Mechanical methods:
Mechanical methods such as scraping, sanding, or grinding can be used to remove the epoxy. However, this method can damage the PCB and components if not done carefully.
Ultrasonic cleaning:
Ultrasonic cleaning can be used to remove epoxy from PCBs. This method uses high-frequency sound waves to agitate the epoxy and break it down, making it easier to remove.
It is important to note that each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best method for removing epoxy from a PCB will depend on the specific situation and the type of epoxy used. It is also important to take precautions to protect the PCB and components from damage during the epoxy removal process.
Is epoxy resin good conductor of electricity
No, epoxy resin is not a good conductor of electricity. In fact, it is an excellent electrical insulator. Epoxy resin has a high dielectric strength and low dielectric constant, which means it is able to resist the flow of electrical current and minimize the amount of electrical energy that is lost as heat. This makes epoxy resin an ideal material for electrical insulation in applications where electrical current needs to be controlled or prevented from flowing. For example, epoxy resin is commonly used in the manufacture of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), which require precise electrical insulation properties to prevent short circuits and other electrical problems.
Except for PCB, what is epoxy resins used for
PCB epoxy resins have a wide range of applications in various industries. Here are some common uses of epoxy resins:
1. Adhesives: Epoxy resins are commonly used as adhesives because of their excellent adhesive properties, high strength, and chemical resistance.
2. Coatings: Epoxy resins are used as coatings for floors, walls, and other surfaces because of their durability, chemical resistance, and easy application.
3. Composites: Epoxy resins are used as a matrix material in composite materials, such as carbon fiber composites, because of their high strength, toughness, and adhesion to fibers.
4. Electrical insulation: Epoxy resins are used as electrical insulation materials in transformers, motors, and other electrical components because of their excellent electrical insulation properties.
5. Tooling: Epoxy resins are used in the manufacturing of molds, patterns, and tooling for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and marine.
Conclusion
The excellent physical, mechanical and electrical insulation properties of epoxy resins, the bonding properties with various materials, and the flexibility of its use process are not available in other thermosetting plastics. It has become an indispensable material for the development of various industries.
Epoxy resins can be used as coatings, casting compounds, molding compounds, adhesives, and laminating materials to penetrate all aspects of the national economy, from everyday life to high-tech fields, in direct or indirect form. For example, epoxy resin is widely used in composite materials in aircraft and spacecraft, packaging materials for large-scale integrated circuits, insulation materials for generators, coatings for steel and wood, and adhesives for mechanical civil engineering and construction.
PCB epoxy resin is a type of thermosetting plastic material that is commonly used in the manufacture of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). The epoxy resin used in PCBs is a composite material made of a mixture of two components: the resin and the hardener.
● Excellent adhesion
● High strength
● Good electrical insulation
● Chemical resistance
● Low shrinkage
● Adhesives
● Coatings
● Composite
● Electrical insulation
● Tooling
● CCL
