Printed circuit boards provide the interconnections between electronic components and are critical for functioning electronics across all industries. Among various PCB materials, PTFE PCBs stand out due to their exceptional properties. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore PTFE PCB technology in depth. I will cover PTFE’s key properties and specifications, how it differs from conventional circuit board materials, typical applications, and so on. By the end, you will have an expanded understanding of when and how to leverage the PTFE circuit board to meet your most demanding application requirements.
PTFE PCB is a specialized type of printed circuit board made using high-performance PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) substrate materials instead of standard FR4 laminates. Also known by the brand name Teflon, it can also be called Teflon PCB. PTFE is valued in printed circuit boards for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, resist virtually all chemicals, and maintain stable electrical properties under harsh conditions. The unique properties of PTFE make PTFE circuit boards popular in demanding applications such as aerospace, military, telecommunications, and other industries where the environment is punishing, and reliability is critical
The Teflon material gives PTFE PCB a robust set of properties entirely different from standard circuit boards:
The specifications of commonly used Teflon PCBs are listed below:
PCB Type | Dielectric Constant, ϵr Process | Thermal Coefficient of ϵr | Volume Resistivity | Moisture Absorption | Thermal Conductivity | Density | Copper Peel Strength |
RO3003 | 3.00±0.04 | -3ppm/℃ | 107 MΩ·cm | 0.04% | 0.50 W/m/K | 2.1gm/cm3 | 12.7lb/in |
RO3035 | 3.00±0.05 | -45ppm/℃ | 107 MΩ·cm | 0.04% | 0.50 W/m/K | 2.1gm/cm3 | 10.2lb/in |
RO3035 | 6.15±0.15 | -262ppm/℃ | 105MΩ·cm | 0.02% | 0.79 W/m/K | 2.6gm/cm3 | 7.1lb/in |
RO3010 | 10.2±0.30 | -395ppm/℃ | 105MΩ·cm | 0.05% | 0.95 W/m/K | 2.8gm/cm3 | 9.4lb/in |
PTFE and FR4 are two very different circuit board materials – while FR4 is the standard for most general applications, PTFE provides superior thermal and chemical resistance. The key differences are that PTFE can withstand temperatures from -192°C up to over 250°C without issue, while FR4 loses structural integrity above 110°C. Additionally, PTFE is chemically inert, resisting nearly all industrial chemicals and solvents that would damage FR4. However, PTFE also comes with a higher cost, approximately 5-10 times that of FR4 boards. For most consumer electronics where cost is critical, FR4 remains the best option, but for industrial, military, aerospace, and other demanding applications where high heat or harsh chemicals are present, PTFE is likely worth the investment to enable reliable performance in those extreme conditions.
When selecting a circuit board material, consider the expected operating conditions and determine if PTFE’s thermal and chemical resistance justify the increase in manufacturing cost over standard FR4 boards. Analyze the application’s temperature limits, chemical exposure risks, and budget to make the optimal choice between these two ubiquitous but very different substrate options.
Property | FR4 | PTFE |
Temperature Range | 110°C maximum | -192°C to over 260°C |
Dielectric Constant | 3.8 – 4.8 | 2.1 – 2.6 |
Dielectric Strength | 150-200 V/mil | 300-500 V/mil |
Water Absorption | 0.1% | 0.03-0.1% |
Chemical Resistance | Moderate – damaged by some solvents/acids | Excellent – resistant to nearly all chemicals |
Thermal Conductivity | 0.3-0.6 W/m/K | 0.440 – 0.95 W/m/K |
Flexibility | Rigid | Can be rigid or flexible |
Cost | Low | 5-10x higher than FR4 |
PTFE circuit boards are valued for use in demanding industrial, aerospace, medical, and military settings thanks to their robust thermal and chemical resistance properties.
Realizing the full benefits of PTFE requires proper fabrication by an experienced PCB manufacturer. MOKO Technology is an excellent option when sourcing high-quality PTFE printed circuit boards. With years of expertise producing advanced PCBs from specialty materials like PTFE, ceramic, and polyimide, MOKO Tech has honed the specialized capabilities required to optimally process these unique substrates. They hold rigorous quality certifications including ISO 9001 and ISO13485, indicating consistent and controlled processes. Want to start your PTFE PCB projects? Contact us to get a fair quote.
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