PCB Thickness

PCB Thickness

The thickness of a PCB plays a vital role in determining the performance of the circuit board. Therefore, it is important to discuss the same with an expert and understand the minimum thickness required. Twisted Traces is a company, which can provide you several PCB thickness options.

PCB Plating Thickness

Printed circuit board plating is an electrochemical process in which a metal is deposited on the surface of a PCB, as well as inside of the plated through-holes. Copper is the most common metal used for plating in the PCB fabrication process. We provide plating in the following materials:

What is Standard PCB Thickness?

Many contract manufacturers may say that the standard PCB thickness is 1.57 mm, or approximately 0.062 inch. This is true to an extent. Apparently, this was the size that bakelite sheets were manufactured in during the earlier days of board fabrication and the size has stuck. Therefore, we can refer to this as the historical standard PCB thickness. Today, boards are made to be larger and smaller than this standard, but the standard probably remains the most common thickness for designs.

Today, it is more accurate to say there is a range of common or standard PCB thicknesses. These include 0.031in (0.78mm ), 0.062in (1.57mm) and 0.093in (2.36mm). Depending on your choice for PCB fabrication and assembly services, you may be able to have boards made with other thicknesses. When determining the PCB thickness, there a number of design and manufacturing factors to consider, as listed below.

Design Factors that Impact PCB Thickness

1.Copper thickness

2.Board materials

3.Number of PCB layers

4.Signal types

5.Types of vias

6.Operating environment

Manufacturing Factors that Impact PCB Thickness

1.Drill hole equipment

2.Copper thickness

3.Layer count

4.Depanelization method

What If I Want a Custom Thickness?

PCBs are manufactured in sheets or panels that come readily available in common sizes. More than likely, your CM either has these in stock or can quickly obtain them. Other sizes may be available but are restricted by your CM’s equipment processing capabilities, not to mention the delay or back-order time to acquire them. Similarly, if your design calls for an uncommon board thickness, you may be restricted by your CM’s equipment capabilities and slowed down by the time required to procure the sheets or panels from the manufacturer. These factors, along with the others listed below, should be considered if you opt for a custom PCB thickness.

Factors to Consider for Custom PCB Thickness

Factor 1: CM’s equipment capabilities

The first consideration is whether your CM has the equipment to manufacture the board thickness you need. This determination should be made early during the design process, along with other design for manufacturing (DFM) requirements. Otherwise, you may be forced to make modifications and redesign your PCB layout.

Factor 2: Extended turnaround time

There is often a delay involved in acquiring an uncommon PCB thickness. You should consider how this will impact your development quality and delivery schedule.

Factor 3: Additional cost

Last but certainly not least, you need to evaluate the additional costs for the special materials, manufacturing, and any lost man-hours to determine if the additional costs are acceptable.

At times, it is best to follow the standard course, and at others, it is better to customize. When it comes to PCB thickness, you do have a choice. Using a standard PCB thickness will most likely result in faster and less expensive manufacture of your boards. However, if you opt for a custom thickness, then you should ensure that your CM possesses the specific capabilities your design may require.