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Your Number One CEM-3 PCB Supplier

PCBMay always focuses on product quality. We adhere to ISO9001, ISO14000, and UL standards. In addition, we perform strict quality control in every production process. You can be sure of the best quality CEM-3 PCB products from PCBMay.

At PCBMay, you can be sure to have authentic products, sound production, and on-time shipment. We are a great company to count on whenever you need CEM-3 PCBs. PCBMay is competent to ship PCB products worldwide. We are familiar with most shipping methods that guarantee you will receive your ordered products.

PCBMay offers CEM-3 printed circuit board with different solder mask colors like red, white, black, green, purple, blue, and more. Our PCB has stable performance and superior quality, making it ideal for various applications.

At PCBMay, you can find various types of CEM-3 PCB such as 94Vo CEM-3 PCB, Metal Detector PCB, Copper PCB, FR4 PCB, LED PCB, Aluminum PCB, and more.

We offer inspiring design, PCB assembly, and PCB invention services. As of now, we are serving 3000 and more customers from different countries. If you want to be one of our satisfying customers, call us now for your CEM-3 PCB needs.

We base our range of CEM-3 PCB on good quality, exceptional service, and reasonable prices. we have earned a good name great feedback from our customers. PCBMay serves you professionally and impressively, always.

As a responsible manufacturer, we endeavor to understand our customers better. That’s why we always strive to meet the customer’s specifications. Together with our professional workers, we can give you extraordinary products and services.

Please always feel free to contact or message us. We wish to work with you for a better future!

CEM-3 PCB | A Complete FAQ Guide

CEM-3 printed circuit board is a type of non-woven glass and epoxy-based board used in several industries. The CEM-3 board structure basically evolved from the use of FR-4 in PCBs. The use of CEM-3 PCB is rising steadily due to its advantages.

PCBMay is a leading manufacturing company of CEM-3 PCBs.  We are located in China. PCBMay produces the best quality CEM-3 boards; we export these domestically and internationally.

There are several facts about CEM-3 PCBs that you would like to learn about.

This FAQ guide is written for this purpose. Here, we show you every fact, pro, and con of CEM-3 PCBs.

What is a CEM-3 PCB?

CEM-3 is a substrate material for PCBs. It is a copper-clad composite laminate. The material came into use because of the usage of the FR-4 material in PCB assembly.

CEM-3 PCB

The CEM-3 PCB board is made of a non-woven fabric of electronic grade non-alkali glass. The fabric is infused with a brominated epoxy resin that is flame-retardant.

Both sides of the fabric of the CEM-3 are electronic grade alkali-free glass fiber cloth. Each of the sides or both sides can be coated with copper foil and the manufacturer hot presses it into a copper-clad laminate.

What Are the Properties of CEM-3 PCB?

CEM-3 printed circuit boards have some specific properties that make them special. Some characteristics vary depending on the material the manufacturer uses, but there are some basic properties for all CEM-3. The basic CEM-3 PCB specifications are as follows:

• Composed of epoxy resin composites and glass fiber plies of white color
• Material used to produce multiple layers and double-sided PCBs
• Suitable substitution of FR-4 materials–comparatively cheaper price range
• White in color
• Non-transparent.
• Contain good resistance to color change

What Is the Difference Between CEM-3 and FR-4 Material?

CEM-3 PCB and FR-4 PCB are very similar. In fact, it is formulated on the basis of FR-4 PCB. The functioning process and materials of these two PCBs are pretty close to each other. Nonetheless, some significant differences are notable.

FR-4 PCB Material

The material of FR-4 PCB is basically glass fiber cloth and copper foil. The glass fiber cloth and copper foil are infused with epoxy resin that is flame-retardant. CEM-3 PCB is used as a complete replacement for FR-4 PCBs.

CEM-3 board is made with a composition of glass mat substrate and glass cloth that is called composite. The main difference here is that CEM-3 uses not just glass cloth. But the CEM-3 PCB is produced on the basic structure of FR-4 PCB

In terms of flexural strength, FR-4 has higher flexural strength than CEM-3. But the thermal expansion of FR-4 is lower than CEM-3 PCB. The processing of CEM-3 fabrication is more convenient than FR-4 processing.

It is tougher in terms of mechanical aspects. This is because it applies glass felt in order to eliminate the fiberglass cloth. We can absolutely say CEM-3 printed circuit board is a similar product to FR-4. Often, some CEM-3 appliances are better than FR-4 PCB products, according to credible product reviews.

Mainly, differences between CEM-3 and FR-4 PCBs are dimensional stability, dimensional accuracy, and CTI or leakage resistance. As CEM-3 can be used for double-sided or multilayer printed circuit boards, it can often replace FR-4 substrates.

Watch the following video for more information.

What Are the Materials Used in CEM-3 PCB?

CEM-3 PCB materials have a critical role in PCB functionality. The manufacturer needs to be very specific about the material selection of the CEM-3.

CEM-3 PCB Material

CEM-3 materials are very smooth in texture. They are milky white in color. Manufacturers use a ‘flies’ type in CEM-3 PCB as a replacement for woven glass fabric.

The main characteristic of CEM-3 PCB materials is that they are flame retardant. It is a kind of epoxy copper-clad plate glass material. These materials are mostly used in multiple layers or Double-sided printed circuit boards.

Electronics with Multilayer or Double-layer PCBs often utilize CEM-3 circuit board materials. CEM-3 is a new kind of PCB substrate material made use of by various industries such as the automotive, medical, or transportation industries.

What Are the Features of CEM-3 CCL Material?

The manufacturer produces CEM-3 Copper Clad Laminate (CCL) with non-woven fabric or glass mat. The laminate is generally infused with epoxy resin. Then the manufacturer laminates both sides of the board with glass fiber cloths.

After that, the manufacturer composites the board with copper foil and then hot presses it. The structure f the CEM-3 PCB is derived from the FR-4 PCB, so there are many similarities.

Copper Clad Laminate

In the fabrication of CEM-3, the CCL are on two sides. CEM-3 CCL is easier for the drilling process, as the glass mat is usually more secure. The punching process of the laminate is also less tedious.

The main features of CEM-3 CCL material are as follows.

• Basic performance, comparable to FR-4 CCL
• Usage conditions equivalent to FR-4 CCL
• Better machining performance compared to FR-4 CCL
• Costs less than FR-4 CCL

How Do You Compare CEM-3 PCB to CEM-1 PCB?

CEM-3 PCB and CEM-1 PCBs are similar in many aspects. There are some major differences, however. We will compare both similarities and dissimilarities here.

Similarities

• Both printed circuit boards are infused with epoxy resin.
• The materials of both the CEM-1 and CEM-3 are cost-effective.
• Both of the PCBs have a paper core in the middle of the two layers of fiberglass.
• The color of both printed circuit boards is milky white.
• Both the printed circuit boards are made of a combination of two or more materials with a variance of physical and chemical properties.
• The manufacturer uses synthetic epoxy resin in both of the printed circuit boards to compound the materials.
• The epoxy resin both in the PCBs works to transmit the thermal stress among the materials.
• The epoxy resin protects CEM-3 and CEM-1 boards from environmental and mechanical damage.
• CEM-3 and CEM-1 are very lightweight. The materials make them suitable for printed circuit board production.

CEM-1 PCB

Dissimilarities

• The paper cores of the CEM-1 and CEM-3 PCBs are different from each other.
• The manufacturer uses a paper core, epoxy, and a surface of woven glass fabric to fabricate CEM-1 PCB.
• For CEM-3 boards, plies of fabric are used instead of woven glass.
• They are smoother than CEM-1 ones in texture.
• CEM-1 cannot be a replacement for FR-4. But CEM-3 is an alternative to FR-4.
• CEM-3 printed circuit board is new in the industry as a substrate material for printing PCBs.
• The punching process of CEM-3 is convenient. CEM-1 can be punched up to 0.093 inches.
• CEM-3 is epoxy CCL with flame redundant properties
• CEM-1 is only used on single-sided printed circuit boards.
• Double-sided and multilayer PCBs require CEM-3 materials.

How a Does CEM-3 PCB Work?

The CEM-3 PCB structure is derived from FR-4 PCB structure formulation. So, the basic working function is the same for both the CEM-3 and FR-4. In fact, we to boost the functioning of CEM-3 PCBs, the manufacturing process, glass mat, the resin system, can be improved following the lead of FR-4 production protocol.

The main limitations of CEM-3 are warp degrees defects and punching. With CEM-3, metalization is not a problem. Additionally, the wearing rate of drilling may be a little low, but this rate is convenient for stamping, shaping, and punching. We can overcome the limitations of CEM-3 using minor adjustments.

CEM-3 PCB Working Process

CEM-3 printed circuit board has defined dimensional accuracy which is basically highly thick. We can say that the metalized hole of CEM-3 is a bit inferior. But if you consider the lower cost of the CEM-3, it is worth the minor inconvenience.

A wide range of electrical appliances uses CEM-3 PCB materials for their production. As it is almost the same as FR-4 materials and costs even less, it is a cost-effective option. Nowadays, in some countries, the use of CEM-3 PCBs is even higher than that of FR-4 PCBs.

What Are the Applications of CEM-3 PCB?

There is a wide range of applications for CEM-3 PCB in different industries. There are many benefits of using CEM-3 in different industries. Some applications of CEM-3 PCB are as follows:

• Household appliances
• Automotive electronics
• Fax machines, photocopiers
• Power supplies
• Consumer lightning
• Instruments and meters
• LED backlight module
• Telecommunications
• Computer electronics

CEM-3 PCB Applications

CEM-3 PCB is used widely in Asian countries like Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, etc. The use of this PCB is now spreading to the United States, Europe, and many others.

What Are the Advantages Of CEM-3 PCB?

The advantages of CEM-3 printed circuit boards are immense. Due to these advantages, the use of CEM-3 is only increasing day by day. Some of the advantages of the CEM-3 board are given below:

• Great thermal conductivity, which is ≥1.0 W/m∙K.
• Mechanically processable
• Can have lead-free laminate
• High endurance of solder heat
• Notable CTI value (Comparative Tracking Index)
• The punching process is smooth

CEM-3 PCB Advantages

The functionality and efficiency of CEM-3 printed circuit boards are continuously improving. Hence, the usage of this PCB is gaining traction. It is estimated that by the next century, CEM-3 PCB substrates will achieve more improvements and higher sales volume.

How Do You Design a CEM-3 PCB?

The first step of producing a CEM-3 circuit board is designing it. Your PCB’s design depends on what you want it to be. You need to be decisive about what you want, and be as accurate as you can with every little design detail.

CEM-3 PCB Design

How well your PCB turns out has to do with your initial design. Be aware that if you change your design, it will affect the manufacturing process. To avoid hassles, be accurate and as detailed as possible with your CEM-3 PCB design.

To design it, first, you need professional designing software. Good software makes the process a lot easier. The software makes a layout of the design of the CEM-3 PCB, but you would need expert, advanced knowledge to perfect the process.

After this step, you need to have a PCB schematic. This will help you to determine where the components will be placed on the board. The schematic of the diagram should be as clear and structured as possible.

Then, you decide on the template dimension of the board. In this step, you should keep the required circuitry of the CEM-3 in mind. next, fix the layer numbers, stacks, and the bondage material between them.

The layer number can be two or more as we are designing CEM-3 boards. After completing the layer stack-up, select the power and ground planes. The signal planes should be on the surface of the printed circuit board as this interconnects the signal traces.

After this step, determine the thickness of the dielectric layer, the thickness of the routing copper, trace width, and line impedance. Considering the geometry and thermal considerations, place the components on the board. After marking the lands and the vias, route the signal traces.

The signal tracing is usually done electrically. Then, lay down the PCB design on the CEM-3 schematic. After all, these steps are accomplished, proceed to the manufacturing process.

What Is the Manufacturing Process of CEM-3 PCB?

The manufacturing process of CEM-3 PCB is pretty delicate. The manufacturer should have advanced knowledge on this matter, as well as technological capabilities. The manufacturing process follows the following steps:

• The initial and final design
• Transferring file to film
• Image printing on the surface
• Copper removal for excess copper
• Aligning layers
• Optical inspection
• Layer up and bonding
• Final etching
• Applying solder mask
• Surface finish
• Silkscreen
• Electrical test

Manufacturing Process of CEM-3 PCB

How Can You Optimize the Performance of a CEM-3 PCB?

There are ways to optimize the performance of a CEM-3 PCB. We can improve the density, functionality, miniaturization, light direction, electronic products adaption, SMT assembly by upgrading some aspects of CEM-3 PCB manufacture. Here they are as follows:

Packing Optimization

The packing of viscosity, crystal type, crystallization water quantity is important. These packaging-related elements affect the base material’s dimensional stability, soldering resistance of moulding dip, transparency, and reliability of hole metalization.

Improvement Of The Resin System

If the manufacturer uses Novolac resin, this is a sign that the manufacturer has the ability to develop the base material well. Frequency characteristics, reliability of hole metalization, and processability would not be a problem for this manufacturer.

Optimization Of CEM-3 PCB

Improvement of Insulation Resistance

Enhancement of the non-woven glass fibre and glass mat surface treatment both help to develop wet condition insulation resistance.

Improvement Of Dimensional Stability

The dimensional stability of the CEM-3 PCB is augmented by proportioning the length of the glass fiber. By improving this aspect, the printed circuit board turns becomes better in terms of efficiency and functionality.

Why Do We Use Through-Hole Plating in CEM-3 PCB?

CEM-3 PCB material is generally impregnated with epoxy resin. The PCB has woven glass fabric on the board surface. But the core of the CEM-3 is a composition of unwoven matte fiberglass materials. The unwoven matte fiberglass in the core of CEM-3 is specifically made for the CEM-3 board.

Through-Hole Plating (THP)

The unwoven fiberglass of CEM-3 boards is especially compatible with THP. The Through-Hole Plating makes the board more reliable and durable.

Watch this video to know more about it:

Which Resin Is Used in the Fabrication of CEM-3 PCB?

Manufacturers mostly use epoxy resin in the fabrication of CEM-3 PCBs. Resin is the primary material for this printed circuit board. This epoxy resin binds all the materials of the board together.

Epoxy resin controls the mechanical and electrical properties of the CEM-3 board. As well, it influences environmental performance and the overall chemical effect. Epoxy resin is a very common material, touted as the most effective substance.

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin attaches to copper foil easily. It also provides the perfect bonding between glass and copper fiber.  Another reason for using it–it is not so expensive, and epoxy is easily dissolved by different solvents.

For these reasons, epoxy resin is preferred for impregnating CEM-3 boards.

How Many Layers Does a CEM-3 PCB Have?

There can be multiple layer stack-ups on a printed circuit board. However, all materials and ingredients do not support all numbers of layers stacked up. For example, we can say a CEM-1 PCB can have one single layer.

CEM-3 PCB Layers

In this context, CEM-3 PCB can have two or even more than two layers in its stack-up. CEM-3 is a material that can handle having multiple layers in a PCB stack-up. Hence, Double-sided or Multi-layer PCB stack-ups can be made of CEM-3.

What Are the Disadvantages of CEM-3 PCB?

Even with many advantages, CEM-3 PCB comes with some disadvantages as well. The disadvantages are not very substantial, but it does affect PCB board manufacturing process and functioning. Some disadvantages of CEM-3 are as follows:

• Low drill bit wearing rate
• Possible defects of warp degrees.
• Punching metallic can be a bit poor.
• CEM-3 has a lower flexural strength
• The accuracy and thickness of CEM-3 may not be so good.
• Risk of deformity after soldering.

Disadvantages Of CEM-3 PCB

How Do You Customize CEM-3 PCB?

CEM-3 PCBs are a composite of epoxy resin made and paper or glass-based copper clad laminate boards. There are variations with these base materials.

CEM-3 PCBs can also be differentiated based on the electronic products that use them in their applications. Different electronic products require specific kinds of CEM-3 PCBs. The variance of digital applications matters in the making of a CEM-3 circuit board.

Customization Of CEM-3 PCB

You can actually customize your CEM-3 PCB according to your requirements, tailor-fit to your device. Customization from several aspects and can provide you with full and proper functionality and efficiency.

You can change the CEM-3 PCB materials for your application according to your needs. You can even alternate the number of ground and power planes. You can change the surface mount material and the solder masking process as well.

The number of layer stack-up is never constant in CEM-3 PCBs. You can choose the number of layers for your PCB application too.

How Do You Choose the Right Manufacturer of CEM-3 PCB?

Experience in the PCB manufacturing industry is a very important factor when choosing the right manufacturer of CEM-3 PCBs. The manufacturing company should have internationally recognized certificates for their products. The manufacturer also should have advanced technologies as the CEM-3 manufacturing process is very intricate.

There should be a dedicated group of experts working for the PCB manufacturing company. The company should have enough knowledge of what PCBs they are working on. It is better if the manufacturing company has worked with your field of an application previously.

Pay a visit to the area of the manufacturing company if possible. They should maintain order and cleanliness. If not possible by yourself, appoint someone to visit the company area.

Conclusion

CEM-3 PCB is becoming more and more popular; its use is expanding in different countries and continents.

If you have any more queries regarding CEM-3 PCB or our services, you are welcome to contact us. PCBMay is always here at your service.