Best in Class FR3 PCB Manufacturer in China

PCBMAY – The Expert in FR3 PCB Manufacture

We are proud to introduce ourselves as the expert in FR3 PCB manufacture in China. Although in recent years, some buy FR4 PCB rather than FR3 PCB, there are still customers who still order our FR3 PCB. The main selling point of the FR3 PCB is its affordability. PCBMay guarantees:

• Good quality fiberglass base used
• Standard use of epoxy resin and hard paper for bonding
• The conductive copper layer is excellent, industrial-grade
• Correct process in applying solder mask
• Products pass E-test and AOI test

At PCBMay, we understand that customers who favor the FR3 PCB need to stick to a budget. Hence, our FR3 PCBs are not just reasonably priced, they are very durable too. We offer quality as well as an economical solution to your FR3 PCB requirements!

PCBMay’s FR3 PCB follows the standards like Tg of -105 °C. It is very much suitable for your low-speed digital circuit projects, as well as your prototyping needs. In case you have any quality complaints about your product, we can send you a full 8D report for the root cause.

Another thing we can offer is excellent customer service. We care about you and your order, so we are always there to answer your call, message, or email. PCBMay’s customer care staff are trained to speak clearly and courteously. We are serious about creating customer value through communication.

We constantly evaluate our performance so that you are happy with the PCBs we give. Aside from being your number one FR3 PCB supplier, we are capable of producing other types of PCBs. We have Mobile Phone PCBs, Medical PCBs, LED lighting PCBs and others.

Contact PCBMay now for your FR3 and other PCB needs!

FR3 PCB: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

FR3 PCB differs significantly from fr2 and fr1 PCB in many ways. Even though FR3 PCB can only operate with a single layer, it provides much more than that.

Working with an FR3 PCB requires specialized knowledge. They must be appropriately designed, produced, and installed to be effective. Throughout this FAQ guide, we will be introduced to some of our clients’ most often asked questions.

What Is FR3 PCB?

FR in FR3 PCB stands for Flame Redundant. FR3 PCB is made of epoxy resin and rigid paper. FR3 materials are used as a coating on circuit boards. They are primarily used when cost-cutting measures are required.

FR4 materials are the most ideal for PCB and manufacturing applications. However, they are prohibitively expensive. FR3 PCB material might assist you in meeting your financial obligations.

The FR3 PCB is mainly used on a single layer of circuitry. It may also be used on many layers. However, this needs specialized knowledge and additional machining. FR3 PCBs are also employed in high-speed fabrication.

FR3 PCB

How Does FR3 Compare To FR4 PCB?

FR4 is a material grade used to fabricate different electrical circuit boards. The PCB constructions are built of FR4 core with a copper foil on both sides.

It is a heat-resistant material made of woven glass-reinforced epoxy resin. The core features a copper-clad laminate substrate, while the multi-layer circuit boards have FR4 characteristics.

FR4 PCB

FR3 PCB is constructed of epoxy coating and strong paper. It is generally used in single-layer PCB. These PCBs are used mainly in conjunction with a single sheet of PCBs.

What Are The Materials Used In FR3 PCB?

Thin copper layers and non-conductive epoxy resin are the primary components of FR3 printed circuit boards. The copper layers serve as the mounting surface for all of the components. After that, copper layers are applied on top of the resin layer.

These two materials must construct an effective FR3 PCB for a single layer of multilayered circuit boards.

Epoxy Resin In PCB

How Many Layers Can FR3 PCB Have?

The most effective way to utilize FR3 PCB is in a single-layered configuration. It is simpler to apply epoxy glue in this manner and to make the most of hard paper. Additionally, the components are ideally suited to be placed on a single sheet.

Although it is not suggested, the manufacturer also employs FR3 PCB as a multilayer for various applications.

PCB Layers

FR4 PCBs should be used in multilayer PCBs because they are sturdy, water-resistant, and offer superior insulation between copper layers, which reduces interference and helps to maintain signal integrity throughout manufacturing.

Is FR3 PCB Compatible with High Voltage Components?

The FR3 printed circuit board is a single-layer board with an epoxy resin finish. When it comes to high voltage components, FR3 PCBs are not the most excellent option. High-voltage elements produce a significant amount of electric shock, which might cause your single-layer FR3 PCB to burn.

Fabricators often recommend that high-voltage components are placed on the upper side of a multilayered board, and low-voltage circuits are placed on the lower surface of the PCB. Additionally, PCB layouts may feature slots or vertical insulating barriers between traces in addition to the application of design guidelines.

PCB High Voltage Components

What Is The Composition Of FR3 PCB?

An FR3 PCB is constructed from an insulating substance called the substrate. Copper layers are laminated in the required pattern on top of epoxy resin, a backing material.

A thin tin-lead coating is applied to the copper circuits to avoid oxidation and aid in soldering. The contact fingers are nickel-plated, and then electro gold (0.025 to 2 microns) is applied to provide high conductivity. Alternative finishes, including such OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative), are also available on the market today.

It is possible to use numerous solder masks, including silver-cross or carbon interconnections, carbon contacts. Other types of solder masks can be created using either a silkscreen or a photo-imaging method.

Single Layer PCB Composition

What Are Some Of The Applications Of FR3 PCB?

Although FR3 PCBs are basic, they are employed in many complicated electronics. Listed below are a few.

• In digital camera circuitry.
• In radio circuitry.
• In photocopier and printer circuits.
• In digital calculators.
• In vending machines, circuits employ these.
• In switching relays for the automotive and electricity industries.
• In solid-state drives, mostly in power plants.
• In digital microwave oven timer circuits.
• In LED lighting circuits to power the lights.
• In packaging machines.
• In timing circuits to turn machines on and off.
• These are in sensor circuits.
• In CCTV machine circuits.

FR3 PCB In Calculator

What Are The Best Ways To Drill Holes In FR3 PCB?

When the FR3 PCBs arrive on the manufacturing line, they will be drilled right away. After the layers have been pressed together, the multi-layer panel will be drilled.

Drilling holes may be classified according to their purpose. They are as follows: parts hole, thru the hole, tool hole, blind hole, and buried hole.

Electronic gadgets have become more lightweight in recent years. Thin, short, and tiny, as well as quick. As a result, we need more advanced drilling technologies, such as laser burning holes and photosensitive holes.

The FR3 PCB holes drilling process are as follows:

Drilling Holes In PCB

Mechanical Drilling

The following components are required for drilling processing: drill bit, backup board, and entry board.

Drilling holes with a laser

With the advancement of power electronics, we must make the vias smaller. However, if the size is too tiny, the mechanical instrument will be damaged. Laser drilling is intended for the drilling of holes that are less than 0.2mm in diameter.

To construct a PCB with BGA and HDI boards, engineers must create micro vias using laser drilling. The cost of laser drilling is significantly higher than the cost of mechanical drilling. To save money, we propose that you utilize 0.3mm drilling holes instead of larger ones.

To get micro vias for your HDI or BGA board, you can consult PCBMay.

What Is The Optimal Temperature For FR3 Boards?

FR3 coating is widely utilized in Single-layer PCB. Single-layer PCBs are now made with copper-laminate thicknesses ranging from one to twenty ounces.

Single-layer PCBs are intended to work in a range of temperature of 130 to 230 degrees Celsius. FR3 circuit boards can function well at temperatures as low as 105 degrees.

In previous decades, single-layer PCBs were employed in the majority of electrical equipment. Today, most high-tech household electronics are built on multilayer PCBs designed for a more complicated range of requirements.

PCB Thermal Management

How Does FR3 PCB Compare To FR2 PCB?

FR3 PCB and an FR2 PCB have very few differences. FR3 PCB uses epoxy resin as coating, where FR2 PCB uses phenolic resin. The advantages of disadvantages between the epoxy resin and phenolic resin are as follows:

Phenolic Resin

Bakelite was the initial term for phenolic resins. Novalocs and resoles are two different phenolic resins. Both varieties are stable at high temperatures.

Phenolic resins are used in many items, including circuit boards, pool balls, lab countertops, coatings, and adhesives. Phenolic resins are inexpensive and appropriate for regions that need regular cleaning. This material is pretty moisture resistant.

Epoxy resin

Epoxy resins are epoxide reactive pre-polymers and polymers. This substance can generate cross-links by reacting with various co-reactants such as polyfunctional, phenols, alcohols, amines, acids,  and thiols.

These co-reactants are called hardeners or cures. Also, the cross-linking we utilize is curing. An ideal thermosetting polymer with good mechanical characteristics, heat, and chemical resistance results from cross-linking (curing).

Several hundred chemicals may be used to cure the epoxy resin. Anhydrides, imidazoles, and amines are examples. Uncured epoxy resin has low mechanical, chemical, and heat resistance.

Epoxy resin curing is an exothermic process. If the circumstances are not regulated, this reaction might induce thermal deterioration of the resin.

Epoxy Resin

FR3 PCB is more expensive than FR2 PCB because it employs epoxy resin instead of phenolic resin. FR3 PCB may be used for heavy-duty applications, but FR2 PCB is not suited for such uses. FR3 is also more resistant to heat than FR2. FR3 PCB is more durable than FR2 PCB.

How To Design A FR3 PCB?

There is a plethora of FR3 PCB design software out there. FR3 PCBs will be designed using Eagle PCB designer in this example. Using Eagle, you can design a PCB for your project in a matter of minutes. Eagle’s FR3 PCB design process is as follows:

The first step is to run Eagle. You will see the Control Panel on the screen. In the Control Panel, go to File > New > Schematic and pick the option. Start a new schematic panel by clicking on it. The added tool is located on the left side of the schematic window.

Elements like resistors and capacitors, which are crucial in the design of the PCB, can be added using this tool.

Here, you should pick an appropriate object. The Add tool acts as a kind of catalog of items. There are a wide variety of components to choose from, made by a variety of different firms.

Eagle PCB Designer

Some aspects of the project may not be available in this library. A component that is not in the library may well be required for a specific project. For Eagle, there are a variety of element libraries that you can find online.

“Resistor” is a necessary term. Resistors are needed to complete the circuit. Re-select the Add tool and type the resistor in the search field. There are sure to be a lot of outcomes from this. The size of the resistor dictates the kind of resistor that you should use.

On the schematic’s right side, hit OK and add five resistors. Wires are then needed to link the various components. The left side of the pane has a selection of cables.

To begin a wire, just click on the desired location. For the wire to turn, you must click again. That’s not the end of the road. Press Esc to terminate a piece of wire. Then, follow the schematic’s instructions to connect the element.

A potentiometer is needed to complete the design. Finding a potentiometer might be a bit of a challenge. Spectrol potentiometers are utilized in this presentation. This potentiometer comes in a square container with three pins arranged in a straight line.

After clicking OK, position the potentiometer in its proper location. Attach the potentiometer to the circuit after that.

Then, the schematic has to include ground. The GND tool may be added by re-selecting the add tool and searching for it. There are two ground symbols to pick from, so choose the one you need.

To complete the circuit diagram, connect the ground. The last step is to attach two soldering pads to the circuit as input and output.

Search for “solder” in the add tool once again and add it to your collection. You may select from a variety of soldering pads. 1mm diameter soldering pads are to be used.

The design of the circuit is completed when the soldering pad is connected to the circuit.

If you want to see a demonstration of how Eagle software is used to design PCBs, look at this video.

How Do You Mount Components When Using FR3 PCBs?

Component placement on an FR3 PCB may be accomplished in one of two ways. Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Through-Hole Mounting (THM) are the two terms used to describe these mounting methods.

Through-Hole Mounting (THM)

Surface Mount Technology has its roots in through-hole mounting. Ever since the launch of second-generation computers, through-hole technology has been employed. Point-to-point mounting is being phased out in favor of through-hole installation.

Surface Mounting (SMT)

“Planar Mounting” was the first name given to the technique. This method uses components that are known as Surface Mount Packages.

Under or around the packaging, there are leads for these components. Direct contact will be made between the lead and the so-called “PADs” on a PCB.

Unlike through-hole installation, no holes in the FR3 PCB are expected to assemble the tracks to the parts.

Soldering Techniques

FR3 PCB components can be attached using various soldering methods, as seen in the video below.

What Is The Dielectric Constant Of FR3 PCB?

A dielectric substance carries just a little electricity and serves as an insulating interface of two copper layers that conduct electricity. When considering signal integrity and impedance concerns, crucial variables in high-frequency electrical performance, it is vital to view material dielectric properties.

It is estimated that the dielectric constant for FR3 PCB components ranges from 2.5 to 4.5.

Because of this variation, the dielectric constant typically falls as the frequency of operation becomes higher. Some substances change in permittivity more slowly than others, indicating that they are more stable.

These materials have dielectric constants that are substantially consistent throughout an extensive frequency range (100MHz to several GHz).

PCB Dielectric Layer

What Is The Flexural Strength Of FR3 PCB?

FR3 is the primary insulating backbone that supports the great majority of rigid PCBs. A thin coating of copper foil is bonded to one or both edges of an FR3 epoxy resin panel, depending on the thickness of the layer.

The flexible strength of FR3 PCBs varies between 345 and 440 MPa, depending on the kind of board used.

Circuits are etched onto copper layers to create PCBs. The thickness of the FR3 layer and copper foil layers must be specified when ordering copper-clad laminated boards.

What Are The Characteristics Of Epoxy Resin Binder Used In FR3 PCB?

FR3 PCB is made up of an epoxy resin binder and strong paper used to make the PCB. The following are some of the features of Epoxy resin binders:

• It has high tensile strength.
• The shrinkage is minimal.
• Epoxy resin offers excellent adherence to a wide range of substrates.
• It also has effective electrical insulation.
• It is resistant to chemicals and solvents.
• It offers low cost, as well as low toxicity.

Epoxy Resin Characteristics

What Criteria Should You Take Into Consideration While Choosing A FR3 Board?

The FR3 PCB is straightforward and is one of the most often used PCBs. However, finding the most appropriate manufacturer to fulfill your requirements may be time-consuming. An FR3 PCB of poor quality might completely demolish your device.

There are a few factors to consider while choosing an FR3 circuit board. They are as follows:

Circuit Characteristics

When choosing a PCB, this is perhaps the most critical factor to keep in mind. Circuits are not interchangeable.

Instead, each one is a one-of-a-kind combination of form, function, and function. This complicates the decision-making process. Consideration should be given to the circuit design as one of the primary factors. In general, FR3 PCBs can be used for basic circuits.

The Cost of the Board

The price difference is another significant point to consider. Financial considerations may aid in determining whether FR3 boards are preferable. The project’s scope and needs should be taken into account when selecting an FR3 PCB based on cost.

The Supplier’s Reputation

Whatever the case may be, you will need a dependable professional to finish the work. If you do not do this, you are setting yourself up for failure in more instances than you can think in the long run.

Checking the quality of the provider and verifying their credentials is consequently critical. Visiting the factory is also an option if you want to witness how the boards are created firsthand. All firms do not permit site visits, but if you find one that does, take advantage of it.

In the case of overseas vendors, the preceding paragraph is doubly true since you will be acquiring it from a location you do not know.  There is no harm in going the additional mile to find an excellent provider when your whole organization is at stake.

Follow-up Services

This point is both connected to the preceding one and distinct in its own right. Once you have completed the purchase, you will need to find a vendor that can resolve any problems.

It is because if anything goes wrong with your products, you will be held responsible. And if there is a problem with the PCBs, you have to contact the vendors so that you may fix it.

PCB Servicing

Lead time

Everything takes time, no matter how quickly it may be made with mass production and automation.

As a result, the question of lead time plays a role here. Due to its ease of operation, FR3 PCBs often have shorter lead times.

While time is an essential factor in the manufacturing process, it should not be excessive. It is best to engage with a service that can do the task quickly without compromising quality.

On-time Shipping

Distribution agreements with manufacturers typically require that shipments be available on time. Because the products must be produced on time, this can only be achieved.

If the provider cannot fulfill delivery dates on time for whatever reason, this might all come to a halt. To keep the supply lines running, it is vital to find a supplier that can deliver on time, or perhaps earlier.

Conclusion

PCBMay is a professional PCB manufacturer in China, having been in business since 2008. Our professional design and manufacture superior FR3 PCB following your specifications. We hope that our FAQ guide has helped clear up any confusion you may have concerning FR3 PCB.

You may reach out to us at any moment if you need an FR3 PCB for your project. If you have any queries, our customer service representatives are standing by to take your call and address any of your concerns.