Your Trusted Glass PCB Manufacturer

PCBMay- Your Premier Glass PCB Manufacturer

Seeking a perfect glass PCB solution? No problem. Leave all your worries to us! Together with our professional engineers and designers, PCBMay will provide all your PCBs and other PCB assembly needs. We are developing and innovates a comprehensive line of glass PCB.

Since ten years ago, PCBMay offers a broad range of PCB prototyping and assembly, particularly the glass printed circuit board. We occupy more than 8,000sqm—production facilities and operate our advanced production equipment. Your satisfaction in every PCB production is our goal. So, if you need a specific type, contact us directly.

It is one of the PCBMay popular products. It is usually found in LED, LCD, computer tools, home appliances, and high-tech goods. We manufacture the glass PCB using raw glass material.

Below are further materials that we use to make Glass Printed Circuit Board (PCB):

• UV photo resistance
• The foil made of copper
• Piece of glass, as required
• OHP Printout

Give PCBMay the chance to fabricate your PCB requirements. We designed our glass PCB version, which is known for its high levels of transparency, flatness, heat resistance, tear resistance, deformation, and many further. The glass circuit board has a high standard that meets up the customers’ qualifications.

However, we make sure each glass PCB undertakes critical examination and inspections to ensure credibility before delivery. Since being established, we guarantee our PCB passed the REACH, ROHS, ISO14001:2015, UL (E477880), and ISO9001:2015 certifications.

Here at PCBMay, you can get glass printed circuit boards of different types. You can have glass copper PCB, glass epoxy PCB, glass fiber PCB, multilayer PCB, and many more. PCBMay can be your one-stop provider anytime you need PCB assembly, especially the glass PCB.

Do you need our assistance now? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are 24/7 active online for your inquiries.

Stay connected at PCBMay!

Glass PCB: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

PCB is the principal part of electronics. PCBs are divided into several categories with different materials. Glass PCB is one of the popular segments of PCB.

Designing a PCB is not just as easy as it looks. There are different complexities of designing and manufacturing PCBs, including glass PCBs.

There are a lot of things to know for producing PCBs. You might look for such things on the internet. And yes, you have landed at the right place. We will talk about glass PCB today with your questions.

What Is Glass PCB?

PCB is a flat laminated sheet made of different non-conductive materials. Copper circuitry is used to conduct current flow on it. Different materials are used for making a PCB, such as generic glass, glass-reinforced epoxy resin, copper-clad laminate, solder mask, etc.

The PCB made using glass, or glass-reinforced epoxy resin is called a glass PCB.

PCB is the foundation building block for modern electronics. A PCB might be single layer to layered with 60, 100, or more. Printed circuit boards have an electrical and mechanical attribute that makes them useful for electronics.

Glass PCB

Most PCBs are rigid types in the industry with a portion of about 90%. Rests are flex or rigid-flex types. Because of the need for strength, PCB becomes rigid in most cases. PCBs are used for almost every electronic industry. We will discuss them in a later section of the article.

What Are The Materials Used In Making A Glass PCB?

Different types of materials are used to form a glass PCB. There are two types of glass circuit boards you will find: pure/generic glass, and fiberglass. For making a glass board, generally, glass is used. For making an epoxy glass PCB, there are also different PCB materials here.

There are six basic materials used in making a PCB. Let’s have a check on them.

Prepreg

Prepreg is a thin fiberglass fabric that is coated with epoxy resin and dried. A specialized prepreg treater machine is used to coat the prepreg into the glass PCB. The glass is the mechanical substratum that holds the resin in the right place of the PCB.

FR4 Epoxy Resin

FR4 epoxy resin, Teflon, polyamide, for example, are the prepreg that is used to form a glass PCB. They start with a melted form and gradually harden onto the board. After the heat session (up to 300° F), the resin starts to get hardened and become rigid, which is very strong.

Fiberglass is used to form fiberglass PCB, glass bottom boat PCB, glass bottom boat tours PCB, and others.

Copper Clad Laminate

Copper clad laminate is a material that is composed of prepreg sheets, and join together with heat and pressure. Copper foil sheet associates with them to be joined together. When the epoxy resin/prepreg gets hardened in the PCB, copper-clad becomes like a plastic composite in the glass PCB.

Copper Foil

Copper foil is the conductor of electricity on glass PCBs. Copper foil is used to etch on the glass printed circuit board to form the copper traces. These traces are created on the inner or the outer layer of the glass printed circuit board.

Solder Mask

Solder mask is the chemical material that covers the outer layer of the board and protects it from corrosion. The external circuits need to be protected because they are left unprotected when on the outer side of the board. If they are unprotected and stay uncovered, corrosion and oxidation will be formed and destroy the board.

Silkscreen

Silkscreen is generally white-colored ink that is used to mark the places of the glass PCB. It shows with white color lettering which components will be placed in certain places on the solder mask layer.

Surface Finish

We saw that the solder mask protects the outer area of the glass PCB from corrosion and oxidation. But, exposed copper holes in the board and pads are also to be protected. That is why, we also use other types of coating with gold, nickel, tin, silver, etc., to protect them.  These final finishes are known as surface finish.

How To Make Glass Epoxy PCB?

There are a series of steps to make a glass epoxy PCB board. You have to follow the steps to make an efficient glass epoxy PCB for the best performance.

Draw The Schematic Of The Epoxy Glass PCB Board

First, draw the schematic of your PCB. schematic is the visual circuit diagram of your PCB with computer software or by hand. It will show what the actual PCB will look like, and its dimension.

PCB Layout

Now the time is to design the layout of the PCB. Transfer your schematic to the drawing software to your computer. The software will compare the schematic and draw the exact layout of your PCB board. Remember to choose the footprint type of your board: SMT, or through-hole.

Make Your Epoxy Glass PCB Board

Now, after successfully finishing your PCB board design, make your board with proper materials. You could make your board. But when you are thinking about commercial and bulk production of the board, then you should go for a PCB manufacturer.

Drill The Board If Needed

Drill the board for placing components if you are using through-hole technology.  Also, etch the copper for making copper traces for the conductivity of the PCB.

Place The Components

Select and place the necessary components based on the type of your glass PCB for what you are making them. It is important to place the components in the right format and right places.

Glass Epoxy PCB

Assemble And Solder The PCB

Now assemble the PCB with the necessary components. Solder them carefully if you are using the through-hole technology. Also, you can directly mount the components if it is a surface mount technology.

Here you see the making of an epoxy glass PCB:

What Are The Different Types Of Glass PCB?

Glass epoxy PCB boards are different in categories that you will see. Following are the most common types of glass PCBs.

Single-Sided PCB

The most common epoxy glass PCB is the single-sided PCB. It holds a single conductive copper layer on its surface. You will see that all of the components are on one side of the PCB. And the entire etched circuits are on the other side of the board. It is a low-profile type PCB.

Double-Sided PCB

On both sides of the double-sided PCB, a thin and conductive copper layer is applied. There are holes drilled on the board that enable the physical connection of the components with each other. Double-sided PCBs use either through-hole or SMT technology to mount the components.

Multilayer PCB

On a multilayer PCB, a minimum of three layers is used to form. Multilayer PCBs use the sandwich form to be formed up. Several double-sided conductive layers are operating here. All of them are joint with high pressure and temperature. A multilayer glass PCB might go up to 100 or more layers based on the types of necessity.

Multilayer PCB

Rigid PCB

As you can see from the name of the board, you can not bend or fold the rigid PCB. This PCB is strong, made of a rigid substrate. Multiple layers of different substrates such as copper, solder mask, silkscreen, and others are used in a multilayer glass PCB. They bonded with glue with the help of high pressure and heat.

High-Frequency Glass PCB

High-frequency glass PCB boards are made of advanced glass reinforced laminate. Generally, high-frequency PCBs are made for facilitating over 1 GHz signal capabilities.

In Which Sectors Glass PCBs Are Used?

If you want a one-word answer, then we should say in “every electronic” sector. You will not find any electronics that do not use printed circuit boards inside them. Epoxy glass PCBs are the main power hub of electronics.

If we want to say particularly, then we can divide them into many sectors.

Medical Sector

• For different imaging examinations such as CT scans, CAT scans, ultrasonography, and so on.
• Cardiac tracking, blood pressure monitoring, and other electrical devices
• Electronics for biotherapeutics, insulin pumps, and analgesia pumping systems
• Small PCBs are required for inside devices such as pacemakers and others.

Light-Emitting Diodes (LED)

• Lighting for the home
• Lighting for storefronts
• Displays of automobiles
• Lighting for medical purposes

Consumer Electronics

• Smartphones, radios, smartwatches, radio tablets, and other communication devices
• Computers and home equipment

Industrial Equipment

• Equipment for manufacturing
• Heavy-duty machinery
• Instruments for measuring
• Internet Of things devices, robotics, and automation

Automotive Industry

• System for navigation and entertainment
• System of control
• Sensory gadgets

Aerospace

• Electricity supply
• Energy production
• Equipment for monitoring
• Communication devices

Maritime

• System of navigation
• System of communication
• System of control

Maritime Navigation System

Safety And Security

• Surveillance camera
• Detection systems of smoke
• Electronically operated door lock

Telecommunication

• Telecommunications tower
• Communication equipment for the office
• LED indications and displays

Military And Defense Sector

• Form of communication
• System Control
• Military gadget

What Are The Advantages Of Glass PCB?

Glass epoxy PCB boards have distinguished advantages. Glass-reinforced PCBs are in almost every electronics for their significant benefits. Glass PCBs have numerous features.

• Surface resistance
• Deformation resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Heat consumption capabilities
• Can operate in high temperature for a long time
• Reworkability
• Long lifespan
• Steady connection
• No shocks
• Cost-effective with bulk production
• Electrical and mechanical characteristics
• Flame resistance

To sum up, glass might be made more modest in a PCB and has unrivaled electrical, thermal, and mechanical attributes.

Glass PCB Is Advantageous

Glass may likewise have microstructures cut into it, just as microchannels for liquid transmission and gadgets cooling, and be used in RF MEMS applications.

Which Types Of Glass Are Used For A Glass PCB?

When glass comes, there are two segments available. There are two types of glass used for a glass PCB. Glass-reinforced epoxy resin, and raw glass. We already discussed epoxy resin before. Now, here we will talk about raw crystal glass.

There are three types of crystal glass available for glass PCB.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is pre-stressed reprocessed glass by conventional glass. Tempered glass is strong and highly durable. Normally, this type of glass does not break easily. With 125 megapascals or more pressure, they become stronger.

The heat consumption ability and thermal ability are higher. Also, mechanical characteristics are up to the mark.

Quartz Glass

Microelectronics, electric-fueled light roots, modern assembling, just as far-infrared radiative warmers, and optical parts, all utilize translucent quartz. It is hard to form and seems to have a lower heat coefficient. It is comparatively more solid. Also noticeable to infrared and ultraviolet irradiation.

Quartz Glass

Sapphire Glass

The heat properties of sapphire glass are predominant. It additionally has stunning electrical and basic attributes, making it protected. It is a valuable material due to its infrared conductivity, solid heat obstacle, and substance determination.

Which Components Could Be Used In A Glass PCB In Terms Of Needs?

Wrong components selection might be a failure for your certain type of glass PCB. That is why components are vital parts of PCBs. Here we are mentioning some basic and most used components almost in every glass PCB in terms of needs.

Resistor

The resistor is an electrical component that resists the flow of electricity in PCBs by providing resistance to the electrical current. As a result, the current overflow is limited. The resistance of the resistor is expressed in ohms (Ω).

Capacitor

The electrical energy is stored in a capacitor and given to the circuits when they are required. Capacitance refers to the condition of storing energy in the capacitor at this point. C stands for capacitance. The capacitance range might be anywhere from 1pF to 1000uF.

Inductor

The inductor is also a storing component same as the capacitor. But in this scenario, inductors store electric energy in a magnetic form. It’s a twisting of protected wire snaked into a coil around a center of some substance.

Inductors

Diodes

The diode is a semiconductor that allows electric current in one direction in the circuit and opposes the in the opposite direction. P-type and N-type materials, such as silicon and germanium, respectively, are used to form diodes.

Crystal Oscillator

Many circuits that require exact and dependable planning components use gem oscillators as the clock. By truly prompting a piezoelectric material, the gem, to sway, they make an occasional electrical sign, according to the name.

Transistor

Electronic switches and amplifiers are what transistors are. Transistors are the basic structural units of advanced electronics.

Integrated Circuit

Integrated circuits made of silicon. An integrated circuit (IC) comprises thousands to millions of capacitors, semiconductors, and resistors. Information preparation and signal handling are two capacities that ICs do.

Transducer

The conversion of electric flux to voltage is led by a transducer.

Voltage Controller

The voltage regulator guarantees that a steady voltage is kept up with for the duration of the existence of the PCBs.

How To Apply UV Photoresist On The Glass PCB?

One of the main parts of the glass PCB is the UV photoresist. Basically said, UV actuated photoresist will be a photoresist that is applied with the assistance of bright light.

The methodology starts with the utilization of a light-touchy natural substance to the substrate. From that point forward, a developer, otherwise called a dissolvable, is tenderly applied to the surface.

Photoresist

From that point forward, a designed substance is applied to the surface gradually and cautiously to impede light, guaranteeing that mainly the exposed parts of the PCB are presented to light.

The developer breaks up the locale presented to the light as the photosensitive material corrupts in a positive photoresist marvel. On an adverse occasion, the material is fortified and breaks up in places that are not presented to light.

What Are The Features Of Transparent Glass PCB?

Benefits of transparent glass PCB.

• Approximately  80 to 90 percent transparency
• Thermal characteristics are excellent which ranges between 26 and 28 W/mK.
• The lower factor of inflation
• The indirect result is kept to a minimum.
• Temperatures as high as 350°C can be used.
• Waterproof packaging is conceivable, with a sorption capacity of 0%.

Transparent Glass PCB

Check on how to make a transparent glass PCB:

How Can You Ensure The Quality Of Glass PCB?

To ensure the quality of glass PCBs, you should follow the following tips.

• IPC certification:Confirm that the glass PCB manufacturer has IPC certification for PCB production.
• Control the procedure: To assure the quality of glass PCBs, establish well-controlled method spans.
• Component management abilities: Everyessential component must be positioned correctly. Ensure that the soldering procedure is done safely.
• Evaluating assemblies: Carefully assemble the PCBs. It is preferable to use an automated system.
• Productive workspace:The manufacturer must guarantee a well-designed and high-tech dedicated work area.

In-circuit Testing

• Testing: Test the PCBs with different testing methods to ensure the functionalities. There are several testing methods for different types of testing such as ICT, X-ray, Flying-probe, AOI, etc.

What Designing Factors You Must Consider To Design A Glass PCB?

During designing a glass PCB, some essential facts should be kept in mind so that a successful and efficient design could be produced.

Material Selection

Good and fault-free materials are the first point to consider when you are designing and planning for producing glass PCBs.

Copper Tracing

Copper tracing is the conductive path of the glass PCBs. Make such a design that copper traces could be efficient and feasible to etch.

Copper Traces On PCB

Via Types

Vias are used to join the traces, pads, and other components electrically and thermally, between the different layers of the PCB. Selection of Via types is important.

Select Components Based On Necessity

Appropriate components selection helps you to get the successful output. You cannot use a Bluetooth chip in a transformer PCB. On the other hand, a sensor will be needed for a glass transition temperature PCB.

Signal And Power Integrity

Among the most important factors to address are guaranteeing signal integrity and resisting power loss to ensure your PCB’s perfect functionality. Make sure that signal integrity will be flawless with the design you are creating.

Why Is Controlled Impedance Important For Glass PCB?

Impedance is the matching of inductance and capacitance of the PCB when a high-frequency passes through on it.

Controlled impedance is the state of the PCB that ensures the flawless frequency through the traces so that the frequency should not be lost, distorted, and degraded.

Expanded exchanging times inside the PCB might happen if the impedance of the PCB traces connecting two parts doesn’t coordinate with the parts’ trademark impedance. Unwanted errors also would have occurred as well.

So, the controlled impedance must be maintained in this scenario.

How Can You Prevent Corrosion And Oxidation On Your Glass PCB’s Copper?

The copper surface and traces and other metals can easily be oxidized and corroded. Corrosion and oxidation gradually decrease the performance of the glass PCBs, and end of the day destroy the whole PCB.

So, protecting from corrosion is among the most important facts for a glass PCB.

Corrosion avoidance is certainly not an extreme interaction by any means. Epoxy coatings, solder mask application, and spray splash coatings are for the most part great oxidation and erosion hindrances.

Gold Surface Finish On PCB

Besides this, one of the best strategies to forestall consumption is to apply different metals to the surface. Gold, nickel, palladium, tin, silver, and different metals are normally used for different kinds of surface finishes. Synthetic removals are utilized to apply these surface finishes.

How To Etch A Glass PCB?

You’ll need UV photosensitive film, copper foil, and ferric chloride to etch your glass PCB.

The procedures:

1. Apply glue to the copper foil and adhere it to the board’s substrate.
2. At this step, place the photosensitive film on the PCB board.
3. Soak the board in baking soda and water for a few minutes after removing the top layer of the film.
4. Mix some ferric chloride with 150 mL of water. Immerse the board into the liquid for the second bathing after it has been mixed.

Chemical Bathing For Glass PCB Etching

5. Gently and thoroughly shake the glass PCB. The undesired copper will be removed after 10 or 15 minutes, leaving etched traces.

What Are The Limitations Of Glass PCB?

Glass boards are fragile. So, it is sensible to manage them. It needs extra care and handling management. Once broken, it is hard to fix them, even not possible most of the time.

The size of the object is also a consideration. Glass PCBs are small and light, making them ideal for confined areas. So, making a big-sized glass PCB will not facilitate the advantages in most cases.

How Does Transition Temperature Affect The Performance Of Glass PCB?

In glass transition temperature PCB, the transition temperature is the basic parameter of the temperature. Transition temperature (Tg) measured in °C.

A PCB substrate gets softened when it goes under a certain temperature with a certain threshold. The glass PCB is returned to its normal state when the temperature is removed.

Glass Transition Temperature Graph

The range of the temperature that makes the transition is called the glass transition temperature of the PCBs.

Tg is important for the glass PCB’s physical stability. The Tg should be under 200° – 250° C.

Who Are The Best Glass PCB Manufacturers?

To find out the best glass PCB manufacturers, you should check the following criteria on them.

• The manufacturers have extensive experience and knowledge in the PCB manufacturing industry.
• Ability to produce in large quantities
• Possessing the ability to meet deadlines
• The goods’ cost-effectiveness
• Highest product quality Competence with technology
• Excellent client service
• Industrial infrastructure is standard.

Conclusion

PCBMay might be your preferred glass PCB manufacturer in terms of quality products with cost-effectiveness. We produce glass boards as per your requirement in bulk quantity. You can produce custom-designed PCBs from us as well.

We are here to provide you with the best services. Please knock us today for the quote for your PCB production.