Exclusive Transparent PCB Manufacturer in China

The Transparent PCB Leader in China – PCBMay

Are you are looking for a specialist PCB maker who is skilled with Transparent PCBs? Then, look no further. PCBMay has all your problems covered. We are a champion of advanced techniques in PCB fabrication. For sure, our Transparent PCBs will satisfy you.

• Superb quality of PET thin film used
• Ceramic subtrate can be used to make your order
• We can also utilize Glass subtrate
• Options for you: have both subtrate and conductive traces transparent (for fully transparent PCB)
• Sufficient protection of circuit to prevent damage, whilst appearing transparent

PCBMay has the utmost capacity to answer your PCB needs. Not limited to Transparent PCBs, we produce 12 Layer, 14 Layer, and Large PCBs as you require.

Aside from our manufacturing expertise, we present value for money and speedy service. For a fraction of the cost, our China-made Transparent PCBs give you what you need. You can use these PCBs for lighting, automotive, and medical applications. If you need to customize the PCB for a special project, this too is possible.

For speedy service, our renowned logistics partners will give your order on time. We are very choosy with our delivery partners because your happiness matters. For sure, there will be no delay when it comes to your Transparent PCB purchase.

Finally, choose PCBMay because we communicate in an open manner. Our trained customer service and salespeople are here to help. If in case you have an engineering question, our Transparent PCB experts will answer in 1-2 hours with technical details.

So, take action today, your best-in-class Transparent PCB is waiting!

Transparent PCB| The Ultimate FAQ Guide

A transparent PCB is a particular type of flexible circuit board. This PCB has brought out tremendous development in electronic applications that require adequate transparency and flexibility. It is a reliable solution to solve the problems of stretchable glass PCBs.

Are you looking for a trustworthy manufacturer who has the skill of dealing with transparent PCBs? PCBMay is the perfect choice for you. We ensure the premium fabrication of transparent flex PCBs.

This FAQ guide will be a good source for knowing the details of transparent flexible PCBs. Let’s make a move.

What Is a Transparent PCB?

A transparent PCB is a highly functional circuit board that allows you to see through it. This circuit board has supreme use in optical fields. It contains fully transparent or semi-transparent conductive traces and components.

Transparent circuit boards are flexible in most cases. It usually consists of PET (Polyester), polyimide, and ceramic materials. Sometimes Ceramic PCBs are found in transparent form.

This PCB is widely used in applications requiring a clear view of the device. This PCB offers excellent thermal conductivity as a stretchable and flexible circuit board. Likewise, transparent flexible PCB is supportive of different metallic coatings.

This specification improves its performance in extreme situations. Moreover, transparent PCBs are compatible with multilayer stacks. That’s why you can utilize this PCB in High Frequency applications.

Transparent PCB

What are the Base Materials of a Transparent PCB?

Transparent PCBs are primarily found in flexible and ceramic-based electronic applications. The base materials of transparent flex PCBs are polyester and polyimide. These PCB materials offer almost 95% transparency in Flexible Printed Circuit Boards or FPCs.

Polyimide-based transparent flexible PCB boards are resistant to thermal pressures. These boards are also strong enough to tolerate electrical and mechanical stresses. These materials allow the manufacturer to utilize transparent PCB boards in electronic appliances having unique shapes.

On the contrary, transparent Ceramic PCBs usually contain Aluminum. The PCB substrate is made of Aluminum Oxide, Magnesium Oxide, Amalgam of Aluminum and Magnesium, etc.

Aluminum-based transparent circuit boards assure you of around 80% transparency. Here, the nano-blue phase alumina is oily and water-based. It is used to enhance resin materials’ hardness from 6H to 8H.

Transparent PCB materials are supportive of conformal coatings and resin encapsulation. That’s why this PCB offers maximum resistance to moisture and dust. These materials are also effective for resisting water flow to a certain level.

Transparent Printed Circuit Board Materials

How to Make a PCB Transparent?

A transparent PCB is not a conventional circuit board. You need to follow the steps given below to make a PCB transparent.

• First, you have to arrange the materials: polyimide, polyester, ferric chloride, photoresists, copper foil, super glue, etc.
• Next, prepare the design layout and print it.
• Fabricate the PCB substrate by using transparent materials.
• Then, add the copper foils to the glass and apply the photoresist.
• Expose this setup to light by using an artificial light source or sunlight.
• After exposing the setup, develop the resist.
• Then, etch this board through a ferric chloride solution to eliminate the unnecessary copper.
• Wash and then dry the circuit board.

Making of a Transparent PCB Board

This process consists of the basic rules of making a transparent PCB. You should consult a trusted PCB maker to get a high-class transparent PCB. Watch this video to learn about transparent PCB fabrication:

Where Do You Use a Transparent PCB?

Transparent PCBs are supremely applicable in flexible electronics. You can find this PCB in almost all sectors in the present times. A fully transparent flexible PCB is used in the following fields:

• Contact lenses
• Medical instruments
• Automatic control devices
• Electronic skins
• Cameras
• Calculators
• Instrument panels
• Mobile phones
• ABS systems

Transparent FPCs are reputable for their compact designs. So, you can use these circuit boards in any kind of electrical connection that requires a tight space.

Again, transparent ceramic circuit boards are used in optical instruments, such as high-power LED, optical sensors, sodium lamps, and IR windows. These PCBs are likewise effective for defense equipment and aerospace devices.

Another thing: you can use these PCBs in transparent keyboards, solar cells, sensors, transparent artistic works, and other similar items. Custom transparent circuit boards are applicable in transparent displays.

Transparent PCB Applications

What are the Specifications of a Transparent PCB Substrate?

Transparent PCB substrate is compatible with numerous electronic circuits due to its applicable technical specifications. We are show you here  some notable features of transparent flexible PCBs and Ceramic PCBs for your convenience.

Transparent Ceramic PCB Specifications

• Thermal conductivity is around 24-31 W/mK
• High operating temperature
• Thickness is around 30mm
• Transparency varies from 70% to 85%

Transparent Polyimide PCB Specifications

• Transparency is 95%.
• Compatible with multilayer designs.
• The minimum diameter of the blind hole is around 0.075mm.
• Supportive of ENIG surface finish
• The glass transition temperature is more than 300⁰C. That means this substrate is made of high TG PCB
• The lowest mechanical drilling hole diameter is 0.1mm.
• The minimum spacing is around 0.035mm.
• Operating temperature varies from -25⁰C to 75⁰C.
• Adhesive strength is around 490 N/m.

Specifications Of Transparent PCB Substrate

How Does the Expansion Coefficient Affect the Transparency of a PCB?

The Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) plays a crucial role in improving the transparency of a flexible PCB. It indicates the increase of transparent PCB materials due to the unit temperature change.  Its lower value is preferable to the manufacturer to ensure the supreme flexibility of this circuit board.

PCB transparency significantly depends on its materials. Polyimide materials are helpful for transparent flexible PCBs. A low CTE value is required for maintaining consistency in the features of these materials.

This thermal property affects thermal conduction to a great extent. It is also a substantial influencing factor of PCB transparency. So, the coefficient of thermal expansion has an immense impact on the performance of transparent flex PCB.

Transparent PCB With Low Coefficient Of Thermal Expansion

What Are the Significant Advantages of a Transparent PCB?

A transparent PCB includes outstanding positive points to electronic circuit boards. Its most significant advantages include:

High Thermal Resistance

Transparent circuit boards have high glass transition temperatures. That’s why their temperature resistance is exceptionally high. Likewise, having a low and stable thermal expansion coefficient is responsible for these PCBs’ thermal resistance.

Thermal Conductivity

This type of PCB offers maximum thermal conductivity for flexible circuits (FPCs). This is due to the fact that via placement is effective in dissipating the extra heat. As a result, the FPC components remain safe during hot conditions.

High Durability

Transparent PCB materials are resistant to water absorption. That’s why their electrical and mechanical properties remain intact in a humid environment. Also, this PCB offers reasonable impedance control and dielectric strength in high-speed signal transmission systems.

The PCB’s  electrical insulation is also high, ensuring adequate durability.

Wide Range of Application

This circuit board is used in a massive range of electronic projects. You can incorporate transparent PCBs in optical instruments, medical equipment, the defense tools, aeronautics, and so on.

Since transparent circuit boards are an effective form of flexible PCBs, they add superior features in FPCs.

Functionality

Transparency is a mandatory feature in many flexible electronic devices. As per your requirements they can be bendable, twistable, and movable. The vast range of optical features of transparent PCBs promote the functionality of versatile applications.

Miniature Designs

This PCB is supportive of small designs. It saves around 90% weight compared to Rigid PCBs having the same volume. It supports surface mount devices that are suited for lightweight and small-size applications.

Design Accuracy

The design accuracy of transparent PCB boards is impressive. The transparent quality improves the manufacturing characteristics of this circuit board to a large extent.

Transparent Flexible Printed Circuit Board

What Are the Drawbacks of Transparent PCBs?

Transparent PCBs have some significant drawbacks. You must consider these limitations to get the utmost outcome of these PCB boards. The most notable disadvantages of transparent flex PCBs are:

• These PCBs can not tolerate extreme mechanical stress. That’s why you should not use these PCBs in rigid military applications.
• The design of a transparent flex PCB is more complicated than Rigid PCBs. So, you need to give extra attention to the PCB design.
• The manufacturing cost of transparent FPCs is also high.

PCBMay offers top-class transparent flex PCBs at reasonable prices. Inquire about us to get the best transparent circuit boards for your projects.

Transparent Circuit Board Limitations

How Do You Choose the Best Transparent PCB Manufacturer in China?

Choosing a reliable PCB maker to handle transparent PCB manufacturing is vital. You should give optimum priority in making this choice. PCB manufacturing is highly competitive in China.

If it is not so easy for you to find a suitable PCB maker that suits your demands. Don’t worry. We are here with some crucial tips to choose the best transparent PCB manufacturer in China. Let’s have a look.

• The PCB maker should have the reliability of delivering products within due time.
• The manufacturer needs to have the credibility of manufacturing quality transparent circuit boards. You should check whether the PCB specifications are matched with RoHS and IPC standards.
• A reliable, transparent flex PCB manufacturer should have the capability of making cost-effective PCBs. Otherwise, low-budget customers will face a lot of trouble.
• It is required for a manufacturer to have professional engineers who have the skill to provide custom solutions.
• Well-equipped factory service and sufficient testing equipment are also necessary to deliver high-level manufacturing.

We produce IPC class-2 and class-3 standard transparent circuit boards with excellent reliability. We have been in this business for more than 15 years. So, our products will satisfy you. Contact us to experience the best-in-class transparent circuit boards.

How to Test the Transparent PCB Performance?

There are several methods to test the performance of a transparent PCB. Both manual and automated inspections are applicable for transparent circuit board testing. Here, some dependable tests are described for your understanding.

Flying Probe Test

FPT (Flying Probe Test) is beneficial for small and large-scale transparent PCB manufacturing. Here, electrical probes are set at different axes, and the FPT conductor falls these probes on the PCB surface.

Then, you can see the voltage rating, current rating, loopholes in the circuit diagram, short connections, etc. It is required to set a specific temperature to run this test. There is no need to use additional fixtures to alter the transparent flexible PCB board. That’s why it is worthwhile for the customers having budget constraints.

Automated Optical Inspection

Automated optical inspection (AOI) is a reliable method for checking the features of a transparent flex PCB. A camera attached to the AOI machine takes 2D and 3D pictures of tested circuit boards.

Then, these images are compared to the ideal transparent PCB board designs. You can identify the faults of design layout, component placements, current and voltage ratings, etc. But, it is an expensive method of PCB testing. You should indeed think of applying the AOI test for high-volume PCB manufacturing.

Automated X-ray Inspection

The AXI (Automated X-ray Inspection) is suitable for finding dimensional errors rather than electrical properties. In this test, the high penetrating power of X-ray is applied to check the diameter of drilled holes, solder joints, back drilling, etc. It is also a costly but rapid inspection process like the AOI test.

Properly Tested Transparent PCB Board

Except for these, you need to conduct functional tests to check the practical performance of this PCB. Thermal tests, vibration tests, and etc. are effective for determining the quality of a transparent flexible PCB.

What Are the Major Transparent PCB Types?

Transparent PCB is found in the market in versatile forms. All of its types are appropriate for unleashing the design possibilities for your electronic applications. The major transparent PCB types are:

Transparent Soldermask PCB

These PCBs are manufactured by using different panels. A clear solder mask is used during its fabrication. That’s why these circuit boards are protected from oxidation.

LED Transparent PCB

LED transparent PCB is a customized transparent circuit board. The primary focus of manufacturing LED transparent PCBs is to promote visual appeal. Here, bright lights are incorporated with the necessary parts of LED PCBs and flexible printed circuit boards.

Transparent Flex PCB

This PCB has excellent uses in LED-based electronic applications and automotive devices. Also, transparent flex PCBs are utilized in the control panel to make the appearance fascinating.

Transparent Polyimide PCB

Polyimide is the base material of transparent polyimide circuit boards. This transparent PCB material is reputable for its supreme flexibility and thermal resistance. That’s why its use in PCB fabrication is getting more and more popular.

Transparent Ceramic PCB

Transparent ceramic PCBs are made with the use of Aluminum. These circuit boards are featured in transparent keyboards, sensors, artistic applications, solar cells, and etc.

You can customize transparent PCB’s thickness, size, layers, and shapes depending on your project design. You must choose an experienced manufacturer who can perform customizations per your requirement.

Transparent Soldermask PCB

Is Transparent PCB Compatible with LED Lighting?

Yes. A transparent PCB is fully compatible with LED lighting. It requires high-quality precision and planning to design a LED transparent circuit board. This PCB acts to promote the visual appeal of an electronic product.

LED lights used in transparent flexible PCBs play a significant role in improving display capabilities. These circuit boards are composed of materials that promote transparency like polyimide, polyester, copper, aluminum, and etc.

Transparent PCB board assembly supports Surface Mount Technology or SMT. This PCB is applicable for miniaturized devices in many cases. SMT devices are compatible with compact designs.

To add, transparent LED PCBs offer the regular features of a flexible circuit board. You can utilize these PCBs in a piece of lighting equipment that demands sufficient bendability and stretchable quality. So, transparent PCB boards with LED lighting is a superb addition in the modern electronic world.

LED Transparent PCB

What Are the Design Rules for a Transparent PCB?

Transparent PCB design demands additional care compared to a rigid circuit board design. You have to maintain some critical design rules to optimize the design of a transparent flex PCB. These are the following:

• Panel dimension should be more than 100mm for a High Volume transparent flexible PCB board. It is effective for a PCB having more than 50 panels.
• The ideal circuit board thickness is around 0.38mm.
• Metalization needs to be the alloy of silver and palladium.
• 5 oz and 1 oz conductor thicknesses are ideal for a panelized transparent PCB board.
• ENIG and Immersion Gold surface finishes are the most appropriate surface coatings for this PCB design.
• The minimum opening for a standard solder resist is 0.2mm.
• Via diameter should be 5-12 mils.
• The minimum via spacing is 3-12 mils.
• The trace length should be direct and short.
• Incorporate a power plane to ensure smooth distribution of power planes and grounds.
• It is required to keep the related test points and PCB components together.
• The dimensional tolerance needs to be lower than 4 mm.
• Use decoupling capacitors wisely to reduce noise during high-speed signal transmission.
• Thickness and hole tolerances are 10% and four mils, respectively.
• Surface roughness needs to be lower than 0.5 micrometers.
• The minimum line spacing is around 0.8 mils.
• Check the design rules from time to time.

You should use intelligent design software to properly handle the transparent PCB board design. Altium Designer is a reliable software that makes PCB design easy and promotes the design quality to a high level.

Transparent PCB Design With Altium

What Is the Operating Temperature of a Transparent PCB?

Transparent PCB materials are compatible with a wide range of operating temperatures. Transparent polyimide PCB remains supremely functional at -25°C to 75°C. It can cover this range because of its high glass transition temperature and low CTE.

Again, transparent ceramic PCB materials can tolerate higher thermal pressures. Their operating temperatures are significantly increased compared to polyimide and polyester materials. That’s why you can utilize these circuit boards to improve the quality and compatibility of your electronic appliances.

These PCB design rules help place vias concerning your requirements.  These PCB vias are vital for developing the thermal management of a circuit board. A transparent PCB board can distribute additional heat properly and remains functional at high temperatures.

Transparent FPC High Operating Temperature

What Is Transparent Glass PCB?

A transparent glass PCB is a functional circuit board made of transparent glass materials. This PCB offers you complete illumination from all sides. It contains an almost invisible wire decoration.

Different glass materials ensure the high heat resistance of this circuit board. This feature improves the quality and value of transparent glass PCBs to a large extent. Besides, its excellent resistance against dust and moisture is also commendable.

The immense benefits of a transparent glass PCB make it a mandatory part of LCD and LED displays. Its zero light attenuation feature is also effective for electronic products. Again, it has excellent use in 5G technologies.

Transparent Glass PCB

What Are the Problems of Printing a Transparent PCB?

Using a laser printer is an effective way to print a transparent PCB. It takes quite some time to print the circuit board, but a laser printer is reliable for this purpose. You can use the thick paper option to print the transparent flexible PCB correctly.

Sometimes, you can face a problem caused by excessive heat while dealing with this printer. In some instances, you can find some back spots on the PCB surface. The images get shrunk at some points. These problems are not desired for large-scale PCB manufacturing.

You can overcome these problems by increasing the margins while printing circuit boards. Most likely, it is better to choose a reliable manufacturer who can take care of these issues.

What Is the Thickness of a Transparent Flexible PCB Board?

A transparent flexible PCB offers outstanding dimensional stability in the case of its thickness. Its board and conductor thicknesses are suitable for numerous flexible applications.

The average transparent circuit board thickness is around 0.38 mm. It is adequate for maintaining the transparency and bendability of this PCB.

The most common conductor thickness is 1 oz. It is effective for proper thermal dissipation and current conduction in a Multilayer PCB Stackup. Sometimes, 0.5 oz and 6 oz copper are used in this PCB fabrication.

The transparent flexible design allows the designer to customize the PCB thickness based on your device. So, you have the opportunity to optimize the design layout by selecting the proper thickness of a transparent PCB board.

LED Transparent PCB Thickness

Check this video about transparent flexible PCB:

Conclusion

A transparent PCB board is the right choice to improve the design quality of flexible electronic products. Its long shelf life and excellent functionality make it a reliable circuit solution for consumers and manufacturers.

PCBMay has the utmost capability of manufacturing high-quality transparent flexible PCBs. Our products are compatible with advanced technologies and beneficial for boosting your business.

We hope you will get the answers to your queries from this FAQ guide. If you have more questions about transparent FPC, please contact us. Our skilled customer service team will take your call within the shortest possible time.