Definition
Base Material is the insulating substrate on which copper features are built. FR‑4, high‑Tg laminates, polyimide films and ceramic are all examples depending on application.
How It Works
In PCB production, sheets of copper-clad laminate are combined with prepregs to form multilayers under heat and pressure. The material properties, such as glass transition temperature, dielectric constant and coefficient of thermal expansion, are chosen to suit the design’s performance and thermal profile.
Practical Example
A design moving to lead‑free assembly requires switching to high‑Tg FR‑4 laminate to withstand higher reflow peaks, preventing via damage from z‑axis expansion.
Context & Relevance
Selecting the correct base material is crucial for performance, reliability and compliance with IPC standards, especially in demanding thermal and mechanical environments.
Commercial Tie-In
At Rework, we deliver hands-on training and IPC certification that helps teams understand and manage Base Material. Our on-site and virtual courses are designed to improve skills, prevent defects and support reliable electronics assembly.
