Purchasing Copper Clad

OverDrive · Post by **OverDrive** » 01 Jul 2011, 02:41

Up to this point I have simply purchased the PCB laminated from Small Bear. I am now sourcing copper clad boards and was curious as to the benefits and drawbacks of different thicknesses and weight.

Are 1oz boards fine in terms of trace thickness? At 2oz I would assume the etching process to take more time and etchant. Is 1/2oz more preferred?

With regards to actual thickness of the board are 0.03 inch sturdy enough? Should I be sticking with 0.06 inch or greater?

Thanks

John Lyons · Post by **John Lyons** » 04 Jul 2011, 04:54

I would consider .060 1 oz standard. I'd go with that.
FR4 is the standard. (light green)
I use 2 oz. copper boards but maybe that's just me.

OverDrive · Post by **OverDrive** » 04 Jul 2011, 13:49

Is there any particular reason you prefer/use 2 versus 1 oz copper? Thus far I have simply used the material from Small Bear an I believe it is 1 oz - I have not been able to check as his stock list seems to be offline.

Thanks John. By the way, I truly enjoy your work. I find my self having a look every few weeks for a little motivation and inspiration.

John Lyons · Post by **John Lyons** » 08 Aug 2011, 16:11

Sorry, didn't make it back here until now...
I just like the thick copper boards.
Thick copper is better for reworking boards,
pulling parts and not lifting pads etc.
Maybe just me being anal.