What Should You Check Before Ordering a Ceramic PCB Prototype?

Ceramic boards are not quite like FR4, and sampling them is a little different too, mainly because proofing takes longer. Before placing an order for a ceramic PCB prototype, a handful of checks can save weeks of back and forth. The points below stick to what BSTCeramicPCB Co publishes about its own prototyping service rather than a generic checklist.

Start With the Purpose

Start with what the prototype is for. Small-volume customers care about cost savings and practicality, while customers heading into mass production want to test the factory's manufacturing capacity and how well it reproduces the design. Knowing which group you belong to shapes almost every other decision, from board type to how many rounds of testing to plan for. The company says it has produced ceramic boards for defense, medical, communication, LED, laser equipment, automotive, electronic products, and aerospace projects, so it is fair to ask for a comparable example.

Confirm the Ceramic Type and Material

The site lists six kinds of ceramic samples: thick film, AMB, DBC/DCB, DPC, LTCC and HTCC. Materials mentioned include Al2O3, AlN, BeO and SiO2. Agree on the type and the substrate before asking for a quote, since the type also decides the delivery time of a ceramic PCB prototype.

Check the Lead Time

Lead time depends heavily on the type. The site says ceramic proofing takes longer than FR4 or rigid-flex boards, and lists sample delivery like this:

●     Thick film: 3-5 weeks

●     DBC: 3-4 weeks

●     DPC: 1-2 weeks

●     AMB: 3-4 weeks

●     LTCC/HTCC: 3-5 weeks

For urgent jobs, the site says an expedited sample can be arranged within one week if the email is marked "urgent".

Settle the Numbers First

Before proofing starts, the calculations need to be right. The site treats the best cutting size, board thickness, line width, conductive layer material, glass glaze and resistance value as a prerequisite for high-quality, low-cost samples. Design guidance is also provided before proofing, and files such as Gerber, ODB++ (.tgz) and DXF are accepted.

Tolerances matter as well. Before proofing, the acceptable error values for details such as silkscreen, layers and conductive materials are confirmed with the customer, and the proof is then mailed out for testing in the project.

Ask Where the Samples Are Made

Sampling is not outsourced, according to the site. All six categories of ceramic circuit boards are sampled and mass-produced in the company's own factory. Certifications listed on the prototype page include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, UL, RoHS, and REACH, and the factory equipment is updated or given a major inspection on a three to five year cycle. Any ceramic PCB prototype supplier should be able to answer these questions plainly.

Know Who You Will Talk To

The company says its 20-person business team divides customers by category and region, so each person can stay dedicated and communicate often. Ask who your contact will be and how quickly questions get answered.

Set Expectations on Cost and Revisions

Free samples are hard to come by because ceramic plates are expensive, though any promotions are posted on the company's website and social media. For application products that have never been proofed, the site says multiple proofs are made until the standard is met, with no additional fees. Individuals are welcome too, including hobbyists and student projects.

Before You Place the Order

A ceramic PCB prototype is easier to plan once purpose, type, timing and numbers are settled up front. Ask direct questions on each point, and the ordering process tends to go a lot more smoothly.