PCB accuracy classes and their application areas

Accuracy classes — features and purpose of various configurations

Classification is an important parameter for selecting a printed circuit board for a specific project. The higher the class, the more high-precision equipment should be used for production.

A basic list of technical equipment is sufficient for the production of products with levels 1 and 2. This is explained by the simplicity of the board design, which is usually characterized by large elements, low installation density and low cost. They are characterized by the thickness of the conductor parts of 0.75 and 0.45 mm, with a warranty belt of 0.30 and 0.20 mm.

Electronic products with class 3 are distinguished by a complex design and increased installation density. Specialized equipment is used for their production. Conductor elements are located at an interval of 0.25 mm on a contact pad of 0.1 mm.

The production of class 4 boards is organized using precision installations. In them, the gaps between the conductors and, directly, the width are 0.15 and 0.05 mm. Versions with initial numbers are characterized by increased reliability, therefore they are often used in medical equipment, aerospace technical equipment and other installations.

Products with numerical classification 5,6,7 are manufactured in accordance with the highest requirements for equipment that belongs to the premium category. Few manufacturers have such installations.

It is worth choosing type 5 if it is necessary to design and manufacture components for household appliances, computing devices. Such products are manufactured with a conductor width, a distance between them of 0.1 mm, and a warranty belt of 0.025 mm.

Products with 6 and 7 levels of accuracy classification are manufactured using a complex method of etching a precision circuit. It implies large factor values ​​and uniform processing of the entire workpiece area. Thanks to the intermittent etching unit with adjustment of nozzle lines, a gap/line of about 50 μm is formed. At the same time, a 6-7 factor is created. Such production parameters are guaranteed by equipment manufactured in China, Germany, and Japan. The Aksioma plant has this modern technical equipment.

Ordering boards with degree 6 is often decided for the production of various gadgets, complex electronics. These components are characterized by the interval between the conductors, their width, as well as the contact pad belt, equal to 0.075 and 0.02 mm.

Level 7 versions are created under conditions of increased requirements for the sterility of premises. The environment must be free of dust particles, and it must also be inert to static voltage, etc. This is due to the scope of such electronics: high-precision products of medical equipment, aerospace, and defense industries.

What does the choice depend on?

It is recommended to select these electronic components in accordance with the standards of the GOST electrical engineering library, taking into account the following criteria:

• required compliance with regulations, degree of reliability of connections;
• size and complexity of elements;
• installation density;
• cost and manufacturing time;
• or contact our specialists for support.

The price of finished products is directly determined by the accuracy class of printed circuit boards.