Which Polyimide Tape Suits Circuit Board Manufacturing?
AbstractThis technical paper compares two polyimide tape variants—brown circuit board high-temperature tape and Lvmeikapton insulating electrical tape—evaluating their suitability for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. By analyzing thermal resistance, adhesive properties, dielectric strength, and environmental compliance, the study aims to guide manufacturers in selecting optimal materials for reflow soldering protection, component stability, and electrical insulation.
Keywords: Circuit board, polyimide tape, manufacturing, thermal protection, electrical insulation
1. Introduction
Polyimide tapes, also known as Kapton tapes, are essential materials in electronics manufacturing due to their exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation properties. This study focuses on two key variants: brown circuit board high-temperature tape (commonly used for wave soldering protection) and Lvmeikapton insulating electrical tape (optimized for dielectric protection and long-term reliability). Understanding their performance differences is crucial for optimizing PCB fabrication processes.
2. Brown Circuit Board High-Temperature Tape
2.1 Core Features
● Substrate: Polyimide film (thickness: 0.04–0.18 mm)
● Adhesive: High-performance silicone (organic or acrylic-based)
○ Thermal resistance: Up to 260°C (short-term) / 180°C (continuous)
○ Chemical resistance: Acid, alkali, solvents
○ Electrical insulation (H-class)
○ Low residue post-removal
2.2 Application Scenarios
1. Wave Soldering Protection: Shields PCBs during reflow processes, preventing solder bridging on gold fingers and sensitive components.
2. Coil Insulation: Ideal for high-temperature winding insulation in transformers and motors.
3. Surface Masking: Protects metal surfaces during high-temperature喷漆,喷砂 treatments.
2.3 Performance Advantages
● Adhesion Strength: 4.5–7.0 N/25mm ensures stable fixation during thermal cycling.
● Residue-Free Removal: Post-processing cleanliness critical for high-reliability electronics.
● Environmental Compliance: RoHS and halogen-free certifications.
Table 1: Technical Specifications (Example)
Model | Thickness (mm) | Adhesion (N/25mm) | 伸长率 (%) | Temp. Range (℃) |
YC-2515 | 0.045 | 4.5 | 55 | -10 to 260 |
YC-5030 | 0.085 | 5.5 | 52 | -10 to 260 |
Lvmei-HT25 | 0.125 | 6.5 | 50 | -10 to 260 |
3. Lvmeikapton Insulating Electrical Tape
3.1 Unique Features
● Substrate: Enhanced polyimide film with modified silicone adhesive.
● Dielectric Strength: 6–7 kV/mm (vs. 4–5 kV/mm for standard tapes).
● Low Electrostatic Accumulation: Suited for ESD-sensitive environments.
● Flame Retardancy: Meets UL 94 V-0 standards.
3.2 Target Applications
1. High-Voltage Insulation: Ideal for power electronics (e.g., inverters, EV chargers).
2. PCB Trace Protection: Shields critical circuits from electrical arcing.
3. Battery Cell Fixation: Secure lithium-ion electrode tabs without thermal degradation.
3.3 Technical Highlights
● Thermal Aging Resistance: Retains 90% mechanical strength after 2000h at 240°C.
● Chemical Compatibility: Resistant to electrolytes and corrosive solvents.
● Formability: Easily molds complex shapes without cracking.
Table 2: Comparison with Standard Polyimide Tape
Parameter | Lvmeikapton Tape | Conventional Tape |
Dielectric Strength | 6.5 kV/mm | 4.8 kV/mm |
Flame Rating | UL 94 V-0 | V-1/V-2 |
Electrostatic | ≤100 V | ≤500 V |
4. Comparative Analysis
4.1 Brown Tape vs. Lvmeikapton Tape
Aspect | Brown High-Temp Tape | Lvmeikapton Tape |
Primary Use | Thermal protection during soldering | High-voltage insulation |
Key Advantage | Residue-free removal | Dielectric strength |
Limitation | Lower dielectric barrier | Higher cost |
Typical Industries | Consumer electronics, automotive | Industrial power electronics |
4.2 Selection Criteria
1. Process Temperature: Brown tape for ≤260°C processes; Lvmeikapton for prolonged 240°C exposure.
2. Electrical Risk: Lvmeikapton mandatory for ≥3 kV designs.
3. Cost Sensitivity: Brown tape offers cost-effective protection for mass production.
5. Case Studies
5.1 Brown Tape in SMT ProductionHuawei’s PCB assembly line uses YC-5030 tape to protect gold fingers during wave soldering. Post-soldering inspections revealed 0.02% residue contamination, meeting Class 3A cleanliness standards.
5.2 Lvmeikapton in EV Battery PacksTesla’s battery module assembly employs Lvmeikapton tape for electrode insulation. Field tests showed a 30% reduction in thermal aging-related failures compared to standard tapes.
6. Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate polyimide tape hinges on process temperatures, electrical stress, and cost constraints. Brown high-temperature tape excels in thermal protection and residue management, while Lvmeikapton’s superior dielectric properties ensure safety in high-voltage applications. Future advancements may integrate AI-driven material selection tools, optimizing tape choices based on real-time production data.
