Halogen-Free FR4 Epoxy Fiberglass Sheet VS Standard FR4

Halogen-Free FR4 vs. Standard FR4: Which One Should You Choose?Xujue Electrical engineers will explain in detail how to choose between halogen-free FR4 epoxy sheets and regular ...

Halogen-Free FR4 Epoxy Fiberglass Sheet

Introduction to Halogen-Free FR4

Halogen-Free FR4 (Halogen-Free Epoxy Fiberglass Laminate) is a high-performance electrical insulation laminate manufactured using alkali-free fiberglass cloth as the reinforcement material and a halogen-free epoxy resin system as the matrix. It is produced through resin impregnation, lamination, and high-temperature curing.

Compared with conventional FR4, Halogen-Free FR4 reduces or eliminates the use of halogen-based flame-retardant systems such as bromine and chlorine, while maintaining excellent electrical insulation, mechanical strength, and thermal performance. As a result, it is increasingly used in new energy vehicles (NEVs), power electronics, energy storage systems, rail transit, and high-end electrical and electronic equipment.

1. Halogen-Free FR4 vs. Standard FR4

Key Advantages

Halogen-Free FR4:
Excellent compatibility with environmental requirements and particularly suitable for applications with high safety and environmental performance requirements.

Standard FR4:
Stable overall performance, wide application range, and high cost-effectiveness.

Typical Applications

Halogen-Free FR4:
New energy vehicles, energy storage systems, high-voltage electrical equipment, power electronics, and rail transit.

Standard FR4:
PCBs, electrical insulation, transformers, motors, electronic equipment, and other industrial applications.

2. How to Select Halogen-Free FR4

Selecting Halogen-Free FR4 should not be based solely on the requirement for a “halogen-free” material. For industrial applications, customers are recommended to evaluate the following key parameters.

2.1 Selection by Thickness

Thickness is one of the most important and straightforward specifications when purchasing FR4 sheets.

Common thicknesses include:

0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm and above.

Different thicknesses are typically used for different applications:

The actual available thickness should be confirmed according to the specific material grade and production capability.

2.2 Selection by Temperature Rating

Different Halogen-Free FR4 grades may use different resin systems, resulting in different thermal performance.

When purchasing Halogen-Free FR4, customers are recommended to confirm:

• Tg (Glass Transition Temperature)
• Td (Thermal Decomposition Temperature)
• Continuous Operating Temperature
• Thermal Stress Performance

The appropriate material grade should be selected according to the actual operating temperature and thermal requirements of the equipment.

2.3 Selection by Flame-Retardant Rating

Flame retardancy is an important selection criterion for Halogen-Free FR4.

Customers should confirm the required:UL 94 V-0 / UL 94 V-1 / UL 94 V-2

For high-safety applications such as new energy vehicles, energy storage systems, and power electronics, higher flame-retardant performance is generally required.

3. Halogen-Free FR4 vs. Standard FR4: Which One Should You Choose?

The differences can be summarized as follows:

Therefore, if the customer’s equipment has specific requirements for environmental performance, low-halogen/halogen-free compliance, flame retardancy, and safety, Halogen-Free FR4 is recommended.

For general industrial insulation applications without specific halogen-free requirements, standard FR4 may already meet the application requirements.

4. What Specifications Should Be Provided When Purchasing Halogen-Free FR4?

When requesting a quotation from XUJUE ELECTRICAL, customers are recommended to provide the following information:

Product: Halogen-Free FR4 Epoxy Fiberglass Sheet
Thickness: ___ mm
Length × Width: ___ × ___ mm
Quantity: ___ sheets / kg
Color: ___
Tg: ___ °C
UL 94: ___
CTI: ___ V
Application: Battery / Transformer / Motor / Power Electronics / Other
Special Requirements: ___

Providing these specifications allows our technical team to recommend the most suitable Halogen-Free FR4 material grade and processing solution.

5. Professional Halogen-Free FR4 Manufacturer

XUJUE ELECTRICAL is a professional manufacturer of FR4 epoxy fiberglass sheets and electrical insulation materials, with more than 65 years of manufacturing experience.

Please provide us with your required FR4 specifications, application, dimensions, and operating temperature requirements. Based on your specific application, we can provide a one-stop FR4 insulation material solution, including material selection, sheet cutting, sizing, and customized machined parts.

Whether you need standard FR4 sheets or customized insulation components, our technical team can recommend the most suitable material based on your electrical, mechanical, and thermal requirements.

Looking for Halogen-Free FR4?

If you are looking for Halogen-Free FR4 Epoxy Fiberglass Sheets, please contact XUJUE ELECTRICAL.

We can provide free samples for testing and evaluation, allowing you to verify the material performance before placing an order.

Contact us today with your FR4 requirements and let our technical team help you find the right electrical insulation solution.