1. Why are RF materials more expensive than FR-4?
RF materials possess unique electrical properties (achieved through the use of specialty resins and fillers) that enable designers the ability to meet their demanding requirements at frequencies above 500 MHz. For example, the Dk of these materials is tightly controlled and the loss of the dielectric is extremely low, these properties make the material unique and it behaves as if the circuit board were a component.

2. How to process Rogers’ materials?
These materials are divided into two groups: PTFE based materials and Thermoset materials.  Thermoset materials in essence process similar to FR-4 with the exception in drilling and routing where due to the ceramic filler particles used, different feeds and speeds are required compared to FR-4. For PTFE based materials, these are “soft dielectrics” and may require special handling through automated lines, special processing prior to plated through hole processing and possibly higher lamination temperatures for MLB designs. Rogers recommends that prior to processing these materials, contact a member of our global Technical Services team to assist you in getting started.

3. How do we learn more about Rogers’ materials?
Visit the Technology Support Hub to access microwave calculators, educational videos, technical webinars, whitepapers and conference presentations given by Rogers’ technical experts on various microwave related topics rogerscorp.com/techub.

4. What is something about the materials (or a specific material) that your customers don’t know but they probably should?
Rogers has historically been known as a market leader for PTFE based materials (RT/duroid® laminates) and thermoset woven-glass materials (RO4000® laminates). However, now with the acquisition of Arlon in January 2015, Rogers is the global leader in PTFE/woven-glass materials (CuClad®, AD Series laminates).

5. What improvements have you been making in your manufacturing processes that has improved the quality of  the final product?
We recently installed additional RO4000® material manufacturing capability in our Shenzhen China plant. This projects employ the latest state of the art production and quality control technology.

6. The cost of materials is always a question. What price increases are you anticipating over the next 12 to 24 months?
There are many factors that have influenced the decision of price increases in the past. Because of this, it is very difficult with certainty to see how these factors affect production costs over the next 12 to 24 months. However, Rogers always endeavors to keep our material prices as low as possible.

7. What are two or three main things that you want your customers to know about your materials?
Rogers is the leading global supplier of high quality RF circuit materials with almost 50 years of experience supporting design and fabrication engineers through our highly experienced team.

We trust that these answers will help you have a better understanding of what Rogers has to offer for your next PCB Design project. Reach out to our team if you have any questions about using Rogers for your next project.