Professional 6 layer PCB Manufacturer in China

High-quality, quick-turn heavy copper PCB fabrication services.

Are you searching for PCB fabrication supplier for your 6 layer PCB project. PadPCB will be the best choice. PadPCB is dedicated in PCB manuafcturing more than 14 years. The most competitive type is multilayer PCB, it includes 4 layer, 6 layer, 8 layer and 10 layer PCB.

Why Choose PadPCB

When you send us the gerber file, our professional engineer will evalulate your design per layer and offer detailed quotation in short time.

The max capacity of our factory is about 50,000 square meter. It means that we can ensure the short turnout time for your project.

For each order, our sales will follow up all the manufacturing process and communicate with customer.

FAQs About 6 Layer PCB

1. What’s 6 layer PCB?

A 6 layer printed circuit board (PCB) is a modified version of a conventional board. As well as a regular version, 6-layer PCB transfers electronic signals. But, it performs it at a superior efficiency level due to two additional signal layers.

You can see an example of an improved structure in the image below, followed by the brief descriptions:

Two exterior layers. These comprise copper plating. In this case, exterior layers are signal ones at the same time. And such a design decision provides sufficient routing for high and low-speed data. The outermost layers are coated with a conventional solder mask.

Two inner planes. These are placed between cores and prepregs. They are called ground and routing planes, and they help to control electrical performance.

Two internal layers. These routing layers are placed in-between cores. They interconnect the mounted components.

2. What are the materials used in 6 layer PCB?

The foundation of PCB is substrate laminate materials. They determine most of the boards’ characteristics and properties. Most boards are even named by them. Here are some popular options:

FR-4. It is an affordable, fiberglass-reinforced epoxy substrate. FR is short for flame retardant, meaning that it does not burn well. This material offers a decent strength-to-weight ratio and a normal operating temperature range (50°C to 115°C). It does not suit high-frequency applications.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon. It is a high-performance substrate that offers superior, to FR-4, characteristics but compromises affordability. It has good resistance properties and a low water absorption level. Teflon suits high-frequency applications and does not degrade under temperatures in the higher range (160-280°C).

Metal substrates. Frequently, metals such as iron, copper, and aluminum are used for PCB fabrication. The latter is a comparatively durable option that offers mediocre properties for its competitive cost.

Polyimide. There are basically four types of such substrates for 6 layer PCBs: pure, 3rd-generation, filled, and low-flow polyimides. They offer varying properties but share in common great resistance, durability, and conductivity at affordable cost. They also do not suit high-frequency applications well but can withstand up to 260°C.

3. Which Components Are Used In 6 Layer PCB?

There are the following options when it comes to electronic parts mounted onto 6 layer PBCs:

Resistors. Such elements receive electrical current and turn it into voltage, which is dissipated as heat then. In other words, it simply creates resistance in the electricity flow.
Transistors. These are semiconductors with three terminals that are used for signal amplification or switching, voltage stabilization or modulation, and other purposes.
Capacitors. As evident from the name, these elements can store electric charge.
Sensors. They are testing-centered elements used to collect temperature, vibration, load, force, pressure, and other measures. The gathered information is converted to a digital signal and is output as analog data.
Switches. They control PCBs’ operation by either completing or breaking the circuit. It comes in handy for turning electronics on and off.
Diodes. These components eliminate electronic signals or simply electricity that temporarily flows in an undesired direction.
Transformers. They can raise and reduce an electrical circuit’s voltage level.

4. What Are The Advantages Of a 6 Layer PCB?

The strengths of specifically this combination of layers over others are the following:

Small size. It is considered that 6 layers are the optimal combination that offers high performance and sufficient thickness at the same time. Other PCBs are either thick or compromise functionality.
High-performance. Deriving from the previous benefit, 6 layer PCBs are way better for transmitting both low and high-speed data. They also show more stable performance.
Superior durability. Apparently, having two extra, rigid layers positively impacts PCBs’ ability to withstand physical stresses.
Do not require multiple connection points. In contrast to single, double, and 4 layer boards, 6-layer ones require only one connection point – the ground point set as a reference potential.
Quality-driven design. Boards with few layers demand thorough planning. Simultaneously, 6 layer PCBs offer more space for design decisions. On the other hand, they require an even more complex approach to testing and inspection, resulting in higher quality overall.

5. Is 6 Layer PCB Better Than Single Layer PCB?

Yes, 6 layer PCB beats a single layer one in multiple ways in the event of direct comparison. But it is important to understand that many applications do not require extra signal layers and a second core. For example, LED boards hardly require advanced EMI shielding or better impedance characteristics.

So, 6 layer PCBs achieve higher performance but do not replace single-layer ones.

6. What Is The UL94 Rating Of 6 Layer PCB?

Underwriters Laboratory (UV) is an independent organization that tests electronics. For example, flammability is the primary concern for boards working in high-temperature environments. UL94 marking is evidence that a PCB means requirements for the specified flammability level.

FR-4-based 6 layer PCBs must have UL94 V0 marking. It means that flaming particles are extinguished from a PCB surface within 10 seconds after the fire source was removed.

7. Which Surface Finish Process Is Good For 6 Layer PCB?

An appropriate surface finish can significantly enhance 6 layer PCB properties. Some popular options are the following:

Hot Air Solder Leveling (HASL). This finish protects the solderable surface making PCBs long-lasting. It is simply immersion of PCBs in tin/lead alloy and removing the excess of soldering with hot air blowing across the surface. It is a predominant and affordable surface finish. However, it does not suit lead-free manufacturing and does not prevent solder bridges.

Immersion silver (ENIAg). It is the depositing of a thin silver layer onto PCBs’ surfaces done through a chemical reaction. PCBs must have electroless nickel plating first. Then, ions of copper are replaced with ions of silver taken from a solution. The reaction is driven by an electrical charge.

ENIAg is a middle-cost option that offers excellent flatness and moderate shelf-life. It suits lead-free manufacturing but is very sensitive to handling.

Immersion gold (ENi/IAu). This process is similar to ENIAg and represents a depositing of a thin layer of gold onto nickel-plated PCB surfaces. It is the most expensive finish option, but it possesses the advantages of ENIAg. Plus, it suits movable contacts, including membrane switch connectors and others.

8. Can A 6 Layer PCB Be Customized?

Yes, there are multiple 6-layer PCB standard templates, but you can always modify the conventional composites. For example, ground planes, signal layers, prepregs, and cores, can be mixed in multiple ways to achieve varying purposes. Besides, you can make the following adjustments:

Design, including types, numbers, and placing of any PCB components.
Durability.
Electrical properties.
Thermal properties.
Surface finish method.
Color of soldering.
Placing of Vias and holes.
Architecture.

9. What Are 6 Layer PCB Applications?

Technically, such PCBs suit nearly any industry depending on the substrate type used. But they are prevalent in the production of the following categories of devices:

Electronics supporting high-speed interfaces such as networking or data center equipment.
High power and high-frequency applications such as VHF broadcasting, microwaves, aircraft communications, radios, etc.
Industrial electronics such as automated equipment units, robotic assembly lines, lift trucks, etc.
Medical devices such as monitoring equipment like X-rays, blood pressure and temperature monitoring units, MRI, etc.
Laboratory equipment such as microscopes, ultrasonic water baths, calorimeters, etc.
Computerized electronics, including personal computers, laptops, and industrial electronics.
Complex Consumer electronics, which technically is any product like TVs, mobile phones, media players, etc.
Military and defense such as automated weapon systems, radar systems, etc.

10. How To Choose The Best Manufacturer Of 6 Layer PCB?

Whenever you need custom PCB design or fabrication services, it is worth requesting assistance from a trusted PCB manufacturer. In case you wonder what the indicators of a reliable PCB manufacturer are, here is the list:

Good customer reviews and superior customer support.
Broad choice of available materials.
Fair service costs and no hidden charges.
They partner with materials and tooling providers and can offer custom solutions.
They offer rational shipment options.

And two additional factors to consider:

Your board design and a manufacturer’s capability to perform it.
Your order’s size and deadlines.

Any requirement please feel free to contact us