Performance comparison and selection guide of SMC, FR4, mica, ceramics, and electrical sheets insulation materials

Insulation materials are crucial in the power electronics industry. They are the core components that ensure the safe and stable operation of equipment. Different types of insulation materials are suitable for a variety of application scenarios due to their own characteristics. This article will analyze in detail the five common insulation materials, SMC, FR4, mica, ceramics, and electrical sheets, compare their performance and provide selection references.

SMC insulation materials

Performance characteristics

SMC, is an insulation material with excellent comprehensive performance. In terms of electrical insulation, it has a high level of insulation capability. This ability can effectively isolate the electric field, thereby reducing the risk of current leakage and short circuit.

In terms of mechanical properties, SMC performs well. It has high strength and stiffness and can withstand large external forces. Not only that, SMC is also very wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant. Therefore, it can be used stably for a long time even in complex environments.

The polymer structure of SMC gives it outstanding heat resistance. It is not easy to soften and deform in high temperature environments. In the manufacturing process, SMC can be made into parts of various shapes and sizes through molding, injection molding and other processes. Such characteristics make it suitable for large-scale production line manufacturing, which can not only improve production efficiency but also reduce costs.

Applicable scenarios

SMC insulation materials are widely used. In the field of power equipment, AC motors, transformers, switchgears, circuit breakers, etc. can all be found. It provides protection for the normal operation of these equipment. In the manufacture of photovoltaic equipment, SMC is used to make parts such as brackets and frames. With its weather resistance and corrosion resistance, it can meet the needs of long-term outdoor use.

FR4 insulation material

Performance characteristics

FR4 is an excellent electrical insulation material. It can effectively isolate different circuits on the circuit board, avoid short circuits, and ensure accurate signal transmission. The material has good heat resistance and can adapt to the thermal environment inside electronic products. At the same time, it has high bending strength and impact resistance, and can withstand certain external forces.

The "FR" in FR4 stands for flame retardant. This means that it has the characteristics of delaying combustion or preventing the spread of fire, which can reduce the probability of fire. However, FR4 also has disadvantages. It easily absorbs water in a humid environment, which will cause the insulation performance to decrease after absorbing water. Therefore, the insulation material need to take protective measures when using it.

Applicable scenarios

FR4 insulation materials have rich application scenarios. In the field of electronic products, it is often used as a supporting and insulating component in computer motherboards, mobile phone circuit boards, etc. In motors and electrical equipment, it is used to make insulating structural parts such as switches, FPC reinforcements, and printed circuit boards. In addition, it can work normally in humid environments and transformer oil.

Mica insulation material

Performance characteristics

Mica insulation material has excellent electrical insulation performance. Its volume resistivity and surface resistivity are both high, dielectric loss is small, and dielectric strength varies with thickness. In terms of heat resistance, mica performs well. It can maintain stable insulation performance under high temperature environment. In addition, mica has high compressive strength and is easy to process into thin sheets or complex shapes, which can meet the insulation requirements of different equipment.

Applicable scenarios

Mica insulation material is suitable for special environments. It is often used for winding insulation of high-temperature motors and insulation structure of high-voltage electrical appliances to provide reliable insulation for equipment operating under harsh conditions. However, the cost of high-quality mica is high, which to a certain extent limits its large-scale application.

Ceramic insulation material

Performance characteristics

Ceramic insulation material has excellent heat resistance. It can maintain good electrical insulation performance under high temperature and high pressure environment, and can withstand strong electric fields without breakdown. It has high volume resistivity and high dielectric strength, which can reduce leakage loss and withstand high voltage.

At the same time, ceramic materials have high mechanical strength and can withstand large mechanical stress. Moreover, it has good chemical stability, is resistant to weathering, water, and chemical corrosion, and has a long service life.

Applicable scenarios

Based on its excellent performance, ceramic insulation materials are often used in specific electrical equipment. It is used in high-temperature and high-voltage electrical equipment such as power porcelain bottles and lightning arresters. In outdoor and high-voltage environments, it plays a stable insulating role to ensure the safety of the power system.

Electrical sheet insulation material

Performance characteristics

Electrical sheet insulation material can meet the insulation requirements of low-voltage electrical equipment. It has high mechanical strength and can provide stable support and insulation for the equipment. Moreover, it has good water resistance and can be used in certain humid environments.

However, electrical sheets also have limitations. Its heat resistance is limited, and the insulation performance will decrease at high temperatures. In addition, electrical sheets are flammable materials. Therefore, when using them, you need to pay attention to the ambient temperature and take fire prevention measures.

Applicable scenarios

Electrical sheet insulation materials are commonly used. In electrical equipment, switches, sockets, terminal blocks and other components often use it as insulation and support materials.

Selection Guide

Selecting power electronic insulation materials requires comprehensive consideration of many factors. If the application environment is high temperature, mica and ceramic insulation materials are better choices. For electronic product circuit boards, FR4 materials are more suitable. In power and photovoltaic equipment, SMC materials have outstanding comprehensive performance. For switches, sockets and other components of low-voltage electrical equipment, electrical sheets are the right choice. Only by comprehensively evaluating various factors can the safe and efficient operation of power electronic equipment be ensured.