Ceramic printed circuit boards (PCBs) have emerged as crucial components in the electronics industry, offering exceptional thermal conductivity, high mechanical strength, and superior electrical performance. As the demand for advanced electronic devices continues to rise, the market for ceramic PCBs has witnessed significant growth. This article explores the leading global manufacturers that play a pivotal role in shaping the ceramic PCB industry, providing innovative solutions to meet diverse customer needs.
Leading Global 12 Ceramic PCB Manufacturers
Ceramic printed circuit boards (PCBs) play a crucial role in a wide array of electronic devices, ranging from consumer electronics to aerospace applications. These PCBs are gaining increasing popularity in demanding environments where reliability and performance are of utmost importance, owing to their exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties.
The following comprehensive report presents an extensive examination of the global 12 ceramic PCB manufacturing industry. It entails a detailed analysis of the leading 12 manufacturers, evaluating their performance based on key indicators such as production capacity, technological expertise, quality control measures, and customer satisfaction. By considering these factors, this report aims to provide valuable insights into the industry landscape and the top players within it.
1.JarnisTech
JarniTech, located in China, holds the top position in the design and manufacturing of high-quality ceramic PCBs. With a two decade of industry experience, JarnisTech specializes in producing ceramic boards with diverse dielectric constants and loss tangents, catering to a wide range of circuit requirements.
JarniTech offers ceramic substrates crafted from materials such as aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, beryllium oxide, and zirconia. Their capabilities encompass dimensions of up to 24 x 24 inches and layer counts ranging from single-sided to 8layers.
The company’s fabrication capabilities include precise drilling and routing, silver and gold plating, carbon ink screen printing, and more. JarniTech also provides engineering support to ensure optimal ceramic PCB design.
JarniTech‘s facilities hold ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certifications, underscoring their commitment to quality management systems. Their clientele spans across diverse industries, including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and medical.
2.AdTech Ceramics
Based in the United States, AdTech Ceramics specializes in delivering customized ceramic solutions to industries such as defense, aerospace, semiconductor equipment, oil/gas, and more. They offer a wide range of ceramic substrates designed for high-frequency applications.
AdTech Ceramics employs materials like alumina, aluminum nitride, zirconia, and BeO to fabricate their ceramic PCBs. Their capabilities encompass the production of multilayer circuits, co-fired components, hermetic sealing, and conformal coating.
Through their meticulous production process, AdTech Ceramics achieves exceptional precision in machining parts, ensuring high-quality assembly and testing as per client requirements. The company maintains compliance with ITAR regulations and adheres to ISO 9001:2015 standards, highlighting their commitment to quality management systems and regulatory compliance.
3.CeramTec
Located in Germany, CeramTec is a renowned manufacturer of technical ceramics, specializing in the production of ceramic circuit boards. With a heritage of over 100 years, they excel in producing ceramic substrates for a wide range of high-end applications.
CeramTec utilizes materials such as aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, and PZT (lead zirconate titanate) for their PCBs and SMT packages. Their manufacturing process incorporates laser drilling, screen printing, surface finishing, and high-temperature co-firing techniques.
The company fabricates multilayer boards with features like blind vias and buried vias. Additionally, CeramTec offers DCB (Direct Copper Bonding) substrates, LTCC (Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic) modules, thick-film circuits, and SMD (Surface-Mount Device) packages. They are equipped to develop custom designs to meet specific customer requirements.
CeramTec serves various markets, including industrial, defense, medical, energy, lighting, automotive, and aviation. Their production network holds certifications for standards such as ISO 9001, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining high-quality manufacturing processes and systems.
4.TTM Technologies
TTM Technologies is a prominent global PCB manufacturer with an extensive presence across North America, Europe, and Asia, boasting more than 50 facilities. Within their ceramic substrates division, they specialize in producing high-quality boards tailored for RF/microwave and high-reliability applications.
TTM Technologies leverages cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art processes to fabricate ceramic PCBs. They employ a range of materials, including aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, glass ceramic, and LTCC (Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic), in their board production. Their capabilities extend to metalized vias, blind/buried vias, and other high-density interconnect (HDI) structures.
The company offers specialized features such as embedded passives/actives, cavity circuits, and coin circuits. Their product offerings conform to industry standards like IPC-6012 Class 3 and MIL-PRF-38534, ensuring high reliability and performance.
TTM Technologies serves a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, industrial, and medical sectors. They hold certifications such as AS9100 and Nadcap, affirming their commitment to meeting stringent industry quality standards and requirements.
5.International Syalons
Located in the UK, International Syalons specializes in the manufacturing of technical ceramics for a wide range of industries, including electronics, automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. Among their offerings, they provide ceramic printed circuit boards constructed from aluminum nitride and alumina.
International Syalons possesses advanced capabilities in ceramic PCB production, including precision machining, metallization using materials like Mo-Mn, W (tungsten), or Cu (copper), gold and silver plating, screen printing, and laser drilling. They are equipped to support both prototyping and volume production, catering to the diverse needs of their clientele.
Customers of International Syalons utilize their ceramic PCBs for various applications, such as radar systems, down-hole electronics, space systems, and scientific research. The company’s quality management system is compliant with ISO 9001 standards, ensuring the delivery of products that meet rigorous quality requirements.
6.Micro Systems Engineering GmbH
Located in Berlin, Germany, Micro Systems Engineering (MSE) specializes in the manufacturing of highly complex ceramic printed circuit boards (PCBs).
MSE employs a diverse range of ceramic materials, including aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, and glass ceramics such as LTCC (Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic). They offer metallization options that encompass tungsten, molybdenum, copper, and other suitable materials.
MSE is capable of supporting PCB designs with advanced features such as multilayer configurations, blind vias, buried vias, filled vias, and other intricate structures. Additionally, they excel in fabricating ceramic-based thermal management solutions, catering to the growing need for effective heat dissipation in electronic systems.
With their production process, MSE achieves exceptional precision in PCB fabrication while ensuring controlled material shrinkage for consistent performance. Their clientele spans across diverse industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors, where their solutions find applications in a wide range of cutting-edge technologies.
7.Mitsubishi Materials
Mitsubishi Materials, based in Japan, specializes in the design and manufacturing of ceramic printed circuit boards (PCBs) through its advanced materials division. With a rich heritage of 60 years in working with ceramic substrates, the company has gained extensive expertise in this field.
Mitsubishi Materials offers a diverse range of PCBs constructed from high-quality materials such as alumina, aluminum nitride, glass ceramic, and others. They are capable of fabricating multilayer boards with advanced features like buried vias, blind vias, and plated heat sinks, ensuring enhanced performance and functionality.
In addition to ceramic PCBs, Mitsubishi Materials also manufactures miniaturized ceramic packages and metal base boards designed for high heat dissipation. They also specialize in flex-rigid substrates that allow seamless integration of ceramic and polymer materials, enabling versatile design possibilities.
Mitsubishi Materials’ production process is known for achieving fine line/space patterns and excellent dimensional stability, ensuring the highest level of precision and reliability. Their products find applications in various industries, including telecom infrastructure, automotive electronics, HEV/EV (hybrid electric vehicle/electric vehicle), and railcar markets, where they contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge technologies.
8.Remtec, Inc
Based in the United States, Remtec is a leading company specializing in ceramic substrates and ceramic RF components. They offer a comprehensive range of solutions, including ceramic printed circuit boards tailored for high frequency and high power applications.
Remtec manufactures single and multilayer ceramic boards utilizing high-quality materials such as alumina, aluminum nitride, and LTCC (Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic). Their capabilities encompass precision machining, screen printing, conformal coating, and high-voltage testing, ensuring the delivery of top-notch products.
The company’s microwave components and ceramic PCBs find applications in various industries, including aerospace, defense, telecom infrastructure, medical, oil/gas, and more. Remtec’s facilities are ITAR registered, demonstrating their compliance with rigorous export control regulations, and they hold ISO 9001:2015 certification, underscoring their commitment to maintaining high-quality manufacturing processes.
With their dedication to innovation and adherence to industry standards, Remtec continues to serve as a trusted partner for customers seeking reliable ceramic solutions in the United States.
9.American Technical Ceramics
American Technical Ceramics (ATC), situated in the United States, is a prominent manufacturer of electronic components, specializing in ceramic substrates and ceramic PCBs. Their wide range of ceramic boards caters to diverse applications in industries such as defense, aerospace, telecommunications, medical, oil/gas, and automation.
ATC employs a variety of high-quality materials, including alumina, quartz, LTCC (Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic), and porcelain, to craft their ceramic solutions. Their capabilities encompass screen printing, cavity circuits, press-fit transducers, and hermetic sealing, enabling the production of advanced and versatile electronic components.
The company excels in manufacturing special designs, including metal-core boards, thermal boards, and boards with embedded components, offering innovative solutions for specific customer requirements. Additionally, ATC provides flex-rigid PCBs that facilitate the seamless integration of ceramic and laminate materials, ensuring enhanced functionality and design flexibility.
ATC’s production facilities hold ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications, underscoring their commitment to maintaining stringent quality management systems. Their ceramic substrates comply with IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) and military standards, assuring customers of reliable and high-performance products.
10.Maruwa Co., Ltd.
Maruwa, a distinguished Japanese manufacturer, specializes in the production of ceramic substrates for the electronics industry. Their extensive product portfolio includes ceramic boards tailored to automotive, telecommunications, industrial, and scientific applications.
Maruwa employs a diverse range of materials, including alumina, aluminum nitride, silica glass, and glass ceramic (LTCC), to meet varied customer needs. Their metalization options encompass tungsten, molybdenum, copper, and other suitable materials, providing versatility in design and performance.
In addition to standard offerings, Maruwa excels in manufacturing special designs to cater to specific requirements. These designs include metal base substrates, multilayer ceramic capacitors, cavity/channel boards, and more. Furthermore, Maruwa produces flex-rigid substrates that seamlessly integrate ceramic and polymer materials, enabling innovative design possibilities.
Maruwa’s production facilities hold ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications, reflecting their commitment to maintaining robust quality and environmental management systems. Their ceramic solutions adhere to industrial standards such as IATF 16949, ensuring compliance and reliability. Maruwa proudly serves major Japanese electronics firms, leveraging their expertise to meet the demanding needs of their esteemed customers.
11.Mini-Systems, Inc.
Located in the United States, Mini-Systems specializes in the manufacturing of thick film and thin film substrates for the microelectronics industry. Their comprehensive product range includes a variety of ceramic printed circuit boards (PCBs) based on materials such as alumina and beryllium oxide.
Mini-Systems possesses a wide range of capabilities to meet diverse customer requirements. They offer single and double-sided boards, as well as the production of multilayer circuits and metal core substrates. The conductor options available include gold, platinum, silver, copper, and other suitable materials. Mini-Systems is equipped to support different substrate shapes, sizes, and variations, ensuring flexibility in design and application.
With a focus on precision machining and photolithography, Mini-Systems delivers high-reliability ceramic boards that meet stringent industry standards. Their products find applications in various sectors, including aerospace, defense, telecom infrastructure, and medical electronics, where reliability and performance are of utmost importance.
By leveraging their expertise and advanced manufacturing processes, Mini-Systems continues to provide the microelectronics industry with cutting-edge ceramic PCB solutions in the United States.
12.Maruwa Co., Ltd.
Based in Japan, Maruwa is a renowned manufacturer specializing in ceramic substrates for the electronics industry. Their extensive product range includes ceramic boards designed for automotive, telecom, industrial, and scientific applications.
Maruwa utilizes a variety of high-quality materials, including alumina, aluminum nitride, silica glass, and glass ceramic (LTCC), to meet diverse customer needs. They offer a range of metalization options, such as tungsten, molybdenum, copper, and more, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with various electronic components.
In addition to standard products, Maruwa excels in producing special designs tailored to specific requirements. These include metal base substrates, multilayer ceramic capacitors, and cavity/channel boards. They also manufacture flex-rigid substrates that integrate ceramic and polymer materials, enabling innovative and versatile solutions.
Maruwa’s production facilities hold ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications, highlighting their commitment to maintaining robust quality and environmental management systems. Their ceramic solutions meet stringent industry standards, including IATF 16949, ensuring reliability and compliance. Maruwa proudly serves major Japanese electronics firms, leveraging their expertise to meet the demanding needs of their esteemed customers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ceramic PCB Manufacturer
When selecting a ceramic PCB manufacturer, several factors should be taken into consideration to ensure that the chosen manufacturer meets your specific requirements. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Expertise and Experience: Assess the manufacturer’s expertise and experience in ceramic PCB manufacturing. Look for a manufacturer with a proven track record and a solid understanding of the complexities involved in producing high-quality ceramic PCBs.
2. Technological Capabilities: Evaluate the manufacturer’s technological capabilities, including their use of advanced manufacturing processes and equipment. Consider their ability to handle complex designs, fine traces, and small component sizes, as well as their proficiency in incorporating specialized features like thermal management solutions.
3. Quality Control Measures: Examine the manufacturer’s quality control procedures to ensure that they adhere to stringent standards. Verify if they have certifications like ISO 9001, which demonstrate their commitment to quality management systems. Additionally, inquire about their inspection and testing protocols to ensure the reliability and durability of the ceramic PCBs.
4. Materials and Manufacturing Processes: Understand the materials and manufacturing processes employed by the manufacturer. Ensure that they use high-quality ceramic materials with excellent thermal conductivity, electrical insulation properties, and mechanical strength. Inquire about their fabrication techniques, such as screen printing, laser drilling, and metallization, to gauge their proficiency in producing reliable and precise ceramic PCBs.
5. Customization and Design Support: Consider the manufacturer’s ability to customize ceramic PCBs based on your specific requirements. Look for manufacturers who offer design support, including design for manufacturability (DFM) services, to optimize the performance and manufacturability of your PCBs.
6. Production Capacity and Lead Times: Assess the manufacturer’s production capacity to ensure they can handle your project volume. Inquire about their lead times and production schedules to determine if they can meet your desired timelines.
7. Cost and Pricing: While cost is an important consideration, it should not be the sole determining factor. Evaluate the manufacturer’s pricing structure in relation to the quality and value they provide. Consider the long-term costs associated with quality issues or delays that may arise from choosing a cheaper but less reliable manufacturer.
8. Customer Support and Communication: Evaluate the manufacturer’s level of customer support and communication. Ensure they are responsive, attentive, and capable of addressing your concerns or providing timely updates throughout the manufacturing process.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a ceramic PCB manufacturer that aligns with your needs and ensures the production of high-quality, reliable, and performance-driven ceramic PCBs.
Conclusion
Ceramic PCBs have revolutionized the electronics industry, enabling the development of high-performance devices across various sectors. The top 12 global ceramic PCB manufacturers showcased in this article have consistently demonstrated their expertise, innovation, and commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions. With their advanced manufacturing capabilities and unwavering focus on quality and customer satisfaction, these manufacturers continue to shape the global ceramic PCB market, driving technological advancements and fueling the progress of the electronics industry as a whole.
