Introduction
You may wonder if printed circuit boards always have a green color. Owing to advanced technological innovation, that’s not the case today.
In today’s era, you’ll come across a range of PCB colors other than green. These include striking red, cool black, and stylish yellow.
In this article, we’ll explore what PCB color means and examine six of the most common PCB colors, including the classic green.
This info will help you understand the PCB production process. It will also help you learn about the configuration of electronic components. You’ll grasp how to select the ideal PCB color. The goal is to use them in varying electronic devices and projects.
Keep reading as we also answer some common questions about PCB colors.
PCB Color Definition
Simply put, the PCB color is the solder mask or oil color. It’s applied to the board’s surface. It’s the color you typically see when you get a PCB board.
The solder mask is comprised of lacquer permeated with pigments. It covers and protects the bare copper traces from moisture, oxidation, and other environmental elements. It also gives a strong and colored finish to the PCB. It also protects the circuit board from short-circuiting.
The finished color of the PCB, which is produced from glass and epoxy, constitutes the solder mask. In other words, solder masks give security and identity to the Printed Circuit Boards. The solder mask’s color can also be called the PCB color code.
Types of PCB Colors
You read about the definition of PCB board color earlier. Color is crucial for any Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design.
You may know that the green solder mask is the standard color of PCB. The boards are also available in colors other than green. These include red, blue, black, white, yellow, and more.
Today, PCB design and assembly is witnessing a golden period owing to advanced technological innovation. Thus, PCB designers or assemblers can choose from different solder masks or oil colors. The goal is to make distinct or customize the different circuit boards.
A blend of factors leads to different variants of colors for PCB. These factors are:
- By using different PCB board colors, you can clearly identify the differences between PCBs. It helps to indicate PCB prototypes and maintain quality in mixed assembly settings.
- Color variations provide eye-catching and aesthetic looks for the end users. Some PCB makers use this color variation to make a product distinct or highly saleable.
- You make things smaller or brighter by using colors other than green. It’s because color plays a significant role in various properties of assembly equipment. Some of these properties are transmission, absorption, and light reflectance.
- You can avoid errors and issues occurring in mixed manufacturing by using different colors.
- Some modern and specific types of PCB need specific solder mask colors. For example, white PCBs are used to produce lanterns, lamps, and other LED lighting products.
Solder Mask Colors
Below, we delve into the six most prevalent solder mask colors. Note that these don’t necessarily impact a PCB’s performance. However, designers and assemblers make use of different colors for varying purposes.
These colors are as follows:
1. Green
Undoubtedly, green is the most admired solder mask color in PCB manufacturing. Thus, many people misinterpret that the color of a PCB is always green.
Green is pleasant to look at and provides outstanding clarity to PCB. Along with white text, it creates a sharp contrast, thus raising readability. It helps to reduce glare and reflect less light.
The green color makes the components placed on the board highly visible. It aids in reading different parameters. It also provides high contrast between traces, planes and the empty space on the PCB.
Green solder masks are identified with PCB board color code #008C4A. It’s also available in different variants, such as glossy and matte variants.
The common applications of PCBs with the green color include:
- Medical devices
- Consumer electronics
- Automotive electronics
- Manufacturing machinery
2. Red
Red is a striking color that traditionally shows passion, elegance, and adventure. Thus, red solder masks are getting increasingly popular. It’s because they offer great visibility and contrast for planes, traces, and no-copper areas.
The red PCB color is a sign of the board’s bold and aesthetic look. Red solder masks have a PCB color code of #D0011B. Red PCBs can be manufactured from the same high-quality materials as green PCBs.
Note that on red PCB boards, it’s easy to detect damage or tracing problems. It also comes out as an excellent replacement option for green solder masks in varied electronic projects. However, the contrast between the red PCB and the green PCB is not as good.
Red brings a fresh and premium feel to PCBs. Some applications of red PCBs include premium or highly distinct electronics, which are:
- Audio equipment
- Gaming motherboards
- Graphic cards that offer superior performance
Thus, red is a great option if you don’t require the green color for PCB.
3. Blue
Blue-colored PCBs are nearly more admired than red ones. They come right behind the green in the most common electronics categories.
The blue PCB board color is achieved by using a blue solder mask. This solder mask makes it easy to read the markings of electronic components. It also offers optimal contrast. You can easily locate traces for rapid assembly and repair work. Like red, blue color also provides aesthetic looks for the circuit boards.
Blue PCB color is more suitable for highly reliable electronics applications like consumer electronics. It aids in mounting against LCDs (liquid crystal displays) for electronic products. These include TVs and computer monitors.
Compared to other colors, blue solder masks are increasingly resistant to chemicals and moisture. They come with a PCB color code #4990E2.
4. Black
Black solder mask is one of the costliest color options for Printed Circuit Boards. It can take extra time to manufacture these boards. Black-colored PCB boards are markedly harder to work with. That’s because there is very little contrast between the PCB’s open areas, traces, and planes.
For inspection of this board, very strong magnification is needed. In order to look for traces, you need a diagonal angle to make a shadow.
Furthermore, a black PCB board is prone to absorb heat. That makes it undesirable in applications that require high temperatures. It also has the greatest failure rate during manufacturing procedures.
Despite all these cons, the silkscreen is especially fine in this color. Black PCB boards also come with more elegance, luxuriousness and visual appeal.
Hence, black PCBs are mostly used by mobile and audio devices, which have top-notch aesthetics. It may not seem surprising that Apple uses black PCBs as mainboards for iPhones.
#000000 is the color code of the black PCBs.
5. White
White solder masks have a PCB color code #ECECDF. White PCBs give a modern and clean look. You may find them in products with minimalistic design and aesthetics.
Some examples include:
- Medical devices
- Internet of Things(IoT) gadgets
- Consumer electronics
- LED Lights
However, white PCBs come with a lot of cons. It has even less contrast than a black PCB. That makes it the most difficult color to examine among all colors visually. White is among the most reflective colors, giving a pure white light when lit up.
White PCBs are hard to display even under lighting conditions. They also tend to hide traces. Cleaning them needs a lot of effort. You need to get rid of the stains to make them appear neat. Thus, you’ll find the use of white solder masks on selective grounds.
6. Yellow
You may know very well that yellow is a lively and amusing color. Thus, yellow PCBs offer high contrast between traces, planes and no-copper areas like green PCBs.
However, the white silkscreen doesn’t provide enough contrast with the board. So many PCB designers who choose yellow use black silkscreen. It makes the components more visible.
Today, most PCB designers and producers don’t settle on yellow solder masks. It’s in spite of yellow PCBs that are visually pleasing and easy to clean and maintain.
You may find applications of yellow PCBs in varying electronic devices like:
- Specific industrial equipment
- Automotive systems
The yellow PCB color code is #F6A624.
FAQs
Q1: Why Is PCB Color Usually Green?
These are the main reasons why PCB board color is typically green:
1. Green PCB is Favorable for Inspection
You may know that visual examination is crucial for the PCB manufacturing process. Here, the final check is done by the qualified inspector with direct visual inspection.
Thus, green leads to less eye strain, and it’s easy to view each PCB part. A green solder mask is a source of greater contrast. It’s between traces, pads, blank spaces, and silkscreen printing on the PCB.
Workers are more accustomed to working with green PCBs than with other colors.
2. Green PCB has the Highest Production Efficiency
You may know green PCB manufacturing is the most established and well-known. Its production efficiency is higher than that of other colors for PCB.
Thus, green is the most common solder mask. It decreases manufacturing costs and ensures timely delivery.
3. The Machine Recognition of Green PCB is Better
Many steps involve making a PCB in the yellow light room. The visible effect is better with green PCBs.
You may also know about soldering the patch. During this procedure, it should be inspected by brushing the tin. It’s on the solder paste, the patch, and the AOI machine (on the back). These procedures need optical positioning and alignment. Thus, the instruments can better recognize the green PCB background color.
4. Green PCB is More Friendly to the Environment
A green PCB is more environmentally friendly than other colors. The greater manufacturing efficiency of green PCBs results in waste reduction and better resource utilization.
The creation of the green solder mask color is an established process. Thus, it gives less harmful emissions. Black and blue PCB solder mask color creation can release toxic gases. It especially occurs in high-heat environments.
Q2: What is the Significance of PCB Color in Electronic Design?
The PCB color plays a chief part in electronic design. Some ways through which it plays a role in electronic design include:
- Aesthetics and physical appearance
- Identification of electronic components
- Dissipation of heat
Note that the PCB color can display a distinct elegance of the electronic device. Whatever color you choose, e.g., lively red can greatly influence electronic design.
You must consider important aspects to produce an attractive and appealing device. Some of these include:
- Brand image
- Product design and appearance
- Intended audience
Q3: Are There Limitations to Choosing PCB Colors?
As a varying range of colors is available, some colors have particular limitations. Thus, it’s important to keep your design needs in mind. Also, different colored PCBs may need different production processes. When selecting a color, also consider cost apart from design and aesthetics.
Q4: Does Solder Mask Color Make Any Difference on PCB’s Functionality
Solder mask color rarely makes a difference in PCB’s functionality. However, there are some minor aspects with respect to varying PCB colors:
1. View and Contrast
The classic Green PCB color provides excellent contrast with white silkscreen printing. It enhances the readability of markings and component labeling during assembly and repair processes.
Conversely, red PCBs shine to provide a clear view even under low light. The red color is a source of clear visibility. That makes them great for electronic applications needing heightened visibility.
Specific colors in the silkscreen make it difficult. An example is a black silkscreen on a light black solder mask.
2. Low Reflection Coefficiency
A green PCB has a lower reflection coefficient than a blue PCB. It helps to decrease glare. It’s also useful in well-lit environments where the assembly processes take place.
3. Eye Safety
Like green PCBs, blue PCBs also have a high contrast with white silkscreen. Blue is also easy on the eyes. It’s useful for those individuals who interact extensively with PCBs for prolonged periods.
Q5: What Standards or Certifications Should I Seek Out in a PCB Color Supplier?
Look for those PCB color suppliers that comply with industry-accepted standards and certifications. These include:
- ISO 9001 (quality management system certification)
- ISO 14001 (environmental management system certification)
These standards or certifications show a supplier’s dedication to making high-quality products. At the same time, they show a supplier’s commitment to environmental sustainability in their functioning.
PCB Manufacturer’s Recommendations
As a world-renowned PCB manufacturer, here are our top recommendations when selecting PCB color:
1. Look at Your Specific Application
When selecting the color for PCB, look at your specific applications. The color must be ideal for the applications.
For instance, you can choose a red PCB color for applications that need high clarity. Green is ideal for most common and all-purpose applications.
2. Aesthetic Looks
Aesthetic looks can play a major part in the design of the product. Thus, choose a PCB color that enhances the aesthetic looks of your product.
For example, black PCBs can be great for modern and slick products. Thus, you can create a distinct design for your products.
3. Contrast and Clarity
Choose a color that ensures high contrast and clarity of the board and silkscreen marking. It aids engineers in having a clear view. The goal is to easily identify potential issues during the manufacturing process.
4. Cost and Budget
When choosing PCB colors, you must consider your budget. Green PCBs are usually the most cost-effective, while other colors, like red and black, are typically more expensive.