Contents
What is the PCB Color?
To understand PCB colors, we need to be aware that the pigmentation you see on a PCB isn’t the actual color of the first board. It is a covering placed on the FR-4 PCB Material. The color seen on every board is the color of the solder mask that protects the bare copper wires on the board.
The choice of the color of the solder mask or solder oil should be such that it has excellent contrast to the overlaying copper wires and is easily identifiable. The colored layer protects the copper wires from short-circuiting.
It also protects the board from everyday wear and tear caused by climatic stress or any other likely cause of damage.
The Type of PCB Colors
2.1 Solder mask color
PCBs come in different colors. The most common is green, but there are also blue, yellow, white, clear, black, and purple PCBs, just to name a few.
So, what is the main idea behind the PCB colors?
Well, the color choice of every board differs and will generally boil down to the designers’ personal preferences, not unless the consumer has specific requirements.
(green is the most available color of solder masks for a long time)
2.2 The significance of color PCB
As mentioned before, the primary role of these PCB-colored coatings is protection. They protect the board from external wear and tear factors while keeping all the PCB Material well secured on the board.
Also, another essential factor that the PCB colors bring is the aesthetic factor on the board.
Some uniquely colored boards, like pink, for example, would be very pleasing to look at if that is your color of choice. They break the monotonous and ordinary green color of the PCB.
Color Classification of Solder Mask
When it comes to colors, it is two-way traffic: what the designers think is the best choice and what the consumers think works well for them.
Let’s see how some of the PCB colors fair in the PCB word.
3.1 Blue circuit board
Coming second to the green circuit board in popularity, the blue circuit board finds its way into many PCBs.
The contrast between the color and the copper wires makes it easy to assemble and do repairs.
(A blue-colored PCB board)
3.2 Red circuit board
The red circuit board is one of the bold and professional PCB colors designers choose.
They also offer a high contrast in the planes, traces and spaces within the board, making it easy to spot any damages on the board instantly.
It is also useful when using magnification to identify issues on the board traces that require it.
(an example of a red PCB)
3.3 Black circuit board
The black circuit board is one of the most complicated circuit boards. With the blackboards, it becomes almost impossible to differentiate between empty spaces, planes, and traces. So, it would be best if you tilted the board across a beam of light to inspect it.
On the flip side, the pads become very well-defined if working with a different silkscreen. It makes it easy to identify the spots but also if correctly marked.
Apple is known for using black PCBs for their boards to manufacture iPhones and MacBooks.
(A sample of what a black solder mask looks like)
3.4 White circuit board
The white circuit board is the worst selection of your solder mask since it doesn’t showcase any contrast. So, if you though a black PCB is tough to work with, try the white. Even over a beam of light, the contrast isn’t easily visible.
(It is hectic working with white solder masks on your PCB)
However, with silkscreen usable on the black PCB, you can create contrast by using duller colors on your silkscreen.
3.5 Purple circuit board
Purple isn’t a standard or common color on a PCB. Depending on your manufacturer, you might be required to pay a premium for this color choice. With the purple PCB, the contrast is high, and the overall workability is improved.
(A purple-colored PCB)
3.6 Yellow circuit board
The yellow boards are spectacular to work with, and it is still surprising that most designers don’t opt for yellow for their solder mask color.
Yellow offers greater detail of contrast between empty spaces, traces, and planes. It stands out similar to the green color mask with the efficiency and ease of workability
(The variation on the yellow PCB is perfect to work with)
3.7 Green circuit board
And we have the green circuit board. It is the universal color of a typical PCB and has been so for many years.
To understand why it has been a favorite among many designers, we need to find out why the green in PCB is easy to use.
Why are Printed Circuit Boards Usually Green
When the thought of a circuit board crosses your mind, the color is green. Why has this been the preferred color over the years?
4.1 Green can reduce visual fatigue
The green color isn’t as bright as the pink or red color. Also, when it comes to PCBs, most manufacturers choose a dull shade of green.
The color choice isn’t sore to the eyes of most designers and can work on the board for longer hours as compared to brighter colors that might not work well for them.
(It is comfortable working with the green solder masks)
4.2 Physical advantages
Another critical factor is the contrast levels. There are higher and more visible differences in the empty spaces, traces, and planes. Thus, it becomes easy to identify a problem and get it sorted immediately when it comes to inspections and repairs.
4.3 Facilitate mass production
The green color has been around for a very long time and is the universal color code for PCBs.
With this in mind, the resources available to produce it become widely available and easily accessible to PCB manufacturing plants in large volumes. Since this is the color most people use, it facilitates mass production.
4.4 Lower price
With its mass production, availability increases, reducing prices by far. However, you must pay extra when you want custom colors for your solder mask.
The affordable prices of the green solder mask make the green PCBs a standard color on most circuit boards.
How to Choose the Right PCB Colors
So, how do you select the ultimate color for your PCB board? And why green?
5.1 Combined with PCB product considerations
Green is one of the natural colors to use for your solder mask. It is generally the thinnest of all coats, with a 0.1 mm layer thickness.
It has also been optimized over the years to work well with most PCB components while making it easy for assembly and repairs on the board.
5.2 Considerations for matte and glossy surfaces
Whether to opt for a matte or glossy finish is entirely an aesthetic choice of the designer.
Both work perfectly well. The glossy finish is more reflective and appears to have a hard shell-like finish, while the matte has a porous finish and a darker feel.
5.3 Price and Batch Considerations
When selecting the color of your solder mask, green will always top the list. It is very affordable in all colors and widely available in huge batches.
It is also easy to get a good bargain from a manufacturer.
(The choice of color is dependent on the designer or consumer)
The Difference Between Different PCB Colors
When it comes to the differences between PCB colors, nothing is outstanding about what your color choice does to the functionality of the boards.
Instead, the contrast between the board and the PCB components will be difficult or easy to manage at the assembly and repair stage.
Though, still, there are still some minute notable differences.
6.1 Cost performance
When it comes to costs, green is way cheaper and a definite pick for most designers and entrepreneurs. It is a widely accepted color in the PCB world and would be much more cost-effective for your project.
(The green solder masks are readily available and at affordable prices, too)
6.2 Functional differences
Whether you choose a color for the solder mask, its functionalities are the same, apart from the assembly or repair.
The primary purpose is to provide a coating for PCB components; regardless of the intensity, all solder masks should be like this.
6.3 Likely problems in the printing process
Irrespective of the PCB color, a likely scenario while printing is low ink viscosity, making it adhere poorly to the board.
You need then to increase the concentration of the ink. Even though this is the most common, here are a few likely to encounter;
1. High silk screen pressure
2. Bad squeegee
3. Difference in distance between the screen and the printing surface
How to Choose the Right PCB Colors Supplier
Choosing the right PCB color supplier has much to do with consistency. It would be best to have a well-established supplier who clearly understands PCB color.
Since PCBs are the core unit of any electronic material, you need a supplier who knows how to apply the solder mask correctly.
When it comes to this, WellPCB does it best. We understand how to handle PCBs and which colors work well in which devices.
We will provide and advise you on PCB colors and suitable contrast.
( look for a well-established supplier, one with the experience and knowhow)
Conclusion
It is our belief now that you have fully understood why there are various colors to a PCB board and why the green color is the most common of all.
We also believe that we handled all your worries and concerns brought about by the different PCB colors.
With that in mind, feel free to contact us for all your PCB color supply quotations, and we will help you mask your circuit board to your color of choice.
