Does anyone know where I can buy more of this PCB board? I bought it from Watts Tube Audio ages ago but I believe they are out of business. I believe it was called “red swirl”. It’s 1/8 thick. I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
thanks
thanks
Well I picked a random pcb manufacturer - pcbways.com and they do up to 6mm thick.
But you'll never find an exact match for an obsolete product.
But you'll never find an exact match for an obsolete product.
I don’t know that it is obsolete, I’m sure Watts Tube Audio just sourced it. I’m just wondering if anyone else has seen this exact stuff available anywhere else.
Like this? Not really a pcb material, it's frequently used for HV insulation and HV structures.
That's what I've used it for in industrial applications. Also there are large HV spacers made
of the same material (1" diameter and up). Sometimes called Glastic.
https://www.polymerplastics.com/composite_glastic3.shtml
https://www.mar-bal.com/language/en/products/standoff-insulators/glastic/
That's what I've used it for in industrial applications. Also there are large HV spacers made
of the same material (1" diameter and up). Sometimes called Glastic.
https://www.polymerplastics.com/composite_glastic3.shtml
https://www.mar-bal.com/language/en/products/standoff-insulators/glastic/
Last edited:
Doesn’t look quite like it… I recently re-capped a Fender amp from the 70’s I think that had the exact same red swirl board, so I think it may actually be meant for PCB’s, turret board types at least.
thanks!
thanks!
It's definitely the same composition, just a different mfr. and so a slightly different appearance.
This material has been made in large quantities for industry since the 30s.
It is way too difficult to cut for pcb use. Very strong and rigid.
Would have to drill the holes for a turret board, too tough to punch.
This material has been made in large quantities for industry since the 30s.
It is way too difficult to cut for pcb use. Very strong and rigid.
Would have to drill the holes for a turret board, too tough to punch.
Last edited:
Hmmm… the stuff I have is definitely rigid. But cuts very easily. I’m able to cut small pieces by hand with a coping saw very quickly and sanded flat. Larger pieces I cut with a miter saw. It also drills very easily.
Not P CB material by any means, since it´s not copperclad, so please stop calling it that way.
It´s actually insulating material, in sheet form.
Technically it´s Micarta, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micarta
Tons of different base materials, this one looks like unwoven long fibers were used, maybe linen or jutte.
Those close to the surface can be pulled away, just look at the cut edges.
Electrically, any kind of Micarta can be used, it may be hard to find the exact same pattern though, as mentioned above any manufacturer makes his own.
If you are brave enough, you can also make your own, the knife handle guys do it all the time.
It´s actually insulating material, in sheet form.
Technically it´s Micarta, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micarta
Tons of different base materials, this one looks like unwoven long fibers were used, maybe linen or jutte.
Those close to the surface can be pulled away, just look at the cut edges.
Electrically, any kind of Micarta can be used, it may be hard to find the exact same pattern though, as mentioned above any manufacturer makes his own.
If you are brave enough, you can also make your own, the knife handle guys do it all the time.
The stuff you have is GPO-3 glass reinforced thermoset polyester.
Here are some examples of suppliers:
modulusamplification.com/GP03-Turret-Terminal-Board-80mm-x-420mm-x-3mm-P643462.aspx
https://paulrubyamps.com/tagboards.html
https://www.professionalplastics.com/GPO-3SHEET
Here are some examples of suppliers:
modulusamplification.com/GP03-Turret-Terminal-Board-80mm-x-420mm-x-3mm-P643462.aspx
https://paulrubyamps.com/tagboards.html
https://www.professionalplastics.com/GPO-3SHEET
Is it flame retardent I wonder? [edit - yes, it seems to be, aka GPO3]
Anyway I've seen that sort of coarse fibreglass in old equipment, but its obsolete for modern PCBs as the surface isn't flat enough for modern SMT work. This stuff is to FR4 as OFB/OSB is to plywood, basically!
Not sure you can make PCBs out of it, since it´s not copperclad.
So no SMT either.
Bet it was developed as a general ´purpose insulator, and tubehead eyelet or turret addition was an afterthought 🙂
So no SMT either.
Bet it was developed as a general ´purpose insulator, and tubehead eyelet or turret addition was an afterthought 🙂
I realize this is a bit of an old forum, but I wanted to let anyone know that might be interested that GPO-3, a glass fiber reinforced polyester, is still used in numerous electrical applications across many industries. It's a great general purpose electrical insulator and has great arc and track resistance and is flame resistant among other properties. If you are ever in the need for custom parts made from GPO-3, I would recommend InsulFab. https://insulfab.com/news/gpo-3