Standard base materials like FR4 contain a certain percentage of bromine. This apparently helps for the dimensional stability of the printed circuits. In addition, it makes the material flame-retardant, i.e it does not burn on itself like G10. However, in the case of an external fire, the brominated materials release toxic gases. Therefore FR4 is not allowed according to some safety instructions. Since recently, we are asked to avoid FR4 if possible. Does anybody know of materials, which have the advantages of FR4, but do not contain any halogens and therefore do not produce toxic gases in a fire? Does anybody have addresses of (especially European) base material manufacturers whom I could ask for advice? Thanks Burkhard W. HECK CERN EP Division tel: +41 22 767 3185 fax: +41 22 767 3020 [log in to unmask] ################################################################ TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ################################################################ To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TechNet ################################################################ Please visit IPC's web site (http://www.ipc.org) "On-Line Services" section for additional information. For technical support contact Hugo Scaramuzza at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.312 ################################################################