Rogers DiClad 870/880: Complete Guide to Properties, Applications & Design Tips

If you’ve ever worked on a high-frequency PCB project and struggled with signal integrity issues, you know how critical material selection is. DiClad 870/880 laminates from Rogers Corporation have been my go-to choice for years when designing RF and microwave circuits that demand low loss and stable electrical performance. These PTFE-based composites strike an excellent balance between cost and performance — something that’s hard to find in the high-frequency laminate space.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about DiClad 870/880: the technical specifications, when to choose 870 vs 880, fabrication tips I’ve learned the hard way, and how these materials stack up against alternatives like RO4350B and RT/duroid 5880.

What Is DiClad 870/880?

DiClad 870/880 are woven fiberglass reinforced, PTFE-based composite laminates manufactured by Rogers Corporation. They’re specifically engineered for high-frequency printed circuit board applications where you need a lower dielectric constant than standard materials can provide.

The “secret sauce” is in the controlled fiberglass-to-PTFE ratio. By using fewer plies of woven fiberglass and a higher proportion of PTFE content, Rogers achieved lower Dk and dissipation factor values compared to other laminates in the DiClad series — without significantly compromising mechanical strength.

Key Characteristics at a Glance

• Material composition: PTFE resin + woven fiberglass reinforcement
• Manufacturer: Rogers Corporation (formerly Arlon)
• Target frequency range: Up to 10+ GHz
• Construction: Non-cross-plied (fiberglass plies aligned in same direction)
• Standard panel sizes: 48″ × 54″ (also available in 24″ × 18″)

What makes DiClad different from other Rogers products like CuClad? The main distinction is that DiClad laminates don’t use cross-plied constructions. This gives you more predictable electrical performance in certain orientations, though it’s something to account for in your design.

DiClad 870 vs DiClad 880: Understanding the Differences

One of the most common questions I get is: “Should I use DiClad 870 or 880?” The answer depends on whether you prioritize electrical performance or dimensional stability.

Technical Specifications Comparison

When to Choose DiClad 870

Go with DiClad 870 when:

• You need better dimensional stability and registration
• Your application involves multilayer stackups where layer alignment matters
• Mechanical durability during fabrication is a concern
• Budget is slightly tighter (870 is marginally less expensive)

The medium fiberglass/PTFE ratio in DiClad 870 provides a good compromise — you still get a low Dk of 2.33, but with improved mechanical properties compared to 880.

When to Choose DiClad 880

DiClad 880 is the better choice when:

• Absolute lowest loss is your priority
• You’re designing for millimeter-wave frequencies where every 0.0001 of Df matters
• Circuit miniaturization is critical (lower Dk = smaller wavelength = smaller circuits)
• You’re working on aerospace or defense applications with strict performance specs

The higher PTFE content in DiClad 880 delivers the lowest dielectric constant (2.17-2.20) and dissipation factor (0.0009) in the DiClad family. That difference might seem small on paper, but at 10+ GHz, it translates to measurable improvements in insertion loss.

Detailed Technical Properties of DiClad 870/880

Let me break down the properties that matter most for RF/microwave design.

Electrical Properties

One thing I really appreciate about DiClad 870/880 is the Dk stability across frequency. Unlike some cheaper laminates where Dk drifts significantly from 1 GHz to 10 GHz, these materials maintain consistent values. This makes impedance calculations much more reliable.

Thermal Properties

The Z-axis CTE is worth noting — it’s higher than FR-4, which means you need to be careful with plated through-holes in thick boards or during aggressive thermal cycling. More on this in the fabrication section.

Mechanical Properties

Applications: Where DiClad 870/880 Excels

Based on my experience and industry data, here’s where these laminates really shine:

Telecommunications & Wireless Infrastructure

DiClad 870/880 is widely used in:

• Base station antennas — The low moisture absorption keeps performance stable outdoors
• Power amplifiers — Low Df means less energy wasted as heat
• Filters and couplers — Dk uniformity is critical for filter response
• 5G infrastructure — Growing demand for sub-6 GHz and mmWave applications

Aerospace & Defense

This is where DiClad 880 particularly excels due to its superior electrical properties:

• Military radar feed networks — Requires ultra-low loss at X-band and above
• Satellite communication systems — Weight and performance both matter
• Missile guidance systems — Extreme reliability requirements
• Phased array antennas — Consistent Dk across large panel areas

Automotive Radar

With ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) becoming standard:

• 77 GHz automotive radar sensors — DiClad 880’s low loss is beneficial here
• V2X communication modules — Vehicle-to-everything connectivity

Other Applications

• Low noise amplifiers (LNAs)
• Microwave point-to-point links
• Digital radio antennas
• High-speed digital interconnects (where controlled impedance matters)

Read more Rogers PCBs:

Rogers MAGTREX 555 Laminate: Properties, Applications & Design Guide [2026]

Rogers RO3006 PCB: Complete Guide to Rogers High-Frequency Laminate

Rogers RO4003C PCB: Complete Material Guide, Specifications & Design Best Practices

Rogers RO4350B PCB: Complete Material Guide Specs, Design Tips & Applications

Rogers RO4835 PCB: Properties, Applications & Design Guidelines

Rogers AD250C PCB: Complete Guide to Specs, Applications & Design Tips

Rogers AD300D PCB: Complete Guide to Specs, Applications & Design

Rogers AD350A PCB: Properties, Specifications & Design Guide [20265]

Rogers Kappa 438 Laminate: Properties, Datasheet, Applications & FR-4 Comparison

Rogers RO3003 PCB: The Complete Guide to Specifications, Design & RF Applications

Rogers RO3010 PCB: Complete Guide to Properties, Applications & Design Tips

Rogers TMM 10 PCB: Complete Guide to Properties, Applications & Design Tips

Rogers TMM 3 PCB: Complete Guide to Specs, Properties & Applications

Rogers TMM 4 PCB: Complete Guide to Properties, Applications & Design Tips

Rogers RT/Duroid 5870 PCB: Complete Guide to Properties, Design & Applications

Rogers RT/duroid 5880 PCB: Specifications, Benefits & Design Best Practices

Rogers RT/Duroid 6002 PCB: Complete Guide to Properties, Design & Applications

Fabrication Guidelines: Lessons From the Shop Floor

Working with PTFE-based materials like DiClad 870/880 isn’t quite the same as processing FR-4. Here are practical tips that will save you headaches:

Drilling Recommendations

PTFE is softer than FR-4 and prone to “smearing” during drilling. Use sharp carbide drills and don’t push the feed rate too hard. If you’re seeing rough hole walls, slow down and check your drill wear.

Etching Considerations

• Standard cupric chloride or ferric chloride etchants work fine
• Maintain proper etchant temperature (typically 120-130°F for cupric chloride)
• Rinse thoroughly — PTFE doesn’t absorb water, but contaminants can affect adhesion

Lamination Tips for Multilayer Boards

DiClad 870/880 can be combined with other materials in hybrid stackups, but pay attention to:

• CTE matching — The Z-axis CTE difference from FR-4 can cause stress at interfaces
• Bonding materials — Rogers offers compatible prepregs like RO4450B for hybrid constructions
• Temperature profiles — Follow Rogers’ recommended lamination cycles

Surface Preparation for Plating

This is where a lot of people run into trouble. PTFE’s naturally low surface energy makes adhesion challenging:

1. Sodium etch (plasma or chemical) improves copper adhesion
2. Alternatively, use mechanical abrasion with fine Scotch-Brite
3. Don’t skip this step — poor adhesion leads to delamination and plating voids

Handling and Storage

• Store flat in climate-controlled conditions (low humidity)
• Avoid contamination from fingerprints — wear gloves
• Use within 6 months of opening vacuum-sealed packaging for best results

DiClad 870/880 vs Alternative Materials

How does DiClad stack up against other popular high-frequency laminates?

Comparison Table

DiClad 870/880 vs RO4350B

RO4350B is probably the most popular Rogers material, and for good reason — it processes like FR-4 and offers good high-frequency performance. But DiClad 870/880 wins when:

• You need a lower Dk (2.17-2.33 vs 3.48)
• Insertion loss must be minimized (Df of 0.0009-0.0013 vs 0.0037)
• Your design requires circuit miniaturization

Choose RO4350B when fabrication simplicity and hybrid FR-4 compatibility are priorities.

DiClad 880 vs RT/duroid 5880

These materials have nearly identical electrical specs (Dk ~2.20, Df ~0.0009). The differences:

• RT/duroid 5880 uses microfiber glass reinforcement (better for thin constructions)
• DiClad 880 uses woven glass (better dimensional stability in larger panels)
• RT/duroid 5880 is typically more expensive
• DiClad 880 offers better Dk uniformity across the panel

For most applications, DiClad 880 provides comparable performance at a lower price point.

Useful Resources and Downloads

Here are official resources for DiClad 870/880:

Official Rogers Corporation Resources

Third-Party Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the dielectric constant of DiClad 870/880?

DiClad 870 has a dielectric constant (Dk) of 2.33 ± 0.04 at 10 GHz, while DiClad 880 offers an even lower Dk of 2.17 to 2.20 depending on the specific grade. Both values remain stable across a wide frequency range, which is essential for predictable RF circuit performance.

2. Is DiClad 870/880 compatible with lead-free soldering?

Yes. Both DiClad 870 and 880 are compatible with lead-free soldering processes up to 260°C peak reflow temperatures. The materials maintain their electrical and mechanical properties through multiple reflow cycles, making them suitable for modern RoHS-compliant manufacturing.

3. Can DiClad 870/880 be used in multilayer PCBs?

Absolutely. DiClad 870/880 laminates work well in multilayer constructions, though you need to account for CTE differences if combining with FR-4 or other materials. Rogers offers compatible bonding films and prepregs (like RO4450 series) for hybrid stackups. For best results, match materials with similar thermal expansion characteristics.

4. What frequency range is DiClad 870/880 suitable for?

DiClad 870/880 performs excellently from DC to well beyond 10 GHz. The materials are commonly used in applications up to 40 GHz and can support millimeter-wave designs with proper attention to loss budgets. The stable Dk and low Df make them particularly strong performers in the 1-20 GHz range that covers most wireless infrastructure and radar applications.

5. How does DiClad 870/880 compare to standard FR-4?

DiClad 870/880 significantly outperforms FR-4 in high-frequency applications. The key differences:

FR-4’s dissipation factor is roughly 20× higher than DiClad 880, meaning dramatically more signal loss at high frequencies. For circuits above 1 GHz where performance matters, DiClad is the clear choice — though at a higher cost.

Final Thoughts

DiClad 870/880 remains one of the most cost-effective solutions for high-frequency PCB applications requiring low dielectric constant and minimal signal loss. After working with these materials on dozens of projects, I can say they deliver consistent, reliable performance when you follow proper fabrication guidelines.

Quick decision guide:

• Choose DiClad 870 for balanced performance and better mechanical handling
• Choose DiClad 880 when lowest loss is critical and you can manage the slightly reduced dimensional stability

If you’re transitioning from FR-4 to high-frequency materials for the first time, DiClad offers a good entry point — it’s not as finicky as some pure PTFE materials, yet delivers the electrical performance that serious RF designs demand.

Got questions about specifying DiClad for your project? Drop a comment below or reach out to Rogers’ technical support team — they’re genuinely helpful with material selection questions.