a month ago
- Supply chain uncertainty in 2026 focuses on tightening PCB material supply, including copper-clad laminates, fiberglass fabrics, and epoxy resins, due to geopolitical factors, demand from emerging tech, regulations, and capacity constraints.
- Shortages are driven by AI infrastructure consuming premium materials, electric vehicle expansion increasing demand, data center growth requiring sophisticated PCBs, environmental regulations affecting production, energy costs, and inventory hoarding.
- Most affected materials include low-loss laminates, ultra-low-profile copper foil, heavy copper laminates, and high-frequency materials, impacting automotive, medical, aerospace, telecommunications, and consumer electronics industries.
- Consequences include longer lead times, higher manufacturing costs, more material substitutions, and increased engineering collaboration; strategies involve designing with multiple materials, avoiding over-specification, and early manufacturer engagement.