In the fast-evolving world of RF and microwave electronics, choosing the right PCB material is more critical than ever. With 5G, radar systems, and aerospace applications demanding ultra-low signal loss and thermal reliability, two materials consistently stand out—Rogers and Taconic. But which one truly leads the market in 2025? This comprehensive comparison will help engineers, buyers, and project managers make smarter decisions backed by data, performance, and real pricing.
1. Material Overview: Rogers vs Taconic
Rogers PCB Materials
Popular series include RO4350B, RO4003C, and RO5880, known for:
- Stable dielectric properties over a wide frequency range
- Low signal loss
- Compatibility with standard PCB processes
Taconic PCB Materials
Common types include RF-35, TLY-5, and TLX, characterized by:
- Lightweight woven glass/PTFE compositions
- Low moisture absorption
- Flexibility in RF/microwave systems
Use Cases:
- Rogers: Radar, 5G base stations, aerospace, automotive ADAS
- Taconic: Power amplifiers, phased arrays, satellites, RFID systems
2. Dielectric Performance Comparison
| Property | Rogers RO4350B | Taconic RF-35 |
| Dielectric Constant (Dk @ 10 GHz) | 3.48 ± 0.05 | 3.5 ± 0.05 |
| Dissipation Factor (Df) | 0.0037 | 0.0018 |
| Frequency Range | Up to 40 GHz | Up to 20 GHz |
Verdict: Taconic generally has slightly lower loss tangent, ideal for ultra-low-loss systems. However, Rogers materials tend to maintain more consistent Dk across frequencies.
3. Thermal and Mechanical Properties
| Property | Rogers RO4003C | Taconic TLX-8 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 0.71 | 0.45 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (ppm/°C) | 11 (Z-axis) | 16 (Z-axis) |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | >280°C | >220°C |
Rogers has higher thermal conductivity and lower CTE, making it more reliable in high-heat or multilayer environments.
4. Process Compatibility and Manufacturability
- Rogers materials are compatible with traditional FR4 processes, offering better yield in mass production.
- Taconic materials may require slightly adjusted lamination and drilling profiles but offer good dimensional stability.
Ease of fabrication verdict: Rogers wins for high-volume manufacturing; Taconic is great for custom, low-volume RF applications.
5. Price Comparison in 2025
Rogers PCB Price (based on RO4350B, 1.6mm, 2-layer):
- Prototype (1–5 pcs): $120–$160 per m²
- Volume (100+ pcs): $80–$110 per m²
Taconic PCB Price (based on RF-35, 1.6mm, 2-layer):
- Prototype (1–5 pcs): $90–$130 per m²
- Volume (100+ pcs): $65–$95 per m²
Insight: Taconic PCBs are often 10–20% cheaper than Rogers in both prototyping and production volumes, making them attractive for cost-sensitive RF applications.
6. Application-Specific Recommendations
| Application | Recommended Material | Why? |
| 5G Base Stations | Rogers 4350B | Better thermal and signal stability |
| Automotive Radar | Rogers 5880 | High frequency + temperature durability |
| Satellite Communication | Taconic TLY-5 | Lightweight and low moisture absorption |
| RFID & IoT Devices | Taconic RF-35 | Lightweight and low moisture absorption |
Choose Rogers when performance is paramount. Choose Taconic when cost-efficiency and flexibility are key.
7. Global Availability and Supply Chain Factors
- Rogers: Widely stocked worldwide, but prices have increased post-2024 due to supply constraints.
- Taconic: Slightly lower availability but more stable lead times in Asia and North America.
Lead Time (Q2 2025):
- Rogers: 10–14 working days
- Taconic: 7–12 working days
8. Conclusion: Which One Wins?
Both Rogers and Taconic offer excellent performance for RF and high-speed digital designs. Here’s the quick takeaway:
- Choose Rogers if your project demands higher thermal stability, tighter impedance control, or operates in extreme environments.
- Choose Taconic if you’re looking for a cost-effective solution with competitive electrical performance and shorter lead times.
9. Why Choose KingSunPCB for High-Frequency PCB Manufacturing
At KingSunPCB, we specialize in manufacturing high-frequency PCBs using both Rogers and Taconic materials. Whether you’re building a 5G antenna array or an RF amplifier, we offer:
- Competitive pricing: Starting from $65/m² for Taconic, $80/m² for Rogers
- Fast turnaround: Standard delivery in 7–12 working days
- IPC Class 2/3 quality & impedance control
- Expert RF engineering support
📧 Contact KingSunPCB today to get an instant quote and technical consultation for your next high-frequency project.