Arlon DiClad 880
Dk 2.17 | Df 0.0009 @ 10 GHz — ultra-low Dk PTFE with the lowest density for weight-critical airborne antenna applications.
2.17
Dk @ 10 GHz
0.0009
Df @ 10 GHz
Light
Weight
PTFE
Non-Woven
What is Arlon DiClad 880?
Arlon DiClad 880 is a PTFE-based laminate with non-woven glass reinforcement offering the lowest dielectric constant (2.17) and lightest weight in its performance class. Its combination of ultra-low Dk, ultra-low loss (Df 0.0009), and minimal weight makes it the default choice for airborne antenna systems where every gram impacts payload capacity.
The non-woven glass reinforcement provides adequate mechanical support while adding minimal weight compared to woven glass constructions. This results in a laminate density approximately 20% lower than woven-glass PTFE alternatives like RT/duroid 5880 or TLY-5, significant when multiplied across large antenna array panels.
DiClad 880 is specified in fighter aircraft radar arrays, UAV surveillance antennas, airborne SATCOM terminals, and missile guidance antennas where weight directly affects flight performance, range, or payload capacity.
Lowest Weight in Class
Non-woven glass construction minimizes density for airborne applications.
Ultra-Low Loss
Df 0.0009 matches RT/duroid 5880 for maximum RF performance.
Lowest Available Dk
Dk 2.17 enables widest traces for minimum conductor loss.
Airborne Heritage
Deployed on military aircraft and UAV antenna systems worldwide.
Arlon DiClad 880 Key Properties
Representative values from the manufacturer datasheet.
| Property | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric constant (Dk) | 2.17 @ 10 GHz | Lowest available Dk for minimum total loss. |
| Dk tolerance | +/-0.02 | Tight for predictable antenna and impedance design. |
| Dissipation factor (Df) | 0.0009 @ 10 GHz | Ultra-low loss matching pure PTFE performance. |
| CTE z-axis | ~240 ppm/C | High — standard for PTFE, manage with thin constructions. |
| Density | ~1.4 g/cm3 | Approximately 20% lighter than woven-glass PTFE alternatives. |
| Reinforcement | PTFE / non-woven glass | Minimum weight while maintaining processability. |
| Moisture absorption | 0.02% | Near-zero for altitude and humidity cycling. |
| Peel strength | 6 lb/in minimum | Adequate adhesion with sodium-etch preparation. |
| Processing | Sodium etch required | Standard PTFE fabrication — qualified fabricators required. |
Why Airborne Programs Specify DiClad 880
In airborne antenna systems, weight reduction directly impacts aircraft performance. A typical fighter aircraft nose-cone AESA array contains 1,500-2,000 antenna elements on multiple substrate panels. Using DiClad 880 instead of woven-glass PTFE saves 15-25% panel weight — reducing the radome assembly by 2-4 kg and shifting the aircraft center of gravity forward.
For UAV applications, weight savings translate directly to mission endurance. A 500g antenna substrate reduction on a 25kg UAV adds approximately 8 minutes of flight time or 2km additional range. Defense procurement programs quantify this as mission capability improvement, justifying DiClad 880 material premium.
The ultra-low Dk (2.17) also provides a design advantage: wider traces for a given impedance. At 50 ohms on 0.508mm DiClad 880, the microstrip width is approximately 1.55mm versus 1.05mm on Dk 3.5 material. Wider traces mean lower conductor loss and easier fabrication tolerances — particularly valuable at millimeter-wave frequencies where conductor loss dominates.
20% Weight Savings
Non-woven construction reduces panel mass versus woven-glass PTFE.
Aircraft Payload Impact
2-4 kg savings on fighter AESA arrays improves flight performance.
Wider Traces at 50 Ohm
Low Dk enables wider conductors for reduced ohmic loss.
Defense Qualified
Specified on active fighter and UAV radar programs.
Lightweight RF Laminate Comparison
DiClad 880 versus alternative low-loss PTFE materials for airborne applications.
| Material | Dk | Df | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlon DiClad 880This page | 2.17 | 0.0009 | Non-woven PTFE — lightest weight, airborne focus. |
| Rogers RT/duroid 5880 | 2.20 | 0.0009 | PTFE/microfiber — slightly heavier, isotropic Dk. |
| Taconic TLY-5 | 2.20 | 0.0009 | Woven PTFE — heaviest of the three, best handling. |
| Arlon CLTE-XT | 2.94 | 0.0012 | CTE-matched PTFE — thermal cycling focus, higher Dk. |
| Rogers RO3003 | 3.00 | 0.0010 | Ceramic PTFE — no glass, heavier due to ceramic fill. |
Arlon DiClad 880 Applications
Airborne antennas, UAV radar, weight-critical aerospace, lightweight phased arrays
Fighter Aircraft Radar
AESA nose-cone arrays where weight affects aircraft performance.
UAV Surveillance Radar
SAR and MTI radar antennas on weight-constrained unmanned platforms.
Airborne SATCOM
In-flight satellite communication terminals on military and commercial aircraft.
Missile Guidance
Terminal guidance and seeker antennas where mass affects maneuverability.
High-Altitude Platforms
HAPS and stratospheric antenna systems with extreme weight budgets.
EW Antenna Arrays
Electronic warfare receive and transmit arrays on airborne platforms.
DiClad 880 Design for Airborne Systems
DiClad 880 non-woven construction is less rigid than woven glass alternatives. For panels exceeding 200mm, incorporate mechanical support structures or bonded stiffeners to prevent handling damage during assembly. The weight savings in material offsets the occasional need for structural reinforcement.
High z-axis CTE (240 ppm/C) requires thin constructions for reliable PTH. Maximum recommended thickness is 1.2mm for standard plated holes. For thicker builds, use blind/buried vias or pad-only connections with back-drilled stubs.
Get Instant QuoteThin Construction
Keep below 1.2mm total thickness for reliable PTH given high CTE z.
Panel Support
Add stiffeners for panels exceeding 200mm to prevent handling damage.
Wide Traces Benefit
Exploit low Dk for wider traces — reduces conductor loss at mmWave.
Altitude Cycling
Near-zero moisture absorption ensures stable performance through altitude changes.
Genuine Arlon DiClad 880, Verified on Every Order
Material CoC
Certificate of Conformance with lot number ships with every order.
Stock Verified
We confirm laminate availability before order confirmation.
No Substitutions
Specified material guaranteed — never swapped without written approval.
FAQ
Arlon DiClad 880 Questions
What is Arlon DiClad 880?
A PTFE/non-woven glass laminate with Dk 2.17, Df 0.0009, and the lowest density in its performance class. Designed for weight-critical airborne antenna applications.
How much lighter is DiClad 880?
Approximately 20% lighter than woven-glass PTFE alternatives (RT/duroid 5880, TLY-5) due to non-woven glass reinforcement.
DiClad 880 vs RT/duroid 5880?
Nearly identical electrical performance (Dk 2.17 vs 2.20, same Df). DiClad 880 is lighter but less rigid. Choose DiClad for weight-critical airborne; choose 5880 for space applications needing isotropic Dk.
What are the handling concerns?
Non-woven construction is less rigid than woven glass. Use panel support for large formats and careful handling during assembly.
Can AtlasPCB fabricate DiClad 880?
Yes. Our PTFE line supports DiClad 880 with sodium-etch preparation, thin-board handling, and military quality requirements.
Need Arlon DiClad 880 fabrication?
DiClad 880 — Dk 2.17, ultra-lightweight PTFE, airborne-grade — from prototype to production.
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