CDM / Durostone

Overview

CDM (Composite Dielectric Material) and Durostone (a Röchling brand) are glass fibre reinforced thermoset composites used extensively in electronics manufacturing for surface mount technology (SMT) reflow oven fixtures, wave soldering pallets, and selective soldering carriers. These materials must withstand repeated thermal cycling through reflow and wave soldering temperatures while remaining dimensionally stable, electrically non-conductive, and free from outgassing that could contaminate solder joints or electronics. Durostone and similar CDM materials are also used in electrical insulation applications where dimensional stability and high-temperature performance are required. They are thermoset composites — they do not soften on heating — which is essential for their use in soldering processes.

Working properties

• Dimensional stability through thermal cycling

  CDM/Durostone is specifically engineered for repeated cycling through reflow and wave soldering temperatures without warping, bowing, or dimensional change that would misalign components or cause soldering defects. This thermal stability is its defining characteristic for SMT fixture applications.

• High continuous service temperature

  As a thermoset composite, Durostone does not soften at soldering temperatures. It maintains its shape and structural integrity through lead-free reflow profiles (which require higher temperatures than leaded solder processes) — a critical requirement for modern SMT production.

• Electrical insulation

  CDM/Durostone is a non-conductive electrical insulator. This prevents short circuits when PCBs or components are carried on fixtures through the soldering process, and makes it suitable for general electrical insulation panel work.

• Low outgassing

  Soldering fixture materials must not release volatile compounds at process temperatures that could contaminate solder joints, flux residues, or sensitive component surfaces. CDM/Durostone grades for SMT applications are formulated and tested for low outgassing.

• Machinability

  Durostone sheet is machined into fixture and pallet shapes using CNC routing. Like all glass fibre composites, it is highly abrasive and rapidly wears tooling — carbide tooling and appropriate dust extraction are required.

Typical uses

• SMT reflow oven carrier frames and fixture bases
• Wave soldering pallets for through-hole and mixed-technology PCB assembly
• Selective soldering fixtures and tooling plates
• High-temperature electrical insulating panels and structural components
• Test fixture plates and burn-in rack insulating structural components

Things to confirm before ordering

• Soldering process — confirm whether the application is reflow, wave, or selective soldering; different temperature profiles apply.
• Lead-free compatibility — confirm that the grade meets the thermal requirements for lead-free solder profiles if applicable.
• Thickness — confirm the required sheet thickness for the fixture design.
• Machined fixture — if a complete machined pallet or fixture is required rather than raw sheet, we can discuss fabrication.

How does CDM / Durostone compare?

• G10 / FR4

  G10/FR4 is a glass epoxy laminate used at lower temperatures for electrical insulation. For reflow and wave soldering fixture applications, CDM/Durostone has significantly better dimensional stability at soldering temperatures.

• Titanium / Aluminium fixture frames

  Metal fixture frames are used in high-volume SMT production for precision and longevity. Durostone pallets are more economical and are widely used for moderate-volume production and through-hole/wave applications.