What Insulectro does

Insulectro, founded in 1964 and headquartered in Lake Forest, California, is the largest distributor of printed circuit board (PCB) and printed electronics (PE) materials in North America. The company operates as a subsidiary of the privately held Redfern Companies conglomerate and runs 11 stocking locations across the United States and Canada, holding more than 65,000 SKUs and 1,400+ product lines sourced from 18+ world-class manufacturers including Qnity (formerly DuPont), Arlon Electronic Materials, EMC (Elite Materials Company), Kyocera Precision Tools, LCOA, JX Metals, Mitsui Kinzoku, Denkai America, Celanese Micromax, Chang Chun Petrochemical, Camden Copper, Pacothane, Shikoku, FOCUSTECH, AI Technology, and InduBond. Its portfolio spans rigid and flexible laminates, dry-film photoresists, copper foils, chemistry, metallization chemistries, lamination-assist products, drilling/routing tooling, induction lamination presses (InduBond), conductive inks, CAC/CSC separators, and Ormet sintering pastes, supported by four custom fabrication centers offering slit/rewind, toll processing, metallization, and final-finish services.

The company's go-to-market combines a field-sales organization of Technical Account Managers with an inside-sales team, the NewPort customer portal, an ATP API for B2B electronic ordering (used by more than 50% of customers), a separate 24x7 e-commerce storefront for printed electronics (insulectro-pe.com), and active participation in industry events such as IPC APEX EXPO, SEMICON WEST, and PCEA Lunch 'n Learns. Revenue is generated primarily through materials distribution (hardware sales) and secondarily through value-added fabrication services; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Customers include PCB fabricators and OEMs serving aerospace & defense, automotive electronics (including EV and under-hood applications), medical electronics, and telecom/data communications (including 5G and high-speed digital) end-markets, with technical content delivered via PUMANEWS magazine, PowerChats presentations, and a registered education platform.

The company is led by President & CEO Patrick Redfern with Don Redfern as Chairman; executive leadership includes CTO Chris Hunrath, COO Ken Parent, and CSO Dan Diesel (43-year veteran). Insulectro is ISO 9001:2015 certified and holds IPC 4101/126 certification for its flagship EMC EM-371(z) laminate. No revenue is publicly disclosed, the firm has no institutional venture or public-market participation, and ownership remains concentrated within the Redfern family.

Name

Insulectro

Legal name

Insulectro

Website

https://insulectro.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Insulectro is the largest North American distributor of materials for printed circuit board and printed electronics manufacturing, stocking 65,000+ SKUs across 11 locations and serving PCB fabricators and OEMs in aerospace, automotive, medical, and telecom markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electronic Materials Distribution for PCB Fabrication

NAICS

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing (334), Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (3344)

SIC

Wholesale-Electronic Parts & Equipment, Nec (5065), Printed Circuit Boards (3672), Electronic Components, Nec (3679)

akta.pro primary industry

PCB Materials & Laminates (Copper Clad, Prepreg, Cores) (HDAHAOAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial PCB & Substrate Components (Bare PCBs, rigid-flex, ceramic substrates, thick-film) (IMAGAJAM), Electronic Components (Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors) Retail (CRACAKAA), PCB Assembly (PCBA/EMS) (HDAHAOAI)

Keywords

• PCB materials distribution
• Rigid and flexible laminates
• Copper foil supply
• Printed electronics materials
• PCB fabrication consumables

Headquarters

HQ city

Lake Forest

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Materials Distribution: Insulectro distributes a comprehensive portfolio of PCB and printed electronics materials from world-class manufacturers including Qnity/DuPont, Arlon, EMC, and others. The company stocks over 65,000 unique SKUs and 1,400+ product offerings across 11 strategic locations, generating revenue through product sales to fabricators and OEMs.
2. Fabrication Services: Custom fabrication services including slit and rewind, toll processing, metallization, final finishes, and design support. These value-added services complement material sales and provide additional revenue streams.
3. Printed Electronics E-Commerce: Separate e-commerce platform (insulectro-pe.com) launched in 2020 supporting 24x7 ordering of substrates, films, and conductive inks for printed electronics applications.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Insulectro is the largest North American distributor of materials used to manufacture printed circuit boards (PCBs) and printed electronics, stocking over 65,000 SKUs across 1,400+ product offerings. The company distributes laminates, dry films, copper foils, chemistry, drilling equipment, lamination presses, substrates, and conductive inks on behalf of world-class manufacturers such as Qnity/DuPont, Arlon, EMC, Kyocera, and CAC. It complements distribution with value-added custom fabrication services, the NewPort customer portal, and the PumaFast rapid-delivery program backed by 11 stocking locations.

Product overview

Insulectro is a distributor of advanced materials for printed circuit board (PCB) and printed electronics manufacturing, offering over 1,400 product lines from world-class suppliers. The portfolio centers on laminates (rigid FR4 and high-performance materials from EMC/Arlon, flexible Pyralux products from Qnity), imaging chemistries (DuPont RISTON dry films, FOCUSTECH process chemicals), copper foils (JX Metals, Mitsui, Camden, Chang Chun), and metallization solutions (DuPont CIRCUPOSIT, ELECTROPOSIT). Supporting products include Pacothane lamination assists, drilling/routing equipment (Kyocera, LCOA), InduBond lamination presses, substrates and films, Celanese Micromax conductive inks, and specialty products like CAC/CSC separators and Ormet sintering pastes. The company differentiates through PumaFast stocking service (11 locations), custom fabrication capabilities (slit/rewind, toll processing, metallization), design support (signal integrity, DFM reviews), and digital business solutions (NewPort portal, ATP API, e-Commerce).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PumaFast: Best-in-class products from world-class suppliers at 11 convenient stocking locations with fast delivery service
• PUMANEWS
• NewPort
• Power of 5
• PowerChats

Products and services

• Standard Laminates Full range of copper-clad laminate systems for flexible and rigid PCBs ranging from standard FR-4 to advanced low-loss dielectrics for high speed digital and RF applications. Sourced from manufacturers such as Arlon Electronic Materials and EMC and sold to PCB fabricators and OEMs.
• EMC EM-371(Z) Laminate High Tg, high-reliability halogenated laminate positioned as the best all-purpose FR-4 for North America. Features lowest Z-axis CTE (1.8% at 50-260°C) for greater via reliability; IPC 4101/126 certified for mil/aero applications. Targeted at PCB fabricators serving mil/aero, automotive, and high-reliability markets.
• EMC EM-827(I) Laminate High thermal reliability laminate with excellent CAF resistance. Applications include automotive, server, computer, and consumer electronics. High Tg, CAF resistance, and lead-free compatible.
• EMC EM-370(Z) Laminate High thermal reliability laminate with excellent CAF resistance. Applications include automotive, power systems, server, and heavy copper PCB. High Tg, high reliability, halogen free.
• EMC EM-528 High-Speed Digital Laminate Very low loss material for multiple lamination and high thermal reliability applications. Targeted for high-speed server, network, and telecom applications. High Tg, very low loss, halogen free.
• EMC EM-890K Ultra-Low-Loss Laminate Ultra-low loss material for high thermal reliability with excellent CAF resistance. Applications include high-speed Ethernet, network, HPC, AI, 5G, and antenna. High Tg, ultra-low loss, halogen free.
• EMC EM-892K Next-Generation Laminate Next generation halogen-free high Tg laminate for high speed digital and RF applications. Extreme low loss performance for high-speed Ethernet, network, HPC, AI, 5G, and antenna applications.
• Qnity Pyralux AP Flexible Laminate High-reliability standard flexible laminate with the broadest construction offerings. Industry standard for fabricating simple single-sided flex to complex multi-layer rigid boards.
• Qnity Pyralux AG Flexible Laminate Consumer-grade flexible laminates with limited construction offerings.
• Qnity Pyralux TK Flexible Laminate RF and MW capable flexible laminate for high frequency applications.
• Arlon 85N Polyimide 250°C high glass transition temperature pure polyimide resin system providing superior thermal resistance for high-temperature end-use electronics. Best choice for high-layer-count multilayers with long service life for aerospace, military, and space applications.
• Arlon 86HP Polyimide Revolutionary high performance polyimide laminate engineered for high temperature, electrical, and mechanical performance. Applications include mission-critical PWBs for military, aerospace, space, down-hole oil and gas drilling, burn-in, and automatic test equipment.
• DuPont RISTON Dry Films Complete line of dry film photoresists for all types of plating and etching applications. Includes conventional inner/outer layer films, direct imaging films, MSAP films, and selective strip films. Manufactured and converted in America.
• Chemistry Products Full range of chemistries required to manufacture circuit boards from DuPont, FOCUSTECH, and Shikoku. Includes developers, strippers, etchants, microetches, OSP, plating chemistries, and ENIG finishes.
• Copper Foil Electrodeposited (ED) and Wrought (RA) copper foils supporting Rigid, Rigid-Flex, and Flex designs. Options from 1.5 µm up to 105 µm as standard, heavier coppers on request. Products from JX Metals, Mitsui, Camden Copper, and Chang Chun Petrochemical.
• Pacothane Lamination Assist Products Press pads, release films, and conformable products for improving and assisting the lamination process for rigid multilayer and flexible PCBs. Includes PACOPADS, TRIPAK, THERMOPADS, PACOGARD, and PACOFLEX ULTRA.
• Drilling & Routing Equipment Complete drilling and routing solutions including backup, entry, drill and router tooling products from LCOA and Kyocera. Includes precision drills, end mills, routers, scoring tools, and countersinks.
• Interconnect Solutions Metallization solutions for through hole, blind via, and advanced HDI applications from DuPont. Includes CIRCUPOSIT electroless copper, CRIMSON direct metallization, and CONDUCTRON palladium-based DM process.
• Metallization Processes Full line of DuPont metallization processes including DC plating systems, pulse plating, and via fill technologies. Products include ELECTROPOSIT 1100 and 1000, COPPER GLEAM CuPulse, and Microfill EVF.
• InduBond Lamination Presses Induction lamination presses and registration systems featuring eco-friendly technology that produces heat directly on the laminated material. Includes X-Press, X1, 130N, 230N, and RFX models.
• Substrates & Films Variety of substrates and films including polyimide (Kapton), polyester, polycarbonate, FEP, PTFE, PFA, TPU, reinforced PTFE, and LTCC materials. Products from Saint-Gobain, Chemours, and DuPont.
• Celanese Micromax Conductive Inks Extensive offering of low-temperature curing conductive inks and pastes for flexible substrates. Enables applications including membrane touch switches, sensors, RFID, wearables, in-mold electronics, automotive, and biomedical.
• CAC Copper Aluminum Copper Bonded aluminum product with copper foil bonded to aluminum carrier. Improves panel flatness, achieves layup efficiency, increases quality assurance, and enables production efficiency. Produced in clean room environment.
• CSC Copper Steel Copper Bonded steel product with copper foil bonded to steel carrier. 8 mil steel is more than twice as effective as 15 mil aluminum in image transfer reduction. Reduces lamination press mass and increases throughput.
• Ormet Sintering Pastes Patented lead-free TLPS (Transient Liquid Phase Sintering) pastes for creating innerconnects in PCBs or combining PCBs. Now part of AI Technology. Provides thermal and electrical conductivity with high-temperature stability.
• DuPont Interra HK04M/HK04J Embedded Capacitance Materials Planar embedded capacitance power delivery materials. HK04M features next generation thinner dielectrics for lower inductance and better power delivery. HK04J is for electrically demanding boards.
• Additive Technologies (mSAP) Products for mSAP (modified semi-additive) technology including copper plate, electroless copper, ultra-thin foils, and direct image dry film photoresists. Enables circuit formation not possible with traditional printing and etching.
• Embedded Passives Products enabling embedded resistors and capacitors within PCB planes. Pyralux APR enables embedded resistance and Interra HK04 enables embedded capacitance for eliminating solder joints and achieving greater packing density.
• PumaFast Delivery Service Stocking and rapid delivery service featuring standard materials readily in stock at 11 convenient North American stocking locations. Materials include DuPont Pyralux flex products, EMC laminates, and Arlon products.
• NewPort Customer Portal Next generation customer portal combining ease of legacy CompassPort with speed and intelligence. Features smarter search with filters, total visibility of inventory and shipments, all-in-one order history, and product insights.
• Custom Fabrication Services Value-added services including slit and rewind, toll processing, metallization, final finishes, and toll conversion delivered through 4 Custom Fabrication Centers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4x more reliability at 260°C (OM Testing for EM-371z)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Arlon Electronic MaterialscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 September 2023Arlon, acquired by EMC in 2020, specializes in high-performance thermoset substrates including polyimide, low flow, and CTE-controlled PCB products. Insulectro became exclusive North American distributor for Arlon copperclad laminates beginning September 2023.
• EMC (Elite Materials Company)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 September 2023EMC is a Taiwan-based manufacturer and the world's largest supplier of halogen-free CCL materials. As master distributor for EMC, Arlon brings both product lines to Insulectro for North American distribution. EMC attained #2 worldwide market share in specialty laminates in 2022.
• Qnity (formerly DuPont™)coreTechnology or IntegrationQnity is a major supplier of flexible laminates (Pyralux®), dry films (Riston®), chemistry, and substrates. Insulectro is an authorized distributor of Qnity materials for North America, offering products for flexible circuits, high-speed digital, RF/microwave, and HDI applications.
• LCOA™coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLCOA designs, develops, and manufactures precision backup and entry solutions for PCB manufacturing. Based in Southern California since inception, LCOA is the North American leader in backup and entry sales with global presence in 15+ countries.
• Kyocera Precision ToolscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKyocera SGS designs and manufactures tight tolerance precision carbide cutting tools for PCB applications including drills, routers, end mills, and specialized cutting tools (0.05mm to 6.70mm diameters). Insulectro is the exclusive North American distributor. Joint R&D lab opened at Lake Forest headquarters in 2023.
• CAC, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationCAC, Inc. manufactures CAC (Copper Aluminum Copper) and CSC (Copper Steel Copper) bonded products. Produced in a clean room environment, these products improve panel flatness and layup efficiency for multilayer PCBs. Acquired from Oak-Mitsui in 2017.
• Pacothane TechnologiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPacothane services the worldwide PCB market with release films, press pads, and lamination assist products for rigid multilayer, rigid-flex, flexible multilayer, and flexible circuits.
• FOCUSTECH™coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFOCUSTECH supplies process chemicals and control solutions for PCB fabrication and chemical milling. Based in Tempe, Arizona with a 47,000 sq ft facility, they are the only PCB industry supplier designing and manufacturing both process chemicals and control systems.
• JX Metals CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJX Metals is the only supplier with integrated manufacturing from mining copper concentrate through surface treating of foils. Offers the broadest range of treated rolled copper foil products including HA-V2 for flex and rigid-flex applications.
• Mitsui KinzokucoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMitsui Kinzoku provides ultra-thin copper foils (MicroThin series) for MSAP and advanced packaging applications. MT18Ex and MT18FL products support very fine pitch patterns down to 20/20 μm line/space.
• Denkai AmericacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDenkai America supplies electrodeposited copper foils including TOB-III high-reliability foil for high power applications. Products include various treatment types and thickness options.
• Celanese Micromax®coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCelanese acquired DuPont's MCM Group and now offers Micromax® conductive inks and pastes through Insulectro. Products span membrane touch switches, sensors, RFID, wearables, automotive, and biomedical applications.
• AI Technology, Inc. (Ormet®)coreTechnology or IntegrationAI Technology acquired Ormet Circuits and continues distribution of Ormet® sintering pastes through Insulectro. These lead-free TLPS pastes provide high thermal and electrical conductivity for advanced packaging and PCB interconnects.
• ShikokucoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShikoku Chemicals Corporation supplies OSP (Organic Solderability Preservatives) including Glicoat-SMD F2(LX), microetching solutions (Glibrite GB-4300), and alternative oxide products (Glicap GC-750).
• Chang Chun PetrochemicalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChang Chun Petrochemical (CCP), headquartered in Taiwan with 70+ years of expertise, supplies high-performance electrodeposited copper including PLS, PKS, and PLS-L foil products for automotive, aerospace, and advanced electronics.
• Camden CoppercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCamden Copper produces high-quality electro-deposited copper foil domestically in the US with new ownership. Products focus on high-performance needs of military, medical, automotive, and power generation markets.
• InduBond®coreTechnology or IntegrationInduBond manufactures induction lamination presses (X-Press, X1, 130N, 230N, RFX) offering precise temperature control and reduced energy consumption. North American distributor with first sale to APCT in Southern California.
• International Brush CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIBC provides circuit board brushes with optimal aluminum construction, spiral-wound design, and precision trimming for surface preparation. Products include silicone carbide debur brushes and pumice brushes.
• TADCOcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTADCO manufactures lamination and transport plates for press systems with custom alloys and quality standards. Provides CMM reports and MIL-traceable Certificates of Compliance.
• PCBAA (Printed Circuit Board Association of America)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPCBAA is a consortium supporting domestic production of microelectronics and printed circuit boards. Works to educate and advocate in Washington D.C. for U.S. domestic manufacturing capabilities and national security.
• IPC®coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPC is a global association for electronics industry standards, training, industry intelligence, and public policy advocacy. More than 3,000 companies depend on IPC programs for competitive advantage.
• Women in ElectronicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn organization empowering women through virtual events, mentorship programs, professional development, and community building in the electronics industry.
• PCEA (Printed Circuit Engineering Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPCEA is an international network promoting printed circuit engineering through education, certification, communications, seminars, and workshops. Insulectro partners for Lunch 'n Learn educational sessions.
• Innovation Leadership ForumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA peer network enabling leaders to drive success through innovation and transformation, covering innovation, operational excellence, executive leadership, and global/local impact.
• VISTAGEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVistage facilitates confidential peer advisory groups for CEOs and senior leaders, focusing on solving challenges and accelerating growth. Over 24,000 executives in 25 countries participate.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Avnet: Global broad-line electronic components distributor serving industrial, automotive, aerospace, and IoT customers. While much broader in scope than Insulectro, Avnet's electronic components distribution overlap and similar technical sales model make it a comparable benchmark for distribution scale and margins.
• Arrow Electronics: One of the world's largest electronic components distributors serving OEMs and EMS providers globally. Comparable to Insulectro in targeting PCB fabricators and OEMs with technical support and supply chain services, though at vastly greater scale across all electronic components.
• WPG Holdings: Asia-Pacific-based electronic components distribution holding company operating globally. Relevant comparable for electronic components distribution model, though with significantly different geographic concentration than Insulectro's North American focus.

Direct peers

• TTI Inc. Specialty distributor of electronic components including connectors, passive, electromechanical, and discrete semiconductor components. Directly comparable to Insulectro's model of focusing technical distribution on specific component categories with deep inventory and value-added services.
• Heilind Electronics: Specialty distributor of electronic interconnect, electromechanical, and sensor products with strong North American footprint. Comparable to Insulectro's technical distribution model for specific electronic component categories, with similar focus on service, inventory depth, and supplier-authorized status.
• Mouser Electronics: Global authorized distributor of electronic components with strong catalog and e-commerce platform. Comparable to Insulectro's distribution model for electronic components serving both OEM engineers and production customers, though with broader component categories and global reach.
• DigiKey Electronics: One of the largest electronic component distributors in North America with broad product catalog and online ordering. Comparable to Insulectro as an authorized electronic components distributor serving engineers and production buyers, though serving many more component categories than PCB materials.
• Master Electronics: Distributor of electronic components and electromechanical products serving industrial and OEM customers. Closely comparable to Insulectro's authorized distribution model with focus on broadline electronic component categories and value-added services for production customers.
• Allied Electronics & Automation: North American distributor of electronic components and industrial automation products. Comparable to Insulectro in serving North American industrial and electronics customers with broad product categories, though with different mix favoring industrial automation over PCB materials.

Emerging players

• Hisco: Specialty distributor of materials and components for electronics manufacturing including PCB fabrication supplies. Comparable niche-level distribution model focused on electronics manufacturing materials, with similar technical sales and custom fabrication services to Insulectro.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks12 records

Key highlights14 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCjEFp6zmGnGPGqdkwH7ZLAA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/insulectro

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Insulectro