Advantages of Metal Core Printed Circuit Boards

There are many materials for pcb boards to choose from, such as metal PCB, insulated metal substrate (IMS or IMPCB), metal core PCB (MCPCB), aluminum composite board, aluminum substrate, etc. But if heat dissipation is considered, metal core pcb is preferred. But if heat dissipation is to be considered, then metal core pcb is the first choice. First, metal PCBs provide better heat dissipation than traditional FR-4 epoxy glass-based PCBs.

This is due to the 5 to 10 times higher thermal conductivity and 10 times higher thickness of traditional architectures. Exceptionally efficient heat transfer allows metal PCBs to use very light copper layers, reducing the cost and thickness of the solution. At the same time, the metal layer can consist entirely of metal or a combination of fiberglass (FR-4) and metal.

The structure of metal core pcb

A metal PCB consists of a dielectric layer with high thermal conductivity, a metal layer, and a copper film with high heat dissipation capability. The most widely used materials for making metal layers are aluminum and copper, and sometimes stainless steel is also used. Metal core PCBs are used to absorb heat from high power components to transfer heat easily. So the purpose of using metal core pcb is to provide much higher thermal conductivity than FR-4.

Generally, the upper layer of the Metal Core pcb structure is formed by a thin copper film, which is etched like a traditional printed circuit board. Thin copper films range in thickness from 1 oz to 4 oz. The innermost layer is a dielectric material whose function is to electrically isolate the metal layer from the copper film while allowing rapid heat transfer between the two layers. In the case of a multi-layer MCPCB, the number of layers in relation to the inner metal layers must be evenly distributed. For example, in a 6-layer pcb, the metal layers are placed in the middle, with 3 layers on top and 3 layers on the bottom.

We also need to note that the metal core of the heat dissipation PCB can be aluminum core PCB, copper core PCB, heavy copper PCB and stainless steel. However, metal PCB materials are very hard and cutting the PCB into small pieces can be problematic. So we need to consider whether the chemicals in the manufacturing will react to them when choosing metal PCB materials.

4 Advantages of metal core pcb

heat dissipation

This is one of the biggest advantages of metal core pcbs. It transfers heat 8 to 9 times faster than FR-4 PCB. If our PCB needs to cool quickly then it is better to use metal PCB instead of traditional FR-4 substrate. So the biggest advantage of a metal core PCB is that it uses a special substrate material that increases the reliability of designs that operate at higher than normal temperatures. Metal core pcb designs actively draw heat from where hot running components are to opposing layers of the board for more efficient and safe heat dissipation.

low cost

In addition to thermal properties, aluminum has the advantage of being recyclable and low cost. When our LED metal core pcb is discarded, we can recycle metal from it. This also further saves production costs. At the same time, PCBs with metal substrates are lighter, more durable, and more conductive. Therefore, the manufacturing costs associated with PCBs with aluminum substrates can also be reduced. Aluminum PCBs are also a cost-effective alternative to more expensive and bulky heat sinks. Aluminium is known to be a non-toxic and fully recyclable metal. The use of aluminium in metal PBC helps protect our environment in the chain linking producers to final consumers.

more stable

Chinese metal core PCB design will make the PCB more stable. Taking the most commonly used LED metal core PCB as an example, it effectively solves the heat dissipation problem of long-term use of LED street lamps. In addition to guaranteeing high stability, aluminum is also very light, thus adding strength and flexibility to the printed circuit board without adding weight.