A metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) also known as thermal PCB, incorporates a metal material as its base as opposed to the traditional FR4, for the heat spreader fragment of the board. Heat builds up due to some electronic components during the operation of the board. The purpose of the metal is to divert this heat away from critical board components and towards less crucial areas such as the metal heatsink backing or metallic core. Hence, these PCBs are apt for thermal management.
MCPCBs are also referred to as insulated metallic substrate (IMS), insulated metal PCBs (IMPCB), thermal clad PCBs, and metal-clad PCBs.
The metal core PCB can be aluminium (aluminium core PCB), copper (copper core PCB or a heavy copper PCB) or a mixture of special alloys. The most common is an aluminium core PCB. Other materials, like brass or steel, are sometimes requested but are not recommended.
Metal core PCBs transfer heat 8 to 9 times faster than FR4 PCBs. MCPCB laminates dissipate heat, keeping heat generating components cooler which results in increased performance and life.
PCB Technocrats is dedicated to provide finest quality Metal Core PCBs and PCB Assembly, to our customer’s requirement.
Why metal core PCBs?
Accumulation of too much heat in printed circuit boards lead to malfunctions in the devices. Electronic devices that generate a considerable amount of heat cannot always be cooled using conventional fans. Conductive cooling through metal core boards is an ideal option. In conductive cooling, the heat is transferred from one hot part to a cooler part by direct contact. This works well since heat constantly seeks to move to any object or medium that is cooler.
Metal Core PCB Applications :
MCPCBs are most widely found in LED lighting technologies. Some of the popular applications are:
Types of metal bases utilized in MCPCBs
Aluminum substrate – The aluminum printed circuit boards offer good heat dissipation and heat transferring ability. Since they are light in weight, the aluminum core PCBs find their purpose in LED lighting, audio frequency apparatus, and communication electronic equipment.
Here, the thickness of the core ranges between 30 mils and 125 mils, with 40 mils and 60 mils being the most commonly used but thicker and thinner plates are possible.MCPCB copper foil thickness can be 1 - 10 oz.
Copper base (copper core or heavy copper) – The copper core boards feature better performance than aluminum. But customers generally choose aluminum since copper is relatively expensive. Also, copper cores are heavier and involve a tough machining process. Copper also corrodes easier than aluminum.
Advantages of MCPCB
These boards possess the ability to integrate a dielectric polymer layer with high thermal conductivity for lower thermal resistance.
- The higher the conductivity of the material, the faster the heat transfer.
- Metal substrates are long-lasting and are more conductive than epoxy products.
- The metal boards can be etched to control heat flow away from components.
- Implemented in high vibration applications. The components don’t fall off since the core reduces the vibration.
- Boards with aluminum, tend to be lighter in weight than ceramics.
- Metals are non-toxic and are recyclable.
