What is a Metal Core PCB

A metal core PCB, also known as an MCPCB, is a type of printed circuit board that has a metal core layer instead of the traditional FR4 or other substrate material. The metal core serves as a heat sink, dissipating heat generated by the components on the board. This makes metal core PCBs ideal for high-power applications that generate a lot of heat, such as LED lighting, power supplies, and motor controllers.

Andwin provide thermal pad metal core PCB for customer, email us now for you PCB quote,
Email is : mcpcb@andwinmcpcb.com

Metal core PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards)

Metal core PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) are becoming increasingly popular in the electronics industry due to their superior thermal management capabilities. These PCBs have a metal core layer that acts as a heat sink, dissipating heat generated by the components on the board. This makes them ideal for use in high-power LED lighting, power supplies, automotive and aerospace applications, and many other industries where heat management is crucial.

The metal core layer is sandwiched between the top and bottom layers of the PCB, which are made of a non-conductive material such as fiberglass or ceramic. The metal core layer is then connected to the other layers through vias, which are small holes drilled through the board. The vias allow for the transfer of signals and power between the layers.

The metal core layer in these PCBs is typically made of aluminum, copper, or a combination of both. Aluminum is the most commonly used material due to its low cost and excellent thermal conductivity. Copper, on the other hand, is more expensive but has better thermal conductivity than aluminum. The choice of material depends on the specific application and the budget of the project.

One of the main advantages of metal core PCBs is their ability to dissipate heat quickly and efficiently. This is especially important in high-power LED lighting applications, where the heat generated by the LEDs can cause them to fail prematurely. Metal core PCBs can help extend the life of the LEDs by keeping them cool, which also improves their performance and efficiency.

Metal core PCBs also offer better electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding than traditional PCBs. The metal core layer acts as a shield, preventing electromagnetic waves from interfering with the signals on the board. This is important in applications where signal integrity is critical, such as in telecommunications and medical devices.

Another advantage of metal core PCBs is their durability and resistance to vibration and shock. This makes them ideal for use in automotive and aerospace applications, where the PCBs may be exposed to harsh environments and extreme temperatures.

Despite their many advantages, metal core PCBs are more expensive than traditional PCBs. However, the cost is often justified by the improved performance and reliability they offer. In addition, the cost of metal core PCBs has been decreasing in recent years due to advancements in manufacturing technology and increased demand.

In conclusion, metal core PCBs are an excellent choice for applications where thermal management, durability, and EMI shielding are important. They offer superior performance and reliability compared to traditional PCBs and are becoming increasingly popular in a wide range of industries. As the demand for high-performance electronics continues to grow, metal core PCBs will undoubtedly play an important role in the future of electronics design and manufacturing.

Thermal conductivity of 2 Layers thermal Pad MPCB

Thermal pad area is 385 W/m.k

Capability of Metal core PCB

Metal core PCB Capability
ItemTechnical specification
StandardAdvanced
Board thicknessMaximum (mm)3.05.0
Panel sizeMaximum (mm)600×1170/
Layer countAluminum PCB1-8L10 L
Copper PCB1-8L10 L
Iron PCB1/
ceramics PCB1-2/
Thermal ConductivityAluminum PCB(w/m.k)0.8 to 12
Copper PCB(w/m.k)2.0-378/
ceramics PCB(w/m.k)24
DrillingMinimum drill diameter (mm)1.00.8
2 Layer ALPCB Via0.3/
Lines/spacesMinimum0.2mm/0.2mm0.15mm/0.15mm
MaterialChao Shun(CCAF)(China)Yes/
Hua Dian(China)Yes/
Chin Shi(TaiWan)Yes/
Ventec(TaiWang)Yes/
ITEQ(Tai Wan)Yes/
ShengYi(China)Yes/
Laird(US)Yes/
Bergquist(US)Yes/
Other brand per customerYes/
Final finishingHASL Lead FreeYes/
HASLYes/
ENIGYes/
ENIPIGYes/
OSPYes/
Immersion SilverYes/
Immersion Tin/YES

About Andwin MCPCB

Andwin Ciurcuits MCPCB davision  set up on Feb. 2006.
Focus on  providing metal core PCB for customer
In LED field and power supply field.
We can meet all your MCPCB manufacturing needs,
From single-sided Aluminum to 
complex multilayered metal clad substrate PCBs
And from prototype through production.

The following is a list of the services and products 

We offer:
• Metal Core PCB
• Thermal PAD MCPCB
• Aluminum PCB
• Copper based PCB
Double sided Aluminum PCB

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