Aluminum PCB

What's the aluminum printed circuit board(PCB)?

Aluminum PCB also can be named as the aluminum base, aluminum-clad, metal clad printed circuit board(MCPCB), insulated metal substrate (IMS OR IMPCB), thermally conductive PCBs, etc. These different names mean the same thing. Before knowing more about aluminum back PCB, first getting familiar with its structure and how it works is very necessary.

Aluminum PCB consists of three layers, and they are the circuit layer (copper layer), the dielectric layer (insulating layer), the substrate layer (aluminum base layer). There is an aluminum base membrane as the fourth layer to protect the aluminum surface from scraping and unwanted etching. Aluminum clads are widely used because the high efficient of dissipating heat and cooling electronic components can increase the overall performance of the end products. The heat produced by these operating devices mounted on the circuit layer will be transferred from the insulating layer to the aluminum base layer quickly and dissipates into the air from the aluminum base. It is the heat dissipation process of aluminum PCBs products.

What are the unique characteristics and benefits of aluminum PCBs?

1. Excellent thermal conductivity and dissipation

Aluminum clad is the right choice when thermal conductivity and heat dissipation requirements are very high. Aluminum back PCBs have strength in transferring the heat away quickly from printed circuit board components to minimize the damage of high temperature to the electronics and extend service life. The heat dissipation of aluminum PCB is as much ten times as more efficient than fiber-glass clad PCB designs. Better temperature management of electronics allows high power and high-density PCB designs easier to be achieved.

2. Higher durability

Aluminum provides aluminum base PCBs a highly mechanically stable; its durability let itself to be used in the applications which require a high level of mechanical stability. And it can reduce the risk of damage during manufacturing, transportation, and daily use. 

3. Lighter weight

Aluminum is a lighter metal but with excellent mechanical properties, which can increase the strength and flexibility of the PCB without adding extra weight. Moreover, lower copper weight is available in aluminum PCBs compared to other metal PCBs.

4. Eco-friendly

Aluminum is a recyclable metal with non-toxic. Form the aspect of green and environmental protection, PCB manufacturers, and end customers prefer to choose aluminum PCBs.

5. Lower price

Aluminum is easy to mine and refine, which makes the cost of manufacturing PCB products less expensive than using other metals. Moreover, extra radiator and thermal interface material are not necessary due to the efficient heat dissipation of aluminum PCB. This means PCB designers can reduce the volume of printed circuit boards and lower the manufacturing cost.

Aluminum PCB has several types. The single-sided aluminum PCB is the most commonly used in PCB prototype and PCB assembly. Other types of aluminum PCB for different applications are also available, such as flexible aluminum PCB, multilayer aluminum PCB, hybrid aluminum PCB, through-hole aluminum PCB, etc.

As an experienced aluminum PCB prototype manufacturer, NextPCB' s printed aluminum PCBs have been widely used in LED lighting, power equipment, and automotive systems. With the advantages of aluminum PCB, you can find a proper answer if other metal PCBs cannot satisfy the heat dissipation and density requirements of your PCB designs. NEXTPCB can provide full features of aluminum circuit board prototype service with high quality, and control your budget efficiently at the same time.