Copper Core PCBs
Superior Heat Transfer with Metal Backed Copper Boards
Metal core and metal-backed copper boards and PCBs offer benefits beyond traditional circuit boards. There are serious advantages to copper having the highest thermal conductivity of available materials. When copper boards are metal-backed they have better heat transfer and dissipation, and can be placed in high-temperature environments where other PCBs would not withstand the heat as they redirect the heat away from critical circuits, preventing performance issues.
The Candor Advantage
Candor provides comprehensive, customized solutions for metal-backed copper boards. By working with the Candor engineering team, you can ensure that your project parameters are met. We run comprehensive design checks, perform exhaustive testing, and provide unparalleled solutions for ease of manufacturability and quick turnaround and delivery.
For the substrate bonding in our metal backed copper boards we specialize in the use of aluminum oxide epoxy, allowing boards to have improved heat transfer ability compared to the convention prepreg bonding. Producing a product better suited for electric drives, automotive electronics, LEDs, and other high heat transfer designs. Candor metal-backed boards ensure that your design is getting the heat levels required for superior-quality products.
01
Higher Thermal Conductivity
Candor’s use of aluminum oxide epoxy in printed circuit boards significantly improves thermal management by providing thermal conductivity between 15–35 W/m·K. This performance greatly surpasses the conductivity of traditional fiberglass-reinforced epoxy materials, which typically range from 0.1–0.5 W/m·K. The advanced heat dissipation properties reduce thermal stress, protect sensitive electronic components, and enhance overall reliability in demanding environments.
02
Improved Durability and Longevity
Candor’s Copper Core PCBs and metal-backed boards improve durability through superior heat dissipation and mechanical stability. Copper’s high thermal conductivity prevents thermal stress, while the metal backing resists warping and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance in demanding conditions.
03
Environmentally Friendly Solutions
Copper’s recyclability and durability. allows it to be efficiently reclaimed and reused, reducing electronic waste. Additionally, the extended lifespan of copper PCBs minimizes the need for frequent replacements, conserving resources over time. Copper’s superior heat dissipation also enhances energy efficiency in applications, further lowering the environmental impact compared to less durable or less efficient PCB manufacturing methods. These factors make copper PCBs a sustainable choice for high-performance electronics.
An excellent option
Copper Coin Technology
What is it?
A solid copper insert press-fitted and plated into a PCB, creating a seamless, heat-conductive surface for direct heatsink integration.
Customer Benefits and Options
Improves heat dissipation, prevents hotspots, and lowers costs versus conductive via fills. Available in T-coins, drilled for heatsink mounting, or plated for direct circuit integration.
Why Choose Metal Backed Copper Boards
Applications of Metal Backed Copper Boards
Because of its high thermal conductivity and superior heat dissipation, copper core and metal-backed PCBs are ideal for high-power applications, such as street lights and power supplies. When working with high-temperature products, Candor ensures that your PCB survives severe conditions without damage to critical components by designing boards that offer the best thermal conductivity possible.
Copper core PCBs can help address
- Localized overheating from high-power components.
- Material warping from thermal expansion.
- Signal degradation in high-frequency applications.
- Stress from vibration and physical impacts.
- Fragility during manufacturing processes.
- Environmental stress like corrosion and extreme conditions.
Use cases with significant application advantages
- Interior lighting, lanterns, and street lights
- Headlights and power controllers
- High-frequency amplifiers and appliances
- CPU boards and power devices
- Bridges, converters, and solid-state relays
- Operating room tools, surgical lighting, and high-powered scanning technologies
FAQ
Why is copper used in PCBs?
Copper is integral to all Printed Circuit Board designs—it has extraordinary electrical and thermal characteristics, signal transmission, and heat dissipation.
Copper transfers heat across the board, decreases damage caused by irregular heating, and is used as a heat sink layer to reduce manufacturing costs. It’s also used as a plating in PCBs to increase the conductor and surface pad thickness.
What Role Does PCB Copper Balance Play in PCB Fabrication?
Copper balance provides many benefits, such as reducing board warpage, ensuring uniform plating across layers, and creating consistent conductor thickness on all plated surfaces. This improves signal transmission and overall circuit performance, plus copper balance results in a more balanced board during lamination.
What is copper base PCB?
Copper-based PCB has great thermal conductivity that is superior to aluminum and iron-based PCBs. Copper-base PCB applies high-frequency circuit design to areas that might be affected by consistent changes in temperature. It also improves communication and architectural design in boards.
What is the metal core of a PCB?
The metal core of a PCB can be copper, aluminum, iron, and other metals, and works to spread heat throughout the board and make it more stable in various environments. It can also be called a thermal or metal-backed PCB.
What is copper clad in PCB?
Copper-clad laminate, or CCL, is a PCB base material. Copper-clad boards are a type of lamination where copper is on one or both sides of the board. By laminating copper foil onto the board with resin and glass fabric sheets, small, light, thin, and multi-functional boards can be created for products such as televisions, cell phones, and computers.