Metal Core PCBs (MCPCBs) | Insulated Metal Base PCBs (IMS PCBs) | Thermal PCBs
Metal Core PCB (MCPCB) , also known as Insulated Metal Base PCB (IMS PCB) or Thermal PCB, is designed and developed to overcome the thermal limitations of the common FR4 materials. It is composed with a metal plate layer – usually Aluminum or Copper or Steel Alloy, a thermal insulating layer (IMS) and a copper foil, which ensures a reliable performance on thermal conductivity, heat dissipation and great dielectric rigidness against high voltages. The main function of the metal core of an MCPCB is to redirect heat away from critical circuit components to less crucial areas like heat-sink or metallic core.
Generally speaking, Aluminum is the most commonly used metal core due to its good thermal conductivity and heat dissipation ability plus a relatively inexpensive cost, we call this PCB as Aluminum Core PCB. Copper core has better performance than Aluminum does but also more expensive, we call it Copper Core PCB. Steel Alloy PCB can be more rigid than the previous two metal core materials but with weaker thermal conductivity and heat dissipation capabilities.
Designers and users should choose the right base/core materials according to their different applications and requirements on functionality.
Advantages of Metal Core PCBs
The Insulated Metal Substrate technique provides a long list of benefits when an application requires great thermal conductivity and fast heat dissipation. More and more engineers and users choose MCPCBs to take their advantages compared over traditional FR4 PCBs:
• Superior Heat Dissipation Performance – The metal substrate such as Aluminum, Copper or other Alloy, presents higher efficiency on thermal conductivity and heat dissipation for circuit components operated under high temperature, which enhances the reliability and lifespan of the electronic applications.
• Higher Durability – Metal Cores have higher rigidness and stability than common ceramics or fiberglass materials, which guarantee higher durability for products working against high temperature and/or high voltages.
• Lighter Weight and More Recyclable – PCBs with metal substrates are usually thinner, lighter and longer-lasting compared to traditional PCBs made with epoxy resin materials. In addition, they are more environmental friendly, as the metal cores used are non-toxic and recyclable.
Applications of Metal Core PCBs
Printed Circuits Boards that work under high current or high voltages usually generate a lot of heat at the same time. To get faster thermal conductivity and heat dissipation, MCPCB will be a suitable and safe option.
As per our project experience, we list the most common applications which usually use MCPCBs:
– LED Lighting
– Power Conversion / Storage / Supplies
– New Energy (e.g. Photovoltaics)
– Industrial Control
– Automotive Electronics
– Network & Communications
– Aviation
Copper Core PCB for Automobile Lamp
Types of Metal Core PCBs
Single Layer MCPCB
Double Layer MCPCB
Double-Sided MCPCB
Multi-Layer MCPCB
COB (Chip On Board) MCPCB
Fig.1 Single Layer MCPCB Structure
Fig.2 Double Layer MCPCB Structure
Fig.3 Double-Sided MCPCB Structure
Fig.4 Multi-Layer MCPCB Structure
Fig.5 COB (Chip On Board) MCPCB Structure
X-Parts Metal Core PCBs Manufacturing Capabilities
| Features | Standard | Advanced |
| Layer Count | 1-4L | ＞4L |
| Technology Highlights | An effective heat sink solution for thermal applications. The metal substrate such as Aluminum, Copper or other Alloy, presents higher efficiency on thermal conductivity and heat dissipation for circuit components operated under high temperature, which enhances the reliability and lifespan of the electronic applications. | |
| Materials | Aluminum / Copper / Steel Alloy etc., FR4, PTFE, Thermal Dielectrics | |
| Dielectric Thickness | 0.05 MM – 0.2 MM | |
| Copper Thickness | 35 μm – 140 μm | |
| Metal Core Thickness | 0.4 MM – 3.2 MM | |
| Minimum Track / Spacing | 0.1 MM / 0.1 MM | |
| Thermal Conductivity | 1-12 W/m/K | |
| Maximum Dimensions | 550 MM x 700 MM | |
| Surface Finish | HASL, HASL LF, ENIG, Immersion Tin, Immersion Silver | |
| Minimum Mechanical Drill | 0.3 MM | |
| Minimum Laser Drill | 0.10 MM | 0.075 MM |