Aluminum PCB is one of the most widely used metal core PCBs, also called as MC PCB, aluminum-clad, or insulated metal substrate, etc. The base structure of the aluminum PCB has no much different from other PCBs. The aluminum base is its notable feature. Usually, aluminum PCB includes four layers: a substrate layer (aluminum layer), a dielectric layer (insulating layer), a circuit layer (copper foil layer), and an aluminum base membrane (protective layer).
The BENEFITS OF ALUMINUM BASE PCBs
1. Better temperature management
As we all know, high-temperature situations will appear when the electronics are operating at high speeds. If the thermal energy cannot be directed away quickly, the components which under high temperature may be softened, deformation, parameters changed, and performance changed, even present safety risks. Aluminum bases can remove the heat from components very soon, which allows high-density and high-power PCB designs to be achieved. The heat dissipation efficiency of aluminum PCB is ten times higher than the fiber-glass base PCBs.
2. Excellent mechanical stability and lighter weight
Substrates made of aluminum alloys have high physical durability, which can reduce the risk of breakage during transportation and daily use. And aluminum is a lighter metal. It can provide greater strength and flexibility than other metal PCBs with equal weight.
3. Reasonable cost with lower environmental impact
Aluminum is cheaper and eco-friendlier compared to other metal bases because it is a non-toxic metal and easy to extract. And less additional radiators are needed when the components that have high requirements for thermal dissipation assembled on aluminum board. It means there is less manufacturing and material cost when using aluminum PCBs.
The applications and types of aluminum PCBs
The best benefit of aluminum PCB is the excellent efficiency of heat dissipation. It transmits the heat and cools the components fast, which can improve the overall performance of the end products. Therefore, aluminum PCBs are the ideal solution for high-density and high-power products such as LED applications, power supply equipment, computers, and so on.
