Metal Core PCB

What is a Metal Core PCB?

A Metal Core PCB (MCPCB) is a printed circuit board that integrates a metal base, most commonly aluminum, but also copper or a copper alloy, designed to efficiently conduct and dissipate heat away from high-power electronic components. Unlike standard FR4 boards, MCPCBs feature a three-layer structure: a thermally conductive metal substrate, a thin dielectric layer with high thermal conductivity but electrical insulation, and a patterned copper circuit layer on top. This construction not only enhances thermal management and mechanical stability but also enables higher power densities and longer component lifetimes.

At JLCPCB, state-of-the-art lamination and precision drilling ensure excellent bonding between layers and minimal thermal resistance, resulting in MCPCBs that are reliable, durable, and tailored for demanding applications such as LED lighting, power converters, and automotive electronics.

Types of Metal Cores

The most common types of metal cores used in MCPCBs are aluminum and copper, each with distinct properties that suit different applications:

Aluminum Core PCB:

Aluminum is the most widely used metal core material due to its excellent balance of thermal conductivity, lightweight nature, and cost-effectiveness. It is ideal for LED lighting, consumer electronics, and automotive applications where heat dissipation is crucial but overall cost must remain low.

Copper Core PCB:

Copper offers superior thermal conductivity compared to aluminum, making it suitable for extremely high-power or high-frequency applications where maximum heat transfer is needed. Although heavier and more expensive than aluminum, copper cores are often preferred in power electronics, RF applications, and aerospace systems that demand top-tier thermal and electrical performance.