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Aluminum PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) are PCBs that have a metal core, usually made of aluminum, instead of the traditional FR4 (Fiberglass Reinforced Epoxy) material. The metal core provides better thermal conductivity, allowing for more efficient heat dissipation. This makes Aluminum PCBs ideal for high-power applications such as LED lighting, power electronics, and automotive applications.
Aluminum is a highly recyclable material, and it’s non-toxic. Hence, using the metal for production promotes energy conservation thanks to its ease of assembly. So, when PCB suppliers use aluminum, it preserves environmental health.
Aluminum Core PCBs have an aluminum core which provides excellent thermal conductivity. This allows for efficient heat dissipation, making them ideal for high-power LED lighting, automotive lighting, and power electronics.
Aluminum is a durable material, making Aluminum Core PCBs highly resistant to wear and tear. They can withstand harsh environments, making them suitable for applications that require high reliability and durability.
Compared to traditional FR4 PCBs, Aluminum Core PCBs are lighter in weight. This makes them ideal for applications where weight is a concern, such as in aerospace and automotive industries.
Despite their advanced properties, Aluminum Core PCBs are cost-effective and can be produced at a lower cost than other advanced PCB materials.
PCBWay adheres to the highest quality standards in material selection
Part Number | AL-01-B10 | AL-01-B15 | AL-01-B30 | CS-AL-88-AD2 | GL12, GL22 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vendor | BOYU | BOYU | BOYU | CSEM | GDM |
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·k) |
1.0 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 < λ≤1.5 |
Peel Strength (Lb/in) |
≥8 | ≥8 | ≥8 | >9 | ≥6 |
Breakdown Voltage (AC/KV) |
5.0 | 5.0 |
4.0 for 75um dielectric thickness 4.5 for 100um dielectric thickness 6.0 for 125um dielectric thickness |
>3 | ≥2 |
Tg (°C) | 110 | 110 | 150 | 100 | AABUS |
Td (°C) | 380 | 380 | 380 | 410 | AABUS |
Dk (@1MHz) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.6 | AABUS |
Df (@1MHz) | ≤0.02 | ≤0.02 | ≤0.02 | 0.013 | AABUS |
MOT | 130°C | 130°C | 130°C | 130°C | - |
1-In a hybrid aluminum structure, non-thermal materials are separately processed and refined before being applied to thermal materials with an aluminum base.
2-The most common approach is to develop 2-layer or 4-layer structures typically composed of FR4 material.
3-The non-thermal material, bonded to the thermal material and aluminum base, provides rigidity and aids in heat dissipation.
4-This non-thermal bonding is preferred over using all thermal materials as it offers lower costs and higher thermal efficiency compared to conventional FR4 products.
5-The development of this product does not require heat sinks or related assembly steps.
6-Component windows are used in aluminum to accommodate through-hole components, allowing connectors and cables to pass through the board while soldering rounded corners to create a seal, eliminating the need for special washers or other expensive adapters.
1-In the high-performance power supply market, multilayer aluminum PCBs are very common and made
with multilayer thermal dielectrics.
2-These structures feature one or multiple layers of circuits embedded in the dielectric, with
blind vias serving as thermal vias or signal paths.
3-Single-layer designs are not very efficient, but when they come with more complex designs,
they provide an ideal solution for many heat-related applications.
1-When dealing with the most complex structures, single-layer aluminum is backfilled and
pre-drilled before being laminated to form the core of a multilayer structure.
2-The thermal material layers are then laminated on both sides of the aluminum using thermal
bonding materials.
3-Once lamination is complete, drilling is applied for assembly.
4-To maintain proper electrical insulation, the electroplated through-holes resulting from
drilling must pass through the aluminum gap.
Feature | Capability |
---|---|
Material | Aluminum core (Domestic 1060), Copper core, FR4 covering |
Thermal Conductivity | 1.0W/(m⋅K) 1.5W/(m⋅K) 2.0W/(m⋅K) 3.0W/(m⋅K) |
Min. Track/Spacing | 4mil |
Min. Hole Size | 1layer(0.8mm) 2layers (0.2mm) |
Board Thickness | 0.4-3.2mm |
Surface Finishing | Immersion gold, OSP, Hard gold, Immersion silver, ENEPIG |
Finsih copper | 1-4oz |
Feature | Capability |
---|---|
Solder Mask | Green, Red, Yellow, Blue, White, Black, Purple, Matte black, Matte green |
Silkscreen | White, Black |
Via Process | Tenting Vias, Plugged Vias, Vias not covered |
Testing | Fly Probe Testing (Free) and A.O.I. testing |
Build Time | 2-3 days |
Lead Time | 3-4 days |
Aluminum PCBs have gained wide recognition in various lighting applications, including automotive lighting, LED applications, general lighting, and traffic lights. Also, aluminum PCBs are usually an ideal solution for tight-tolerant and high-power devices.
PCBWay offers a wide range of PCB services, including flex, rigid-flex, and rigid PCB fabrication, ensuring that we can cater to diverse project requirements. We use top-grade materials and state-of-the-art equipment to guarantee optimal performance and reliability of their PCBs. PCBWay's commitment to quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction makes us a top choice for businesses and individuals seeking high-quality, customized, and reliable PCB fabrication services.
We offer transparent pricing, with no hidden fees. Our products are made in our own factories, so you can be sure of the quality.
Aluminum PCBs offer superior thermal performance and durability compared to traditional FR4 PCBs, making them ideal for high-power and high-reliability applications.
The appropriate thickness of the aluminum substrate for a PCB design depends on several factors, including the required thermal performance, mechanical strength, and cost considerations.
Popular surface finishes for aluminum PCBs include OSP, ENIG, and HASL. However, due to the unique properties of aluminum, some surface finishes may not be suitable, and it is important to consult with your PCB manufacturer for guidance.
To ensure good thermal management when designing with aluminum PCBs, it is important to consider the placement and size of thermal vias, the use of thermal pads for components, and the selection of appropriate heat sinks and cooling
solutions. It is also important to perform extensive testing and analysis to validate the thermal performance of the design.