An Introduction to Aluminum PCB and Its Benefits

Aluminum PCB is perhaps the most common among all the printed circuit boards along with the metal based PCB. It contains an aluminum core as the base of the board and combines with the thermal clad. Thus, it dissipates heat highly efficiently. It enables the circuits in any component to get a reduced temperature and a boost in the overall performance.

Due to such great performance and efficiency, Aluminum PCB is widely used in electronic equipment, audio devices, automobiles, computers, etc.

In this article, we will discuss what is aluminum PCB, what is its key structure, advantages, and wide range of applications. Also, you will get to know why FX PCB is able to manufacture the best aluminum PCBs at the most affordable pricing.

Table of Contents

What Is Aluminum PCB and Its Structures

The most standard printed circuit board will use the FR4 as its base. But the aluminum PCB is unique in the sense as it uses aluminum core as its substrate. Aluminum is known for its high thermal dissipation ability. PCB manufacturers such as FX PCB take advantage of such high conductivity of aluminum to build printed circuit boards.

Since aluminum has great thermal dissipation capacity and even higher-resistance, it comes in handy to cool off the devices where it is used. It means the devices will remain atan optimal temperature which enhances their overall performance.

Over the years, aluminum PCBs have become the apple of the eye to many electronic, audio, computer, and medical equipment manufacturers due to its such impressive benefits. However, you might be keen to know the exact structure of aluminum PCB.

So, here we go-

Likewise, every PCB, aluminum circuit boards also have three layers of structures. Firstly, the circuit layer sits at the top, then the insulating layer at the middle, and finally, the aluminum substrate. These three layers combine for the best performances of the installed devices.

Circuit Layer (Copper):

The circuit layer is made of copper and is responsible to transmit the signals electronically over the entire board. As it transmits signals digitally, the copper particles have to move constantly. It generates serious heat to these particles.

The circuit layer thus transfers the heat to the aluminum substrate where the heat is dissipated evenly. Thus, the circuit layer cools off quickly.

Insulation or Dielectric Layer:

In between the circuit layer and the substrate, lies the insulation layer. At times you will see people referring it to as the dielectric layer for the way it works and is structured. The layer is made of materials with poor electric conductivity. It means the dielectric layers actually prevent the electricity generated in the copper layer to get dissipated in the aluminum substrate.

Thus, there’s no loss to the electric signals. However, the dielectric layer absorbs the heat generated on the circuit layer and then, transfers it to the aluminum base.

The Substrate Layer:

This is the part from which the aluminum PCB gets its name from actually. Aluminum is used as the base of the circuit board instead of the standard FR4. Also, the substrate works as the foundation of the entire printed circuit board.

Manufacturers use different materials as the circuit board base to vary its heat-dissipating performance and overall effectiveness. In this case, the base is aluminum. The most common base is the standard aluminum plate. It keeps the cost low and boosts performance.

Some common aluminum plates used as the base are 5052, 6061, 1060, etc.

Aluminum PCB Advantages and Benefits

  1. Aluminum is non-toxic and is easily recyclable. Hence, it is an eco-friendly element. Furthermore, assembling aluminum substrate in the circuit board is easier than other metals and ceramics. So, it preserves energy which is too friendly for the environment.
  2. Different high-end devices need to transmit signals in a high amount. Thus, these devices run the risk of burning down the circuit board due to overheating. Aluminum with its even and fast heat dissipation helps to keep the devices cool off soon. Thus, it prolongs the device lifespan and boosts its performance as well.
  3. Aluminum is immensely flexible yet rigid. Thus, it comes with the durability that a ceramic or fiberglass circuit board base can’t offer to you. Its durability means the circuit board will enjoy an enhanced lifespan.
  4. Since aluminum has the perfect combination of flexibility and sturdiness, its manufacturing is easier too. It reduces the chance of breakage and damage during manufacturing and everyday use in the device. Thus, manufacturers of various devices find it a promising circuit board investment.
  5. Aluminum is exceedingly lightweight compared to its durability and rugged feature. Thus, the aluminum circuit board adds strength and resilience to the device while keeping its weight in a minimal state. Also, lightweight means, carrying a bulk amount of aluminum PCB is actually less costly.
  6. Aluminum is more affordable than copper and ceramic materials. Thus, the real costing to manufacture these printed circuit boards is much less compared to the other meal base PCBs in the market.

Aluminum PCB Applications

We have already described that aluminum has highly thermal dissipation ability. Also, it has a rare and useful combination of optimal flexibility and sturdiness. These features of the element that has helped manufacturers use aluminum PCBs in various applications.

  • In audio devices: You will see aluminum PCB mostly in input and output amplifier, pre-amplifier, soundbars, etc.
  • Computer components: Computer manufacturers use the aluminum printed circuit board in power supply components, floppy disk, CPU boards, and so on.
  • Power modules: Power modules such as rectifier bridges, and inverters use these circuit boards due to their durability.
  • Power supply: AC and DC converts, switching regulator, SW switches, and other power supply equipment use aluminum PCBs.
  • Communication equipment: Modern-day devices consist of aluminum PCB-made transmitter circuits, filtering appliances, etc.
  • Lamps and lightings: The modern-day lamps and lights have aluminum PCB bases LEDs as a means of cost-cutting efficiency and power-saving fixation.

FX PCB Manufactures High-Quality Aluminum PCB

FX PCB is one of the leading printed circuit board (PCB) developers and manufacturers in China and worldwide. We have over 10+ years of experience and are committed to meet the needs of modern-day and advanced device manufacturers.

We manufacture one of the finest and best aluminum PCBs in the market. We bring an extra layer of thermal cladding to improve the performance of our aluminum PCBs. Also, we recheck each production slot before delivering to our customers to ensure the highest- possible quality.

Whether you need circuit boards for prototyping or in the bulk amount, our flexible budget plans will surely serve your purpose. Also, we produce various types of printed circuit boards to cater to all your needs for versatile PCBs in the industry.

Also, we work with different aluminum plates such as 5052, 6061, 1060, etc. to meet your requirements for different types of aluminum PCBs. It enables us to produce varied layers of performance and costing for different PCBs.

Final Words

Aluminum PCB without any doubt is one of the most used printed circuit boards in the industry at present.  Its high-performing and durable features have made it the favorite of all electric device and gear manufacturers.

We understand the growing need for better aluminum PCB without sky-rocketing the price. Hence, we are committed to delivering you the best aluminum PCBs at a reasonable price. Also, our circuit board manufacturing experience is a thing to count on always.

Peter Gong
Peter Gong

I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.