Aluminum Core PCB for Power & LED Applications

Metal core PCBs (MCPCBs) replace the standard fiberglass substrate with a metal base — typically aluminum or copper — to dramatically improve heat dissipation. The structure includes a circuit copper layer, a thermally conductive dielectric insulating layer, and the metal core. MCPCBs are widely used in LED lighting, automotive electronics, power supplies, and aerospace systems where thermal management is critical, and they can dissipate heat up to 9x faster than standard FR-4 PCBs.

Aluminum PCBs use a metal substrate that dissipates heat 5–10x faster than FR-4 fiberglass boards. FR-4 boards have a thermal resistance of 20–22°C/W, while aluminum boards run significantly cooler. This extended thermal performance improves component life and overall reliability, making aluminum core PCBs the preferred choice for high-power LED and power supply applications operating in thermally demanding environments.

SFX PCB offers circuit layer copper thicknesses ranging from 1 oz to 10 oz (35µm to 350µm), with standard options at 35µm, 70µm, 105µm, 140µm, 175µm, and 210µm. Heavier copper weights (5–20 oz) are also available for high-current power applications such as power amplifiers, switching regulators, and automotive systems.

Aluminum core PCBs are available with HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling), ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold), OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative), and Silver surface finishes. ENIG is recommended for fine-pitch components, while HASL is a cost-effective option for general-purpose assemblies and is compliant with anti-high-temperature specifications above 250°C.

SFX PCB manufactures aluminum core PCBs in board thicknesses from 0.5mm to 5.0mm, with metal backing plate options of 1.0mm, 1.5mm, and 3.2mm. The maximum board size is 1200mm x 480mm and the minimum is 5mm x 5mm, accommodating a wide range of designs from compact LED modules to large industrial power boards.

Yes. SFX PCB holds ISO13485 certification for medical device manufacturing and produces aluminum and metal core PCBs that meet requirements for moisture resistance, thermal cycling, and mechanical shock tolerance required in aerospace and defense applications. Products are also RoHS and REACH compliant for regulated medical and industrial markets globally.

SFX PCB offers fast-turnaround prototyping with boards assembled from 24 hours once all parts and Gerber files are available. Mass production lead times vary based on layer count, copper weight, and order volume. You can submit your Gerber files via the contact form or WhatsApp to receive a confirmed lead time and a DFM (Design for Manufacturability) analysis at no charge.