The world of electronics and electricity has a core dependency on the PCBs these days. Consequently, many types of PCBs have been developed to fulfill different electronics function. The latest and ardent edition in the long line of PCBs is the multilayer Alu PCB.
These days the multilayer aluminum PCB is used widely in the advanced power supply modules. Besides, it brings tons of benefits for consumers.
However, a majority of people have little idea about the aluminum-made multilayer PCB. Henceforth, we are going to discuss the manufacturing process, manufacturing difficulty, and use of a multilayer aluminum printed circuit board along with its advantages and disadvantages in the electronics and electrical field.
So, shall we begin?
FX PCB is a professional PCB Supplier to produce single-layer Aluminum base PCB and Multilayer Aluminum PCB board, please send us your Gerber file, and let us give you the price or suggestion on your design.
As a professional and reliable supplier with more than ten years of expertise in the manufacturing of Aluminum printed circuit boards, FX PCB can manufacture single-layer Alu PCB and 2 Layer / double sided Aluminum PCB.
We are able to supply you with small, medium, or mass production at a reasonable cost on Aluminum PCB, and quality is always the key essential for us FX PCB passed the ISO9001 and the manufacturing process will strictly follow the quality control.
Multilayer aluminum PCBs are, as you might guess, printed circuit boards with multiple layers of thin aluminum sandwiched between a copper foil layer. It has an aluminum base membrane and also another layer of dielectric conductive material.
The single-layer aluminum PCBs were initially developed during the early 1970s. Soon after, it saw a booming application ranging from amplifiers to integrated hybrid circuits. Following the extraordinary success of single-layer aluminum printed circuit boards, soon manufacturers turned their focus on building multiple layer-based aluminum PCBs.
It didn’t take much time, and from then on, it has been serving the electronics market with great success and usefulness.
The aluminum-based printed circuit boards (PCBs) are aluminum-based Copper Clad Laminates (CCLs). CCLs are materials that manufacturers use mostly for PCBs. The structure of the multilayer PCBs are similar to flame-resistant and popular FR4 printed circuit boards.
The aluminum PCB manufacturer has four underlying layers. These are copper foil, aluminum base membrane, conductive dielectric material layer, and lastly, an aluminum layer.
Now we are going to describe these layers in brief.
Likewise, the widespread copper core PCB, aluminum PCB also has several types. The classification depends on its thermal and electric conduciveness and application. These are:
Aluminum backed PCB brings several benefits in the practical field of electronics. These are described in the following section.
Multiple layers of aluminum PCB increases the conduciveness capacity and functioning of the boards. It does so by laminating the layers together. As the number of layers increases, more wiring and circuitry perfectly fit into the multiple layers of the printed board.
Aluminum printed circuit boards are available in two forms. These are rigid aluminum PCB and flexible aluminum PCB. So, it gives you freedom in work. However, flexibility decreases with the growing number of aluminum layers.
As multiple layers are combined in a small space, the numerous layers increase the functionality. It is an excellent benefit for manufacturing small electronic devices.
Since manufacturers can use a multilayer PCB made of aluminum within a small space, it frees them from the complexity of connecting several PCBs. So, the overall weight is reduced significantly and makes the design straightforward.
Aluminum PCBs have an extended operational life compared to ceramic, copper, or fiberglass made PCBs. Henceforth, devices made with aluminum PCB enjoy a longer lifespan too.
Although multiple layered Aluminum PCBs bring excellent benefits for consumers, the manufacturing has two main difficulties. These are:
Aluminum PCBs use comparatively thicker copper foils. However, the ideal copper foil thickness is 3 oz. If it becomes denser than the 3 oz, then the PCBs need width compensation. Thus, the etching procedure may exceed the tolerance level for tracing width.
Thus, the copper foil thickness requires to be maintained properly for a correct etching.
The thicker copper foil also makes the solder mask printing challenging. So, manufacturers use two-times solder mask printing along with quality solder mask oil. They also perform the resin filling before the soldering.
So, this is all about multilayer Alu PCB. We hope you now have a clear idea about how the multilayered aluminum PCBs are made and what benefits it brings in electronics manufacturing. If you have further queries on aluminum printed circuit boards, feel free to contact us.
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.
