What is Metal Core PCB?
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 FR-4 boards, an MCPCB incorporates a base metal material (usually Aluminum or Copper) as a heat spreader. The basic structure consists of three layers:
- Circuit Layer: Copper foil for electrical signals.
- Dielectric Layer: A thermally conductive but electrically insulating layer (the key to performance).
- Base Metal Layer: Aluminum or Copper substrate that physically supports the board and transfers heat away from critical components.
This construction not only enhances thermal management and mechanical stability but also enables higher power densities and longer component lifetimes.
At RUNHI, 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 Core PCB
- Aluminum Core PCB (Standard): It’s 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 (Premium): 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.
The Benefits of Metal Core PCB
- Superior Heat Dissipation: Metal core PCBs excel at drawing heat away from components thanks to their thermally conductive base. This keeps components cool and prevents overheating failures.
- Enhanced Mechanical Strength: The metal substrate provides increased durability and rigidity compared to standard FR4 boards. This added mechanical stability improves resistance to vibration and mechanical stress, essential for demanding industrial and automotive environments.
- Increased Lifespan: By effectively lowering the operating temperature, the lifespan of LEDs and power transistors is significantly extended.
- Space Saving: The efficient heat transfer often eliminates the need for bulky external heat sinks or fans, allowing for sleeker product designs.
Common Applications of MCPCB
MCPCBs are the industry standard for any application involving heat generation:
- LED Lighting: Street lights, Downlights, Stage lighting, Agricultural grow lights.
- Automotive: LED Headlights/Taillights, Power steering systems, Ignition regulators, EV Battery management systems.
- Power Supply: DC-DC converters, Switching regulators, High-power rectifiers.
- Audio Devices: Input/Output amplifiers, Balanced amplifiers.
- Motor Drives: High-voltage regulators for industrial machinery.
Why Choose RUNHI as Your MCPCB Manufacturer?
Thermal management is critical, and a poorly manufactured MCPCB can lead to catastrophic product failure (like short circuits due to dielectric breakdown). RUNHI guarantees performance and safety.
Our Core Advantages:
- Advanced Material Options: RUNHI offers both Aluminum-core and Copper-core (Direct Heatsink) MCPCBs to meet diverse performance needs. Aluminum-core PCBs with 1W thermal conductivity are ideal for low-power household LEDs, while our Direct Heatsink Copper-core PCBs with up to 380W thermal conductivity are perfect for demanding high-power applications such as automotive LEDs and COB modules.
- Superior Heat Dissipation with Direct Heatsink: At RUNHI, The design with direct heatsink technology allowing faster heat spread on Aluminum core. It minimizes thermal resistance, ensuring faster and more efficient heat transfer—keeping your high-power devices stable, reliable, and long-lasting.
- Quality Assurance: Certified by ISO9001 and UL, ensuring every board meets the required standards.
RUNHI Technical Capabilities (MCPCB)
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| 0.65mm(Aluminum Core)
1.0mm(Copper Core) |
Minimnum Track Width and Spacing | 0.10 / 0.10 mm (4 / 4 mil) |
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| 602 × 506mm(Aluminum Core) |
| 0.8mm(Aluminum Only)，1.0mm，1.2mm，1.6mm |
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| HASL(Aluminum Core), OSP(Copper Core) |
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| All holes and cutouts are Non-plated |
| Primary Hole Diameter ≥ 0.3mm
Major Hole Diameter: 0.5-6.4mm
Countersink angle: 90°/135°
Thickness of board ≥ 0.6mm |
