Metal Core PCB
Heat, meet metal substrate.
Aluminum and copper core PCBs with dielectric thermal conductivity from 1 to 4 W/m·K. Single-layer, dual-layer and hybrid Al-FR-4 stacks for LED drivers, high-power converters and automotive headlamps.
- Max k
- 4 W/m·K
- Core
- Al / Cu
- Cu max
- 2oz
- Listed
- UL
Dielectrics
Four dielectric options by thermal conductivity
Applications
Where we ship MCPCBs every week
- LED high-bay & street lighting
- Automotive headlamps (matrix LED)
- Solar micro-inverters
- EV onboard chargers
- Power-supply MOSFET heat-sink boards
- Stage & film production LED
- Medical surgical lighting
- Industrial laser driver boards
Capability
Published metal-core spec
| Core material | |
| Aluminum | 5052 · 6061 · 1060 (common) |
|---|---|
| Copper | C10100 (oxygen-free) |
| Core thickness | 0.8 – 3.2 mm |
| Dielectric | |
| Thermal k | 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 W/m·K |
| Dielectric thickness | 75 – 150 µm |
| Breakdown voltage | ≥ 3 kV |
| Copper (circuit layer) | |
| Thickness | 0.5 – 6 oz (max 2 oz typical) |
| Finish | HASL · LF HASL · ENIG · OSP · Im-Ag |
| Geometry | |
| Layer count | 1 · 2 · hybrid Al-FR-4 up to 4L |
| Min trace / space | 4 / 4 mil |
| Max panel | 533 × 610 mm |
| Thermal performance | |
| Operating temp | −40 °C to +140 °C |
| Typical Rθ (pad-to-case) | 0.6 – 2.5 °C/W |
| Compliance | |
| Quality | IPC-A-600 Class 2/3 |
| Cert | UL 94 V-0 · ISO 9001 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Metal core PCB FAQ
01Aluminum vs copper core — when do I choose copper?
Copper has ~2.5× the thermal conductivity of aluminum. Use it when you can’t fit a heat sink (e.g., thin automotive headlamp reflector modules) or when dissipation exceeds 5 W/cm². Aluminum is cheaper and fine for most LED work.
02Can you do multi-layer MCPCBs?
Yes — we build 2-layer MCPCBs (copper / dielectric / aluminum / dielectric / copper) and hybrid Al-FR-4 stacks up to 4 total signal layers. For more than 4 layers, ceramic substrate is usually better.
03What’s the minimum run?
No MOQ. Qty 1 prototype boards ship in 5 working days; repeat production lots in 8-10 days.
04Can you spec pre-milled holes for pin fins?
Yes. Back-milling, counterbores, pre-drilled screw holes, tapped inserts and stand-offs are all part of our MCPCB prep process.
Ready when you are
Send your Gerber & BOM — get a quote in 24 hours.
NDA available · Free DFM review · Senior engineer response.