ALUMINUM PCB INTRODUCE 

Aluminum PCBs

Aluminum printed circuit boards are also known as metal base PCBs, and are comprised of metal-based laminates covered by copper foil circuit layers. They are made of alloy plates that are a combination of aluminum, magnesium and silumin (Al-Mg-Si). Aluminum PCBs deliver excellent electrical insulation, good thermal potential, and high machining performance, and they differ from other PCBs in several important ways.

When constructing an aluminum PCB, there will be three layers. The circuit layer which is typically made of copper. Then there is the insulation layer that is a thermal insulation. The base is then the aluminum substrate.

The thermal insulation layer is a critically important component of the PCB. It contains a ceramic polymer that has excellent viscoelastic properties, great thermal resistance, and defends the PCB against thermal and mechanical stresses.

The circuit layer contains the copper foil mentioned previously. Generally, PCB manufacturers use copper foils ranging from one to 10 oz.

The dielectric layer of insulation absorbs heat as current flows through the circuits. This is transferred it to the aluminum layer, where the heat is dispersed.

Achieving the highest light output possible results in increased heat. PCBs with improved thermal resistance extend the life of your finished product. A qualified manufacturer will provide you with superior protection, heat mitigation and part reliability. 

An aluminum PCB would be most beneficial for places like automotive and power electronics, or anything else that heat would be harmful to the components. Using aluminum eliminates the need for having forced air in the design. The result is fewer components needed and a lower design cost.

You would also find aluminum PCBs with LED lighting, whether it be interior or exterior lighting. LEDs use high amounts of current without overheating. When a light overheats, it becomes vulnerable to burning out and breaking. Because LEDs are known for having a long lifespan, the heat needs to be displaced in a way to prevent overheating. An aluminum PCB would be used in this case.

There are quite a few advantages of using aluminum printed circuit boards.

    If your top concern is of heat displacement within the board, using aluminum is your best option. The metal is excellent at dispersing the heat in a way that is best compared to other metals used in PCBs. Any design that would be significantly improved by better controlling the temperature and displacing the heat, aluminum PCBs would be used.

    In FR4 PCBs, the dielectrics are not thin and don’t offer a good thermal conductivity. On the other hand, the dielectric utilized in aluminum PCBs are one-tenth of the thickness and provide up to 5 to 6 times the thermal conductivity of epoxy glass.

    The thermal transfer exponent is more efficient than that of a rigid PCB.

    Long Lasting---Aluminum is a sturdy material with high durability. The risk of accidental breakage during handling, manufacturing, or everyday use is eliminated by using aluminum circuit boards. It can provide better strength to a product as compared to fiberglass and ceramic bases.
  
   Environmentally Friendly---Aluminum PCBs are easy to assemble, which helps in conserving energy. Besides this, the material is recyclable and non-toxic. This makes it environmentally friendly, and thus aids in safeguarding our planet.