Manufacturing overview
Metal-core PCB construction combines circuit layers with a metal base and an insulating system. Define the thermal, electrical and mechanical requirements together.
Specify the base and insulation
Identify the required base material and dielectric requirements. Provide the board thickness, copper and outline requirements rather than relying on a general thermal-management description.
Connect the board to its application
Include the intended mounting and thermal constraints where they affect fabrication. Confirm the applicable material system and verification scope during quotation.
Separate the metal base from the dielectric
A metal-core PCB uses a metal base as part of its construction. Aluminum and copper-base options must be evaluated with the insulating dielectric, copper circuit and mechanical design. The thermal conductivity of a metal is not the thermal conductivity of the complete board, and it does not by itself predict component temperature.
| Requirement | What to specify |
|---|---|
| Metal base | Aluminum or copper, thickness and mechanical requirements. |
| Dielectric | Material, thickness, insulation and thermal-property requirements. |
| Circuit | Copper thickness, layer construction and surface finish. |
| Mounting | Outline, holes, cutouts and attachment to the thermal assembly. |
What to include in your quotation request
Provide the fabrication package and drawing at one revision. Distinguish fixed requirements from items open to engineering proposals. Include quantity and the required ship or arrival date; the material, construction and verification scope must be reviewed before the delivery plan is confirmed.
- Fabrication artwork, drill data and mechanical outline.
- Stackup, material grades and finished copper requirements.
- Surface finish, critical tolerances and special features.
- Required inspection, test conditions and documentation.
- Quantity, project stage, destination and date requirement.
Questions, answered
Before your next build
What should I include in the quotation package?
Send fabrication and drill data, a drawing, stackup or construction details, quantity, material and finish requirements, and the required ship or arrival date.
Is aluminum-core or copper-core PCB better?
The answer depends on the complete thermal, electrical and mechanical requirements. Compare the base metal together with dielectric construction, mounting and the rest of the thermal path.