Metal Core

Metal core PCBs are used when the application requires good dimensional stability, mechanical stress resistance and high heat dissipation capacity.
These characteristics make them ideal for use with LED lighting and power circuits.
Various materials are available, with different thermal conductivity indices.
It is possible to use thermal CEM3, as a valid, economical alternative.

 

METAL CORE PCB REQUIREMENTS CHARACTERISTICS
Number of layers 1
Base material

Aluminium, thk 1.0-1.6mm

Insulating thickness over aluminium 0.100 mm ceramic
Min. track width/spacing 0.150 mm
Insulation 0.150 mm
Hole diameter 0.200 mm
Base copper foil 35μm / 1 ounce 70μm / 2 ounces
Surface finish Chemical Silver (AG)
Solder mask 0.100 mm (routed)
Minimum clearance between outermost track and edge of inner layer 0.200 mm (routed)
Surface finish Chemical Silver (AG); selective Ni/Au (ENIG)
Solder mask Green, red, blue, black, yellow, transparent, white and high-reflectance white for LEDs
Minimum clearance between individual circuits shaped with a milling machine and/or arranged in a panel > 2.0 mm (CNC shaping)
Minimum clearance between individual circuits shaped with a milling machine and/or arranged in a panel > 0.4 mm with V-cut scoring
Minimum clearance between the outermost tracks for cutting circuit panel by means of V-cut scoring > 0.4 mm with V-cut scoring
Electrical testing Standard for all PCBs