What is an Aluminum PCB?

An Aluminum PCB (or Aluminum Base PCB) is a specialized circuit board with a metal core that provides superior heat dissipation for high-power electronic applications. Unlike traditional FR4 PCBs, Aluminum PCBs use an aluminum substrate (typically 1.0mm–3.0mm thick) to transfer heat away from components, making them ideal for LED lighting, power converters, and automotive systems.

Benefits of Aluminum PCBs

✔ Excellent Thermal Conductivity – Prevents overheating in high-power circuits.

✔ Lightweight & Durable – More robust than ceramic or FR4 boards.

✔ Cost-Effective – Cheaper than copper-core PCBs with similar performance.

✔ Eco-Friendly – Aluminum is recyclable and non-toxic.

Aluminum PCB Manufacturing Process at FanyPCB

Our Aluminum PCB fabrication follows industry-leading standards:

1. Material Selection

   Base Layer: High-grade aluminum (6061 or 5052 alloys).

   Dielectric Layer: Thermally conductive insulation (e.g., 50µm–150µm).

   Copper Layer: 1oz–4oz for circuit traces.

   
   

2. Circuit Patterning & Etching

   Laser drilling for precise via holes.

   Chemical etching to create copper traces.

   
   

3. Solder Mask & Surface Finish

   Green/White solder mask (optional colors available).

   
   

4. Quality Testing

   Thermal stress tests (100+ cycles).

   Electrical conductivity checks.
   

Applications of Aluminum PCBs

• LED Lighting (Streetlights, automotive LEDs, grow lights)

• Power Electronics (Converters, inverters, motor controllers)

• Automotive Systems (Battery management, headlights)

• Industrial Equipment (High-power RF amplifiers)

FAQ: Aluminum PCBs

Q: How thick is a standard Aluminum PCB?

A: Typically 1.0mm–3.0mm, but we support custom thicknesses.

Q: Can Aluminum PCBs be used for high-frequency designs?

A: Yes, with proper dielectric materials (e.g., ceramic-filled layers).

Q: Are Aluminum PCBs more expensive than FR4?

A: Slightly, but the longer lifespan and thermal performance justify the cost.