Benefits of Heavy Copper PCB
Heavy copper pcbs are used in a wide variety of electronic products. They have multiple benefits for improving circuit performance and reliability.
The industry defines a heavy copper PCB as any circuit board with three or more ounces of copper in each layer. They are also known as extreme copper or high-density circuit boards.
High thermal conductivity
Compared to standard copper PCBs, heavy copper PCBs have a higher thermal conductivity, meaning they can transfer heat faster and more evenly. This is important, because improper handling of heat signals can affect a circuit’s performance and shorten its lifespan. Heavy copper PCBs can also withstand high current loads and offer better signal integrity. These features make them ideal for a variety of applications, including rail traction systems and solar power converters.
Unlike regular PCBs, heavy copper PCBs use thicker copper layers. This allows them to carry more electricity, and their superior thermal conductivity helps them dissipate heat heavy copper pcb quickly and consistently. They are often used in industrial equipment, such as military weapons and larger home appliances, because they can withstand high-current and voltage loads.
The thermal conductivity of a PCB is an important factor when designing your stackup, and it depends on the type of material you choose for the substrate, dielectrics, and copper wiring circuit. A good design strategy can help you choose the right materials and ensure that your PCB can perform well under heavy load. It can also reduce the overall size and weight of your board, making it easier to transport and install. To improve the thermal conductivity of your PCB, you can add thermal vias to it, which increase the amount of heat that can be transferred between hot and cold areas.
Stronger electrical conductivity
The copper thickness of a heavy copper pcb is higher than that of standard PCBs, which is why they can withstand high current levels and a higher voltage. The thickness also enhances heat conductivity and protects against mechanical stress. Heavy copper PCBs are ideal for sensitive signal components and heavy current-carrying elements, which require more power to function.
A heavy copper PCB is a multi-layer circuit board that has a detailed outer layer with heavy copper layers on the inner layers. The etching and plating process is different than that of standard PCBs. Heavy copper requires more copper, which is why the manufacturing process takes longer. The increased copper weight can also affect the electrical performance of the circuit board.
These boards can be used in high-end jobs such as aerospace and defense industry products, as well as power adapters/alternators. They are known for their ability to withstand high levels of current and temperature, which can damage a regular PCB in seconds.
They are also more able to carry more current than standard PCBs, which is important for high-power devices such as automotive electronics and electronic trucks. They can also be used to connect multiple boards and provide an efficient means of transferring power. This makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, including high-end appliances and consumer electronics.
Stronger mechanical strength
Using a new technique that combines speed pattern plating with Heavy Copper PCB Supplier differential etching, heavy copper PCBs are able to add more thickness to the plated holes and sidewalls. This makes them more durable, which is essential for a reliable wire platform. This process can also improve the surface finish of the traces and make it easier to solder. In addition, the thicker copper enables better heat distribution and dissipation in high-current applications.
In addition, the higher copper content in heavy-duty PCBs means they can withstand much greater current densities than regular ones. The increased current-carrying capacity makes these boards ideal for use in harsh environments, such as in defense and aerospace industry products and power adapters/alternators. These PCBs are designed to withstand bending, twisting, and thermal expansion forces. The increased copper content also enables better heat distribution and dissipation, which helps reduce device failure due to overheating.
However, it is important to note that when using a heavy copper PCB, designers must carefully optimize trace width and spacing to ensure that the board can handle the increased current. Additionally, the substrate material used should be appropriate for the heavy-duty requirements of the circuit board. Otherwise, the copper will expand more rapidly than the substrate and can cause cracking. Moreover, if the copper-substrate interface has too little contact area, the board may fail prematurely.
High cost
A heavy copper pcb is an expensive type of circuit board that requires a large amount of copper to manufacture. The extra copper helps the PCB resist high currents, which can cause the board to overheat and fail. To avoid this, it is important to choose a qualified manufacturer who can deliver a flawless project. You can use various criteria to find the best manufacturers, including experience and price.
The cost of a heavy copper PCB is based on the thickness and amount of copper used. It also depends on the size and complexity of the circuit board. The more complex the circuit board, the more expensive it will be to produce. The etching process also adds to the cost of a heavy copper pcb, as it requires more chemicals than standard FR-4 boards.
Thick copper pcbs are also suitable for applications that require a high density of current, such as electronic trucks and industrial equipment. Their thicker copper allows for larger PCB cross-sections, which can handle a higher current load and allow for more heat dissipation. The increased conductivity of heavy copper pcbs can also help to reduce the temperature of the circuit board, which can damage components and lead to a failure.
Thick copper pcbs are available in single-sided and double-sided configurations, as well as multilayer versions. They can be made with a wide range of finishes, including bare, OSP, HASL and immersion gold.