Heavy Copper PCB Manufacturing and Design Guidelines

Heavy Copper PCB, as the name suggests, is a printed circuit board with thicker copper layers compared to standard PCBs. Typically, the copper layer thickness in standard PCBs ranges from 1oz to 2oz, while in Heavy Copper PCBs, the copper layer thickness can exceed 3oz. This technology provides improved current-carrying capacity and mechanical strength, making it widely used in high-voltage, high-current, and extreme environment electronic products.

Why Use Heavy Copper PCB?

Copper is a material with high electrical conductivity (58.5 MS/m) and low resistance (1.68 μΩ·cm). Therefore, thicker copper layers result in lower resistance, reducing electrical and signal losses. Moreover, copper has excellent thermal conductivity (400 W/m·K), which helps in heat dissipation. Good thermal management is crucial for maintaining the performance and lifespan of electronic devices.

Advantages of Heavy Copper PCB

Enhanced Reliability of Electronic Components

• High Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: Heavy Copper PCBs offer excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, effectively dissipating and conducting heat to prevent component burnout due to heat concentration.
• Applications: Suitable for power management systems, high-power LEDs, industrial control systems, and automotive electronics where high reliability is required.

Corrosion Resistance

• Protective Layer: Heavy Copper PCBs can form a thin layer of copper oxide in the air, providing additional corrosion protection and extending the PCB’s service life.
• Applications: Ideal for devices exposed to harsh environments, such as outdoor electrical equipment, marine equipment, and chemical equipment.

High Temperature Resistance and Thermal Stability

• Stability: Heavy Copper PCBs maintain their physical and chemical properties in high-temperature environments and are not prone to decomposition or damage.
• Applications: Suitable for applications in high-temperature environments, such as aerospace equipment, electric vehicle battery management systems, and high-power amplifiers.

Efficient Signal Transmission

• Low Resistivity: Using Heavy Copper as the conductive layer provides low resistivity and excellent conductivity, enabling high-speed signal transmission and reducing signal loss.
• Applications: Suitable for high-speed communication equipment, server motherboards, and high-frequency RF applications.

Electromagnetic Shielding

• Superior Shielding Performance: Heavy Copper PCBs have excellent electromagnetic shielding capabilities. Their high conductivity allows them to effectively reflect and absorb electromagnetic waves, reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• Applications: Ideal for devices sensitive to electromagnetic interference, such as medical equipment, communication devices, and precision measurement instruments.

Machinability and High Mechanical Strength

• Ease of Processing: Heavy Copper has good ductility and flexibility, making it easy to process into various shapes and sizes.
• High Mechanical Strength: Heavy Copper PCBs provide sufficient mechanical strength, offering good physical protection and preventing damage during operation and use.
• Applications: Suitable for applications requiring high mechanical strength and complex structures, such as military equipment, heavy machinery, and large industrial equipment.

Heavy Copper PCB Manufacturers

Heavy Copper PCBs tend to be more expensive, but GreatPCB has fifteen years of experience in PCB manufacturing, ensuring high product quality. GreatPCB offers rapid production and assembly services for both small and large batches, providing a one-stop solution. For any PCB-related needs, you can contact GreatPCB. Greatpcb.