why PCB made of copper?
Being extremely conductive is copper’s main advantage. It can readily transport signals without sacrificing electricity along the way because of this. Additionally, producers won’t need to employ massive amounts of copper. The task may be completed with even a modest quantity. One complete square foot of the PCB substrate may be covered with an ounce of copper, which can be reduced to 35 micrometers, or 1.4 thousandths of an inch thick, in the most typical arrangement. Additionally accessible and reasonably priced is copper.
Electricity is necessary for PCBs to carry out their numerous tasks. The paths that transmit electric charges from one place to another are basically the circuits in these circuit boards, and the pathways must be effective in doing so. Numerous materials may transport electric charges, but copper is especially conductive, making it the material of choice.
Due to the fact that copper only possesses one valence electron, sometimes referred to as a free electron, it has a high level of conductivity. Such electrons encounter extremely little resistance as they move freely between atoms. Free electrons are responsible for conveying electrical signals since they are the fundamental particles that may carry electrical charges. These signals go across copper without electricity being lost.
What is Heavy Copper PCB?
A circuit board having an exterior and inner copper layer thickness of less than 3 oz per square foot is referred to as a heavy copper PCB. A circuit board’s thicker plating is what qualifies it as a heavy copper PCB. Through the use of plated holes and sidewalls, copper thickness is increased during the manufacture of heavy copper PCB.
For instance, a PCB is considered standard if it comprises 2 ounces of copper per square foot of thickness. A heavy copper PCB, on the other hand, has more than 3 oz of copper. Heavy copper PCB is regarded as a trustworthy wiring choice. Extreme copper PCB, which ranges in weight from 20 to 200 oz per square foot, is distinct from heavy copper PCB.
The board can conduct more current thanks to the thicker copper layer. At the connecting locations and in the plated-through holes, heavy copper PCB has a powerful mechanical force. Thick copper PCB is another name for this kind of PCB.
Heavy Copper PCB feature
Thick copper PCBs include architectures with copper layers that range in thickness from 105 to 400 m. These PCBs are utilized for maximising thermal control and huge (high) current outputs. Large PCB cross sections for high current loads are made possible by the thick copper, which also promotes heat dissipation. The most popular designs are double-sided or multilayer PCB. With the help of this PCB technology, it is also feasible to mix thin copper layers in the inner layers with intricate pattern structures on the exterior layers.
The highest elongation performance is found in thick copper PCB, which is not temperature-dependent. Because it has a high melting point and is not brittle at low temperatures, it may be employed in hot melt welding techniques like oxygen blowing. Copper PCB creates a robust, non-toxic passivation protective layer even in highly corrosive air situations.
Exotic materials benefit from and are better protected by heavy copper. Electronic components are occasionally made of exotic materials. An unusual material could be required for a high temperature. Heavy copper boards prevent circuit failures by making full use of an unusual material.
For big components with a substantial loss of power, heavy copper PCB are perfect. These PCBs guard against electrical systems overheating. They effectively disperse extra heat.
Heavy copper boards provide a heat sink aboard. These boards may be used to create efficient heat sinks on mosaic surfaces.
Circuit boards made of thick copper are good conductors. This characteristic allows them to be used in the manufacturing of electronics. They aid in connecting several boards. They are capable of moving current.
PCBs made of heavy copper are very strong mechanically. Utilizing this PCB gives the electrical system strength and durability.
This PCB has a high heat resistance because of its vias that have copper plating. Applications that need for high speed and high frequency employ heavy copper PCB. This PCB may also be used in chilly conditions.
Many domestic appliances, high-tech items, military, medical, and other electronic equipment employ thick copper PCB. Circuit boards, the main component of electronic equipment items, have a longer service life when thick copper PCB is used, and it also greatly aids in shrinking the size of electronic equipment.
The thick copper PCB is a unique technology with specific technical requirements, challenging operation, and high cost In making PCB prototype. Currently, INTOPCB can produce PCB prototypes with 1–30 layers, a maximum copper thickness of 13 oz, and a minimum hole size of 0.15–0.3mm.
Thick Copper PCB VS. Standard PCB
PCBs made of standard copper conduct less current than PCBs made of heavy copper. Thanks to their effective heat dispersion, thick copper PCBs are perfect for high-end applications. Standard PCBs lack the mechanical robustness of heavy copper PCBs. The performance of the board in which they are used is improved by heavy copper circuit boards.
Processes of Copper plating and etching are used for typical circuit boards. However, differential etching and step plating are used to make hefty copper PCBs. Standard PCBs carry out smaller tasks, whereas hefty copper boards do heavier tasks.
Through the use of copper etching and plating techniques, standard PCBs may be created. Planes, traces, PTHs, and pads on these PCBs have more copper thickness thanks to plating. 1 oz of copper is used in the manufacturing of typical PCBs. More than 3 ounces of copper are utilized in the fabrication of heavy copper PCBs.
Heavy copper PCB excellent performance
- Ability of high-power density planar transformers
- Using up to 120-oz copper planes, on-board heatsinks are directly plated onto the board surface.
- Heavy copper-plated vias assist transport heat to an external heatsink and deliver a larger current through the board.
- By placing many heavy copper parts on the same layer of board, the product size was reduced.
- use of rare material at high temperatures without experiencing a circuit breakdown.
- increased mechanical strength in PTH holes and at connecting locations.
- the ability of the current to transport more.
- Enhanced resistance to thermal stress.
| Content | Capability |
| Material | FR-4 Standard Tg 140°C, FR4-High Tg 170°C |
| External layers Min. Track/Spacing | 4oz Cu 10mil/13mil, 5oz Cu 12mil/15mil 6oz Cu 15mil/15mil, |
| Internal layers Min. Track/Spacing | 4oz Cu 8mil/8mil, 5oz Cu 10mil/10mil 6oz Cu 12mil/12mil |
| Max Outer Layer Copper Weight (Finished) | 13oz |
| Board Thickness | 0.6-6mm |
| Max Inner Layer Copper Weight | 12oz |
| Min. Hole Size | 0.15 ~ 0.3mm |
| Solder Mask | Purple, Black, Matte Black, White, Matte green, Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, |
| Surface Finishing | Enepig,Immersion Silver,Hard Gold, OSP, Immersion gold, HASL lead free, |
| Silkscreen | Black, White |
| Via Process | Vias not covered, Plugged Vias,Tenting Vias |
| Testing | AOI testing and Fly Probe Testing (Free) |
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