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What is the heavy copper PCB?
Heavy copper PCB refers to a printed circuit board that incorporates a significantly higher thickness of copper than standard PCBs. While typical PCBs use copper thicknesses around 1 oz/ft² (about 35 μm), heavy copper PCBs can feature copper layers ranging from 2 oz/ft² (70 μm) up to 20 oz/ft² (700 μm) or more.
Key Characteristics of Heavy Copper PCB:
Thicker Copper Layers: Designed with increased copper thickness to handle higher current loads, dissipate heat more effectively, or create specialized features like embedded heat sinks.
Enhanced Power Handling: Suitable for power electronics, high-current applications, LED lighting, motor drives, and RF/microwave devices.
Improved Thermal Management: The increased copper mass helps spread and dissipate heat, reducing hotspots and improving reliability.
Mechanical Strength: Heavier copper layers can add robustness to the PCB, making it more resistant to mechanical stress.
Manufacturing Considerations:
Etching and Drilling: Thicker copper layers require precise manufacturing processes to ensure proper etching, drilling, and plating.
Design Adjustments: PCB layout must account for the higher copper weight, including wider traces and larger pads to manage current and heat.
Cost and Complexity: Heavier copper PCBs are generally more expensive and complex to produce due to the specialized manufacturing processes involved.
Applications:
Power supplies
High-current motor controllers
RF and microwave systems
LED lighting panels
Battery management systems
If you need detailed guidance on designing, manufacturing, or selecting heavy copper PCBs, just ask!
