Metal-Core Boards (Aluminum / Copper)
Aluminum base at 1-3W/(m·K) and high-conductivity copper base in one line: the standard answer for LED lighting, with thermoelectric-separation copper base boards for concentrated high-power heat.
- Copper circuit layer
- Thermal dielectric layer
- Aluminum heat-spreading base
What is a Metal-Core Board
A metal-core PCB (MCPCB) uses an aluminum or copper plate as the heat-spreading carrier, with a highly thermally conductive dielectric layer in between and circuitry on top - dozens of times more thermally conductive than FR-4, fundamentally solving heat dissipation for LEDs, MOSFETs and other heat-generating devices.
| Three-Layer Structure | Copper circuit layer + thermal dielectric layer + metal base layer |
| Aluminum Conductivity | 1.0 / 2.0 / 3.0 W/(m·K) |
| Copper Conductivity | ≥ 300 W/(m·K), thermoelectric separation available |
| Common Thickness | 0.8 - 3.0 mm |
| Surface Finish | HASL / ENIG / OSP |
| Typical Uses | LED lighting, driver power supplies, automotive headlights, PV |
Aluminum Base or Copper Base?
Choose the metal base by heat density and thermal path. Aluminum suffices for most lighting; choose copper when heat concentrates.
Aluminum Base
Best value- 1-3W conductivity covers most LED needs
- Lightweight, easy to machine, low cost
- Best for: lighting, backlighting, standard power
Copper Base
Extreme cooling- 300W+ conductivity with larger heat capacity
- High mechanical strength, thick boards available
- Best for: lasers, COB, high power density
Thermoelectric-Separation Copper
Advanced copper- Bosses directly contact devices for a short, direct heat path
- Circuit and thermal paths designed separately
- Best for: automotive headlights, UV LEDs
Thermal Conductivity Comparison
Choose the dielectric grade by heat density: higher grade means faster heat transfer at a higher price.
Standard
Best value for regular LED lighting and low-power drivers.
Mid-grade
Balanced heat dissipation and cost for mid/high-power drivers.
High-grade
For dense high-power designs where heat concentrates.
Board & Copper Thickness
| Common thickness | 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 3.0 mm |
| Copper foil | 1 - 6 oz |
| Dielectric thickness | 75 - 150 μm |
| Dielectric withstand | 2.5 - 4 kV |
Product Showcase
LED Lighting Aluminum Base Cases
2-Layer Street Light Driver Aluminum Board
1-Layer Panel Light Source Board
1-Layer High-Bay Light Source Board
2-Layer Automotive Ambient Light Aluminum Board
Power / Copper Base Cases
2-Layer Automotive Headlight Thermoelectric-Separation Copper Board
1-Layer Driver Power Aluminum Board
1-Layer COB Package Copper Board
1-Layer LED Street Light Module Copper Board
Manufacturing Capabilities
Standard manufacturing capability range for this product line. Contact our engineers to evaluate special requirements.
| Metal Base | Aluminum (5052/6061) / copper |
| Thermal Conductivity | Aluminum 1-3 W/(m·K) / copper ≥ 300 W/(m·K) |
| Layer Count | 1 - 4 layers (aluminum mostly single/double-sided) |
| Board Thickness | 0.8 - 3.0 mm |
| Copper Foil | 1 - 6 oz |
| Dielectric Withstand | 2.5 - 4 kV |
| Surface Finish | HASL / ENIG / OSP |
| Profiling | V-cut / routing / punching / countersunk steps |
Lead Time & Pricing Highlights
Faster heat dissipation, longer lifetime
Efficient Heat Dissipation
High-conductivity dielectric pulls heat away from LEDs and MOSFETs fast.
High Withstand Voltage
Dielectric withstand up to 4kV to meet safety regulations.
Custom Profiling
V-cut, routing, punching and countersunk steps to match lamp housing shapes.
Typical Applications
LED Lighting
Street light, panel light and high-bay driver boards.
Power & Photovoltaic
Driver power supplies, inverters and PV controller boards.
Automotive Lighting
Headlight and taillight driver boards (including thermoelectric separation).
Display Backlight
LED backlight boards for TVs and commercial displays.
From Gerber to delivery in four steps
Upload Files
Send Gerber/ODB++ and stack-up table; standard boards get instant pricing.
Review & Quote
Complex boards get an engineer review before quoting.
Confirm Production
Confirm specs and price, pay online, and your boards enter the production queue.
Test & Deliver
Flying probe/fixture testing on every board with reports, shipped worldwide.
Further Reading
For more PCB process knowledge and technical practice, visit our blog center.
