Copper Core PCB
Copper PCB is a special type of circuit board with solid copper as the heat dissipation base. With its extremely strong heat conduction capacity close to the limit of pure copper, it is specifically used in high-power core devices with extremely high heat generation, such as automotive LED headlights, high-power power supplies, and RF power amplifiers.Get A Quote
Heavy Copper PCB Types We Manufacture
Single-Sided Copper Core PCB
Double-sided copper core PCBs are widely used for power control boards, industrial electronics, power supplies, and high-current circuits. They provide better current capacity than standard double-sided PCBs while keeping the structure relatively simple.
Multi-layer Copper Core PCB
Multilayer copper core PCBs are used when power circuits and signal circuits need to be integrated into one compact design. They are suitable for industrial control, communication equipment, energy systems, and advanced power electronics.
DTP Copper Core PCB
Direct Thermal Path Copper Base PCBs are suitable for applications involving higher operating temperatures, lead-free soldering, or long-term thermal stress.
What Is a Copper PCB?
A heavy copper PCB is a printed circuit board manufactured with thicker copper layers than standard PCBs. While standard circuit boards often use 1 oz copper, heavy copper PCBs may use 2 oz, 3 oz, 4 oz, or higher copper thickness depending on the electrical and thermal requirements of the application.
Thicker copper allows the PCB to handle higher current, improve heat dissipation, reduce voltage drop, and enhance long-term reliability in power electronic systems.
Heavy copper PCBs are commonly used in products where standard copper thickness cannot meet current, temperature, or durability requirements.
Heavy Copper PCB Manufacturing Process
1. Engineering Review
Our engineering team reviews Gerber files, stack-up, copper thickness, trace width, spacing, drill design, surface finish, and special requirements before production.
2. Material Preparation
Suitable laminate, copper foil, prepreg, and production materials are prepared according to the approved PCB specifications.
3. Inner Layer Processing
For multilayer boards, inner layers are imaged, etched, inspected, and prepared before lamination.
4. Lamination
Layers are laminated under controlled pressure and temperature to form the required board structure.
5. Drilling
Mechanical drilling or laser drilling is performed according to the design requirements.
6. Copper Plating
Copper plating is applied to build conductive connections and meet the required copper thickness.
7. Outer Layer Imaging and Etching
The outer circuit pattern is formed with attention to trace width, spacing, and heavy copper requirements.
8. Solder Mask Application
Solder mask is applied to protect the copper circuits and improve assembly reliability.
9. Surface Finish
The selected surface finish is applied to exposed copper pads to support solderability and long-term performance.
10. Testing and Inspection
Electrical testing, visual inspection, dimensional checks, and quality inspection are performed before shipment.
Why Choose Heavy Copper PCB?
Higher Current Carrying Capacity
Heavy copper traces can carry higher current compared with standard copper PCBs, making them suitable for power circuits, charging systems, motor drives, and energy control boards.
Better Thermal Management
Thicker copper helps spread and dissipate heat more effectively, reducing thermal stress on components and improving product reliability.
Stronger Mechanical Reliability
Heavy copper structures improve PCB durability, especially in products exposed to high current, frequent switching, vibration, or harsh operating conditions.
Suitable for Compact Power Designs
Heavy copper PCB technology allows designers to route higher current on a smaller board area, helping reduce product size while maintaining electrical performance.
Technical Capabilities
From rapid prototyping to high-volume mass production, LEADHUI supports a wide range of custom specifications to match your exact project needs:
| Items | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| PCB Type | Heavy copper PCB, thick copper PCB, power PCB, high-current PCB, multilayer heavy copper PCB |
| Base Material | FR-4, high-Tg FR-4, aluminum base material, and other materials available upon engineering review |
| Copper Thickness | 1 oz, 2 oz, 3 oz, 4 oz, 5 oz and above available depending on design requirements |
| Layer Count | Single-sided, double-sided, and multilayer heavy copper PCBs |
| Board Thickness | Custom board thickness available according to current, structure, and assembly requirements |
| Surface Finish | HASL, lead-free HASL, ENIG, OSP, immersion silver, and other finishes upon request |
| Solder Mask | Green, black, white, blue, red, yellow, and other colors available |
| Silkscreen | White, black, or custom silkscreen according to project requirements |
| Testing | Electrical test, visual inspection, dimensional inspection, and additional quality checks based on project requirements |
| Assembly Support | PCB fabrication, component sourcing, SMT assembly, through-hole assembly, functional testing, and final packaging |
Copper PCB FAQ
What is the difference between standard PCB and heavy copper PCB?
A standard PCB usually uses thinner copper, such as 1 oz copper. A heavy copper PCB uses thicker copper, such as 2 oz, 3 oz, 4 oz, or higher, to support higher current and better thermal performance.
When should I choose heavy copper PCB?
You should consider heavy copper PCB when your design involves high current, high power, heat dissipation, power conversion, motor control, battery management, or industrial power applications.
Can heavy copper PCB be multilayer?
Yes. Heavy copper PCBs can be manufactured as double-sided or multilayer boards depending on the circuit design and current requirements.
Can LEADHUI PCB assemble heavy copper PCBs?
Yes. LEADHUI PCB can support PCB fabrication, component sourcing, SMT assembly, through-hole assembly, functional testing, and final packaging for heavy copper PCB projects.
What copper thickness should I choose?
Copper thickness depends on current, temperature rise, trace width, board structure, and application requirements. If you are not sure, you can send your design files and current requirements for engineering review.
Are heavy copper PCBs suitable for power electronics?
Yes. Heavy copper PCBs are widely used in power supplies, inverters, battery systems, motor control boards, EV charging systems, and industrial power electronics.