Heavy Copper PCB

Heavy Copper PCB

Heavy Copper PCBs have 4 or more ounces of copper on each layer and are commonly used in commercial products. The copper concentration can be as high as 200 ounces per square foot. They are widely used in electronics and electrical circuitry where high-power transmission is needed due to their impeccable thermal strength. High temperatures can devastate sensitive electronic components and negatively impact circuit performance. Therefore, the thermal range is vital in many applications, particularly in electronics.

Heavy Copper PCB

Why design heavy copper PCB (extreme copper PCB)?

Heavy Copper PCBs’ heat-sinking capacity is much higher than casual PCBs. Heat sinking is vitally essential for developing a robust and durable circuit. Poor handling of heat signals affects electronics performance and shortens the life of circuitry.

We support 10 OZ Inner layers and 20 OZ Outer layers of Extreme copper PCB manufacturing; send your PCB file to get a quote now.

heavy copper PCB picture02

As the electronic industry evolves, the demand for heavy copper PCBs increases. Printed circuit boards are the heart of the electronic industry. These boards play a vital role in the production of electronics. Heavy copper PCB is the most recent trend in the PCB industry.

This type of PCB offers some features and benefits. Heavy copper PCB is helpful in several applications due to its properties. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this type of PCB.

What is heavy copper PCB?

Heavy copper PCB is a circuit board with a copper thickness of≥ 3oz per sq. ft in its outer and inner layers. Its thicker plating makes a circuit board classified as a heavy copper PCB. During the production of heavy copper PCB, copper thickness is enhanced through plated holes and sidewalls.

For instance, when a PCB has 2 ounces of copper per sq. ft thickness, it is a standard PCB. However, if it has more than 3oz of copper, it is a heavy copper PCB. Heavy copper PCB is considered a reliable wiring option. Heavy copper PCB is different from extreme copper PCB, which features within 20 oz to 200 oz per sq. ft.

The extra copper thickness allows the board to conduct more current. Heavy copper PCB has strong mechanical power in the plated-through-holes and connector sites. This type of PCB is also known as thick copper PCB.

What does heavy copper PCB offer? 

Heavy copper PCB has a lot to offer. Its unique features make it an ideal option for high-end applications. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of this PCB;

Excellent thermal distribution: This PCB offers high thermal resistance due to its copper-plated vias. Heavy copper PCBs are used in applications that demand high speed and frequency. You can also use this PCB at harsh temperatures.

Mechanical strength: Heavy copper PCB features excellent mechanical strength. When this PCB is used, the electrical system becomes durable and robust.

Good conductor: Heavy copper circuit boards are a good conductor. They are utilized in the production of electronics due to this feature. They help to link various boards together. These boards can transfer current.

Onboard heat sink: Heavy copper boards offer an onboard heat sink. With these boards, you can achieve effective heat sinks on mosaic surfaces.

Great dissipation factor: Heavy copper PCBs are ideal for large components with a high loss of power. These PCBs prevent overheating from occurring in electrical systems. They dissipate excess heat effectively.

Supports exotic material: Heavy copper helps to protect and enhance exotic material. Exotic materials are sometimes used to design electronic components. An extreme temperature may need an exotic material. Heavy copper boards end circuit failures because they use an exotic material to its full capabilities.

How is heavy copper PCB fabricated?

Plating or etching is often used to fabricate heavy copper PCBs. The main aim is to add copper thickness to sidewalls and plated holes. The methods used in fabricating heavy copper PCBs aren’t far-fetched. Heavy copper PCBs need unique etching and plating methods to ensure the extra thickness of copper.

Using regular etching techniques to fabricate heavy copper PCBs isn’t ideal. Standard etching methods produce uneven margins and uneven edge lines. PCB producers now use advanced etching and plating methods to achieve straight edges.

During the PCB fabrication process, heavy copper PCBs are electroplated. This will help thicken the walls of PTH on the PCB. This technique shrinks the layer count, and the impedance distribution reduces. When PCBs are exposed to several cycles during manufacturing, the plated holes can become weak.

The fabrication of heavy copper PCBs has its limitations which include the following;

  • The etching process increases the cost
  • The etching process requires a huge amount of copper to be removed
  • It is hard to fabricate finer lines and thick copper traces
  • Heavy copper traces make the surface uneven

Methods for fabricating heavy PCBs

Manufacturers utilize different techniques for fabricating heavy copper PCBs.

The embedded copper method fabricates heavy copper PCB using a flat surface. Here the heavy copper is inserted within the prepreg resin. The thickness of the resin determines the thickness of the copper.

For instance, the fabricator begins with a 6-mil laminate and a 1 0z copper clad. Then the copper clad is covered with a photoresist. After this, a 5-mil laser beam is used to cut the circuit pattern from the side of the laminate. The laser has to be cut via the laminate onto the copper foil. If the laser is controlled, the fabricator can prevent the copper foil from being damaged.  

The fabricator positions the laminate into a plating tank to electroplate. The copper plating produces about 6 mil plating thickness after filling the laser-cut groove on the laminate.

Blue bar method: The blue bar method involves inserting thick copper bars into circuit boards. This method saves the material and reduces the weight of the PCB. During fabrication, the resin flows into space within the copper traces, which helps achieve an even top surface.

Fabricators must pay attention to the level of copper fill between inner layers when it comes to multilayer boards with heavy copper layers. Low fill and low levels of resin can lead to resin hunger.

Heavy copper PCB capabilities

It is essential to consider the capabilities of heavy copper PCBs when using them for some applications. This type of PCB is more expensive to produce based on their requirements. A heavy copper PCB should have these capabilities;

  • A minimum board size of 6mm by 6mm and a maximum board size of 457mm by 610mm
  • Copper thickness is greater than 3oz for each square foot.
  • A board thickness between 0.6mm and 6mm
  • Maximum external layer copper weight should be 15oz
  • Solder mask color should be either green, blue, red, black, white, purple, or yellow
  • The silkscreen color is white, yellow, or black
  • The surface finishing should be Immersion Gold, OSP, and HASL
  • The finished thickness is between 0.020 inches and 0.275 inches

Difference between standard PCB and thick copper PCB

Standard PCBs can be produced using copper etching and plating processes. These PCBs are plated to add copper thickness to planes, traces, PTHs, and pads. The amount of copper used to produce standard PCBs is 1oz. In the production of heavy copper PCB, the amount of copper used is greater than 3oz.

Copper etching and plating techniques are utilized for standard circuit boards. However, heavy copper PCBs are produced via differential etching and step platting. Standard PCBs perform lighter activities, while heavy copper boards perform heavy duties.

Standard PCBs conduct lower currents, while heavy copper PCBs conduct higher currents. Thick copper PCBs are ideal for high-end applications due to their efficient thermal distribution. Heavy copper PCBs have better mechanical strength than standard PCBs. Heavy copper circuit boards enhance the board’s capability in which they are utilized.

Other features that make thick copper PCBs different from other PCBs

Copper weight: This is the main distinguishing feature of heavy copper PCBs. Copper weight refers to the copper used in a square foot area. This weight is usually measured in ounces. It indicates the copper’s thickness on the layer.

Outer layers: These refer to the external copper layers of the board. Electronic components are usually bonded to the external layers. The external layers begin with copper foil which is coated with copper. This helps to increase the thickness. The copper weight of the external layers is preset for standard designs. Heavy copper PCB manufacturers can alter the weight and thickness of the copper to suit your requirements.

Inner layers: The dielectric thickness and the copper mass of the internal layers are predefined for the standard projects. However, these layers’ copper weight and thickness can be adjusted based on your needs.

Applications of heavy copper PCB

Heavy copper PCB offers some outstanding features that are ideal for specific applications. This type of PCB is used in military and defense applications. The demand for heavy copper PCBs has been increasing over the years. This is because these PCBs are used in several applications, such as;

  • Rail traction systems
  • UPS systems
  • Solar power converters
  • Nuclear power industries
  • Automotive Industries
  • Torque controls
  • Power line motors
  • Welding equipment
  • Military equipment
  • Safety and signal systems
  • Protection relays

How to solve the issue of uniform thickness in the production of heavy copper PCB

1. This is a method for manufacturing a heavy copper PCB with uniform thickness. Each inner core plate of the heavy copper PCB is provided with a copper-free open area at the same position, which includes the following steps:

    · Cut the material to obtain the inner core board. Through the inner layer pattern and etching process, the inner layer lines are made on each inner core board, and some copper PADs are staggered on the edge of the open area of each inner core board.  Made each inner layer board.

    · The inner layer board and the outer layer copper foil are pressed together by the prepreg to make a multi-layer production board.

    · Post-processing the multi-layer production board according to the existing technology to obtain a thick copper board.

2. The method for manufacturing a heavy copper PCB with uniform thickness according to claim 1, wherein the copper PAD in step S1 has the same shape and size, all of which are round, oval, diamond, or square.

3. This is a method for manufacturing thick copper plates with uniform thickness, according to claim 2. The radius of each copper PAD is R, and at least two rows of circular shapes are provided on the edge of the open area of the inner core plate. The copper PADs in each row are arranged equidistantly along the long edge of the board. The center distance between two adjacent copper PADs is any two adjacent copper PADs in each row. 

The bottom copper PAD is called the bottom copper PAD. The copper PAD between the bottom copper PAD is the corresponding vertex copper PAD. The center of each bottom copper PAD and the corresponding vertex copper PAD are connected to form an isosceles right triangle.

4. A thick copper plate with uniform thickness comprises at least one inner layer core plate. Each inner layer core plate is provided with a copper-free open area and, at the same position, characterized in the open area of the inner layer core plate. Several copper PADs are staggered on the edge of the board.

5. The heavy copper PCB has uniform thickness according to claim 4, wherein the shape of the copper PAD is a circle, an oval, a diamond, or a square.

6. The heavy copper PCB has uniform thickness according to  5, each copper PAD has a radius R, and at least two rows of circular copper PAD are provided on the edge of the inner core plate’s open area. The copper PADs in each row are arranged equidistantly along the long edge of the board. The center distance between two adjacent copper PADs is any two adjacent copper PADs in each row; 

they are called bottom copper PADs. Adjacent rows are located on the bottom side. The copper PAD between the copper PADs is the corresponding vertex copper PAD. The center of the two base copper PADs and the corresponding vertex copper PAD centers form an isosceles right triangle.

Mass production lead time

lead   time
    Level
Lead Time (Wroking   days,ex-factory
Urgent(days)Normal(days)
1、2L4-89-11
4L8-1113-15
6、8L10-1516-18
10L and upTo be determined based on case

The above lead time is based on:

1. Conventional Material

2. All engineering consultations are confirmed.

Prove Your Design With Our Rapid PCB Prototyping

Our team will reach out to you as soon as we can to discuss how our services can meet your needs.
Email :
Phone :

+86 13711705917

Contact Form Demo