
When designing a Heavy Copper PCB, one of the first factors to consider is the material used for the substrate. There are many types of materials to choose from, including ordinary FR-4, which has a standard operating temperature of 130degC, and more advanced materials that have high glass transition temperatures. It is critical that the copper and substrate material has a similar Tg or glass transition temperature (Tg). High current can cause cracks and layers to separate, so selecting the right material for your Heavy Copper PCB is essential.
High thermal endurance
A heavy copper PCB can be an excellent choice for electronic applications. This material integrates several copper weights onto the circuitry layer, allowing it to carry more current and dissipate heat to an external heat sink. Additionally, a heavy copper board is a smaller and more compact than a standard one. As a result, it offers reduced layer counts, a smaller footprint, and low impedance power distribution. In addition, this material is cost-effective, as it reduces the amount of copper that needs to be used in a circuit board.
The thickness of heavy copper PCB varies between manufacturers, so it is essential to choose a supplier that offers the appropriate thickness. A PCB with too thin a copper layer will not be able to carry the heavy current that is required, causing the product to fail.
Easy fabrication
Heavy copper PCBs are a type of circuit that requires the high-quality use of finished copper and laminated deposition. These circuits are fabricated in a variety of ways and require different manufacturing tolerances than standard PCBs. The design of heavy copper PCBs should be reviewed with a fabricator early in the design process to ensure that the final product will meet all specifications.
In this fabrication method, heavy copper PCBs are manufactured with uniform thicknesses and copper PADs of uniform size and shape. These copper PADs can be round, square, oval, or diamond-shaped. The thick copper plates are arranged equidistant along the long edge of the board.
Cost
Heavy copper printed circuit boards are the latest trend in the PCB industry. These circuit boards are more expensive to make but are in high demand. These boards are made of more than three ounces of copper per square foot. Typically, heavy copper PCBs are four ounces thick per square foot and weigh up to twenty ounces per square foot of copper. In extreme cases, PCBs may weigh over 200 ounces per square foot.
Heavy copper PCBs are manufactured in the same way as light copper circuit boards, but require more complicated etching and plating techniques. Traditionally, heavy copper circuit boards were formed by etching a layer of thick copper-clad laminated board material. However, this method resulted in uneven trace sidewalls and unacceptable undercutting. However, recent advances in plating technology have made it possible to combine etching with plating, resulting in flat sidewalls and minimal undercutting.