Enabling faster communication speeds within smaller-sized printed circuit boards (PCBs) typically creates thermal management issues. Metal core PCBs utilize a base metal material that functions as a heat distributor for the board. Heat is dissipated quickly to protect critical components from damage or interference caused by overheating.
Redstar Worldwide’s metal core printed circuit boards effectively address these thermal challenges to ensure your equipment maintains optimal performance levels.
What Are Metal Core PCBs Used For?
Metal core printed circuit boards are used in a number of applications that require excellent thermal management. Metal core PCBs are used in:
- LED lighting modules
- Automotive LEDs
- Backlighting
- Street safety lighting
- Motor controllers
- Drivers
- Power supplies
- Power converters
- Amplifiers
- Video and television equipment
- Telecom equipment
- Hybrid electric motors
- Photovoltaics
Our metal core PCBs serve the demands of customers in a range of industries, such as:
- Industrial (manufacturing, construction, distribution, transportation, etc.)
- Automotive
- Telecommunications
- Television
- LED lighting
- Battery and photovoltaic equipment
Advantages of Metal Core PBCs
Metal core printed circuit boards offer superior cooling capabilities, protecting components from premature failure and curbing other safety hazards posed by overheating. By integrating a dielectric polymer layer, metal core PBCs offer high thermal conductivity to provide lower thermal resistance.
In lighting applications, metal core printed circuit boards provide the highly efficient cooling necessary to maintain consistent lighting output. Metal core PBCs have proven to be a quality solution for the cooling of printed circuit boards that utilize many LEDs.
Designing and Fabricating Metal Core PBCs
When determining the best design for both manufacturability and cost, multiple types of metal core material can be used. Heat dissipation and thermal expansion must be built into the design’s architecture for optimal performance and component protection. Our design and engineering team carefully considers all other materials used in the stack up of the printed circuit board design and how their properties will affect the board, including TG, thermal conductivity, and insulation resistance.
Redstar Worldwide offers single- and two-layer metal core printed circuit boards, as well as multi-layer and hybrid builds. Metal core material is carefully chosen to offer the best performance for the application, and may include:
- Different copper weights
- Aluminum
- Beryllium oxide
- Alloys
- Other materials
Our design and engineering team becomes involved early in the design cycle to overcome skillset challenges, so we can create a design that will offer maximum production output while staying within the budget of our customer. Our fast turnaround times for prototyping and production deliver cost-effective solutions our customer require.
Redstar Worldwide also provides thorough testing and quality control, including 100% electrical testing, first article inspection reports, full inspection reports with every build, and certificates of conformity.
Metal Core PCB Certifications and Standards
Optimal PCB performance ultimately depends on quality. Our metal core printed circuit boards adhere to the following industry standards as spec’d to guarantee quality:
- ISO 9001
- ISO 13485
- NADCAP
- TS/ISO 16949
- A S9100D
- DOD/Mil Spect/ITAR
- ASTM compliance
- Automotive certifications
- Medical certifications
Redstar Worldwide delivers precision metal core printed circuit boards for superior heat dissipation in critical applications from lighting and power to communication. To learn more about our metal core printed circuit boards, please contact us or request a quote.