As we all know, the printed circuit board (PCB) is an indispensable part of almost all electronic and electromechanical equipment. According to application requirements, there are several types of PCBs made in various configurations and layers. The PCB can be with or without a metal core. Metal core PCBs are mostly made of aluminum, while standard PCBs are made of non-metallic substrates (such as ceramic, plastic or fiberglass). Due to their construction methods, there are certain differences between aluminum panels and standard PCBs. Which one is better? Which of the two types of PCB is suitable for your application needs? Let's find the same thing here.
Comparison and information: aluminum vs. standard PCB
In order to compare aluminum and standard PCBs, it is important to first consider your application requirements. In addition to considering design, flexibility, budget and other factors, it is equally important. Therefore, here is some more information about standard PCBs and aluminum PCBs to help you determine the PCB you need.
More information about standard PCB
As the name suggests, standard PCBs are made in the most standard and most widely used configuration. These PCBs are usually made of FR4 substrates with a standard thickness of about 1.5mm. They are highly cost-effective and have moderate durability. Since the substrate materials of standard PCBs are poor conductors, they have copper layer lamination, solder mask and screen printing to make them conductive. These can be single-sided, double-sided or multilayer boards. Single-sided for basic equipment, such as calculators. Layered devices are used in slightly more complex devices (such as computers). In this way, depending on the number of materials and layers used, they are used in many simple and complex devices. The heat resistance and high temperature resistance of most FR4 boards are not high, so direct exposure to high temperatures must be avoided. Therefore, they have heat sinks or copper-filled through holes to prevent heat from entering the circuit. You can avoid using standard PCBs and instead choose aluminum PCBs where high temperatures are not required to operate in extremely high temperature environments. However, if your application requirements are relatively stable, then you can choose a glass fiber standard PCB that is both efficient and economical.
More information about aluminum PCB
Aluminum PCB is like any other PCB, where aluminum is used as the substrate. They are widely used in many applications operating in harsh environments and extreme temperatures. But they are not used in complex designs that require too many components to be installed. Aluminum is a good heat conductor. However, these PCBs still have screen printing, copper and solder mask. Sometimes, aluminum can be used as a substrate with some other non-conducting substrate (such as glass fiber). Aluminum PCBs are mostly single-sided or double-sided. They are rarely multi-layered. Therefore, although they are thermal conductors, the delamination of aluminum PCBs still has its own challenges. They are widely used in indoor and outdoor LED lighting systems. They are durable and help reduce environmental impact.
