Metal core PCB manufacturer · Copper core MCPCB
Metal Core PCB (MCPCB) Manufacturer: Copper Core & Thermal PCBs
Copper-core metal core PCBs, thermoelectric-separation boards and embedded copper-coin constructions for heat flux that standard FR-4 with thermal vias cannot handle. Every thermal stack-up is reviewed in writing before fabrication.
- Core
- Copper core
- Direct heat path
- Thermoelectric separation
- Embedded option
- Copper coin
- Circuit copper
- 0.5–10 oz
What is an MCPCB
Metal core PCBs, explained.
A metal core PCB (MCPCB) bonds the copper circuit to a metal base through a thin, thermally conductive dielectric, or connects hot pads straight to the metal. AstroPCB builds copper-core MCPCBs, thermoelectric-separation boards and embedded copper-coin boards for high-power LEDs, RF power amplifiers, lasers and power modules.
Copper conducts heat at about 380–400 W/m·K, roughly twice as well as aluminum, so a copper core spreads concentrated heat from small, hot devices quickly and evenly. Where the dielectric itself becomes the bottleneck, a thermoelectric-separation design removes it from the heat path completely.
We do not offer aluminum IMS or ceramic substrates. Our thermal portfolio is focused on copper-based constructions, where heat flux and reliability demands are highest.
Why AstroPCB
Why choose AstroPCB as your metal core PCB manufacturer.
As a metal core PCB manufacturer we start from your heat budget: device power, allowable junction temperature and heat-sink interface. Then we recommend the copper-core, thermoelectric-separation or copper-coin construction that meets it at the lowest cost.
- Copper core, thermoelectric separation and copper coin constructions
- Thermal review of dielectric, copper and core choices with every quote
- Engineering since 2008: 1,000+ engineers and 30+ partner factories in Shenzhen, Xi’an, Chengdu and Hangzhou
- Written DFM review on every order, prototype or production, before fabrication starts
- 99.6% on-time delivery across the partner factory network
- From 1 piece to volume with the same stack-up and process controls
- IPC Class 2 by default, Class 3 on request, with inspection records and batch traceability
- Fabrication plus assembly: component sourcing, SMT and tracked worldwide shipping
Constructions
Copper-based thermal PCB constructions.
| Construction | Heat path | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Copper core MCPCB | Circuit → thermal dielectric → copper base (≈ 380–400 W/m·K) | High-power LED arrays, power stages, laser drivers |
| Thermoelectric separation (direct thermal path) | Thermal pad soldered directly to a raised copper base; no dielectric under the hot pad | COB and high-power LEDs, RF PAs with exposed thermal pads |
| Embedded copper coin | Copper coin pressed or bonded into a multilayer FR-4 board under the hot device | GaN / LDMOS PAs, power modules inside multilayer boards |
| Heavy copper + thermal vias | Thick internal planes and via arrays into a heat sink | Distributed heat; see heavy copper |
Capabilities
Metal core PCB capabilities.
| Parameter | Capability |
|---|---|
| Constructions | Single-layer and double-sided copper-core MCPCB; thermoelectric separation; embedded copper coin in multilayer FR-4 |
| Core material | Copper (C1100 typical) |
| Thermal dielectric | Typical 1.0–3.0 W/m·K; higher-performance grades on request (confirm with datasheet) |
| Dielectric thickness | 0.075–0.20 mm typical |
| Core thickness | 0.8–3.2 mm typical |
| Circuit copper | 0.5 oz to 10 oz |
| Min. line / space | 50 / 50 µm on thin copper; wider on heavy copper |
How it works
How a copper core MCPCB works.
A copper-core MCPCB has three elements: a copper circuit layer, a thin thermally conductive dielectric and a copper base plate. Heat from components conducts through the dielectric into the copper base, which spreads it laterally and passes it to the heat sink or enclosure.
In a thermoelectric-separation board the copper base is raised under the device’s thermal pad, so the pad solders straight onto the base while the electrical pads stay isolated on the dielectric. The thermal path is metal-to-metal, which is why it suits the hottest LEDs and RF devices. An embedded copper coin applies the same idea inside a multilayer board.
Applications
Metal core PCB applications.
High-power LED modules, COB arrays and laser drivers use copper-core and thermoelectric-separation boards to hold junction temperature and lumen output. RF power amplifiers in 5G and radar use copper coins under GaN and LDMOS devices. Power conversion, motor drives and chargers use copper-core boards where concentrated losses sit under a few devices.
High-power LED
COB, UV and laser modules on copper or thermoelectric separation.
Plated holes
Plated through-holes in metal core boards.
Through-holes in an MCPCB must not short to the metal core. Signal holes are drilled oversize, filled with insulating epoxy and re-drilled and plated, so the barrel is insulated from the core. Where a deliberate thermal or ground connection to the core is wanted, a direct thermal connection is made instead.
Thermal design
MCPCB thermal design tips.
- Start from device power and allowable junction temperature
- Use thermoelectric separation when the dielectric limits heat transfer
- Use heavier circuit copper to spread heat under hot devices — see heavy copper
- Keep the backside flat and specify the TIM / heat-sink interface
- Consider an embedded copper coin when the board must stay multilayer FR-4
FAQ
Metal core PCB questions.
What is an MCPCB?
A metal core PCB: a copper circuit bonded to a metal base, usually through a thermally conductive dielectric, so heat spreads into the base and out to the heat sink.
Do you make aluminum PCBs?
No. AstroPCB does not offer aluminum IMS or ceramic substrates. We build copper-core MCPCBs, thermoelectric-separation boards and embedded copper-coin boards.
When should I choose a copper core?
When heat flux is high and concentrated under a few devices. Copper conducts about twice as well as aluminum and spreads heat faster from small hot spots.
What is a thermoelectric-separation PCB?
A copper-base board where the device’s thermal pad sits directly on a raised copper pedestal while its electrical pads stay isolated, giving a metal-to-metal heat path.
Can MCPCBs be double-sided?
Yes, with insulated plated holes. For more layers we usually recommend an embedded copper coin in a multilayer FR-4 board.
Can metal core PCBs have plated through-holes?
Yes, with insulated hole walls to avoid shorting to the core; direct thermal connections are used where contact with the core is intended.
Ready when your files are
Send your MCPCB design for a thermal review.
Upload Gerber, ODB++ or IPC-2581 data. Every quote includes a written engineering DFM review, typically within one business day.