Metal Core Printed Circuit Boards (MCPCBs) use metal as their substrate material, contrary to traditional FR4 heat sinks. Therefore, MCPCBs are sometimes referred to as thermal PCBs. With various electronic components operating on the board, heat accumulates. By using a metal substrate, the heat is transferred from critical board components to less critical areas, such as a heatsink backing or the metal core itself. Consequently, these MCPCBs are ideal solutions for handling thermal issues.

MCPCBs are also known as Insulated Metal Substrate (IMS) PCBs, Metal-Backed PCBs, and occasionally as Impedance Metal PCBs (IMPCBs). Common materials used in MCPCBs include copper, aluminum, or a mixture of specific metal alloys.

Advantages of Metal Substrates:

● Operation Under Extreme Conditions: When dealing with high temperatures and pressures in locations or areas where PCBs are installed, it’s crucial to make cautious decisions. Metal substrates can function normally under extreme conditions.

● High Temperature and Pressure Resistance: A solution to all the issues associated with FR-4 and similar materials is the use of metal substrates, which have gained widespread popularity in the industry. Due to the characteristics of metal substrates and their ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures, they can now be found in applications such as LED lights, automotive electronics, medical devices, communication equipment, and many more.

● Increased Durability: Metal substrates feature a layer of metal, commonly aluminum or copper, and sometimes iron. Due to the presence of the metal layer, these PCBs are much more robust than FR-4. They can withstand greater pressure.