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MCPCB FAQ

May 18th, 2026

MCPCB Technical FAQ’s

1. Can you tell me the minimum specs for smoothly manufacturing 2 layer Metal Core PCBs at your facility? +
Minimum hole diameter: 0.5mm; Minimum spacing between hole edge and hole edge: 1.5mm; Minimum circuit width and spacing: 1OZ(0.2mm) / 2OZ(0.25mm); Minimum final board thickness: 0.8mm

2. Are you UL certified manufacturer? +
Yes, we are UL certified manufacturer, our UL is E475635.

3. Can the aluminum be made as the base of sinkpad? +
Actually, the sinkpad can only use copper as the base. Aluminum cannot react with etching acid directly, which makes the process complex and increases scrap rate.

4. Would you have white papers explaining technical comparisons between FR4 and MCPCB? +
MCPCB has better thermal conductivity, generally 3-4 times more expensive than FR4. It efficiently dissipates heat via a thermal dielectric layer, while FR4 retains heat.

5. Is the backside of the PCB coated or exposed copper? +
Normally, the copper is exposed. ENEPIG coating is available but more expensive.

6. How thick is the ENEPIG metal layer finish? +
3u†for wire bonding.

7. How thick is the dielectric interlayer between top copper and substrate? +
75-100um

8. Is it possible to request a thicker dielectric layer? +
Yes, 150um is available.

9. Which dielectric do you recommend for 90+W LED products? +
3W/m·k or 2W/m·k is better than 1W/m·k.

10. Can you do bevel and chamfer features in metal core technology? +
Yes. Routing: ±0.15~0.2mm tolerance, rough surface; Carving: ±0.1mm tolerance, higher cost.

11. What is the standard dielectric thickness for aluminum MCPCB? +
75um or 100um.

12. Can the dielectric thickness be adjusted? +
Yes. Too thin may cause breakdown.

13. Is 2.0 W/(m·K) the highest thermal conductivity available? +
No, we offer 3.0 W/(m·K).

14. Can 1-layer SinkPAD use lead-free HASL? +
Not recommended. Risk of delamination and chemical reaction. OSP is preferred.

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Ceramic PCB FAQ

May 18th, 2026

Thick Film Ceramic PCB Technical FAQ’s

1. What is the standard thickness of a thick-film ceramic board? +
0.635mm

2. What is the maximum size of thick film ceramic PCB? +
114mm x 114mm

3. What is the commonly referred name for the solder mask used on thick film ceramic PCB? What colors are available? +
It is called glass glaze, and the available colors are greenish-blue/blue.

4. What is the surface treatment for thick film ceramic PCB? +
No additional surface treatment is required.

5. How many types of substrates are typically used for thick film ceramic PCB? What are they? +
There are 3 types: Alumina, Aluminum Nitride, and Beryllium Oxide.

6. What are the color differences between the three substrates used in thick film ceramic PCB? +
Alumina and Beryllium Oxide are white, while Aluminum Nitride is gray.

7. How many types of Alumina substrates are there? +
96% Al₂O₃ and 99% Al₂O₃.

8. How are Alumina, Aluminum Nitride, and Beryllium Oxide written in English? +
Alumina: Aluminium Oxide/Alumina; Aluminum Nitride: Aluminium Nitride; Beryllium Oxide: Beryllium Oxide.

9. What are the dielectric constants of Alumina, Aluminum Nitride, and Beryllium Oxide? +
96% Al₂O₃: 8.9; 99% Al₂O₃: 9.5; AlN: 8.9; BeO: 6.4.

10. What conductor pastes are commonly used for thick film ceramic PCB? +
AgPd and Au.

11. What are the typical thicknesses of the conductor pastes for thick film ceramic PCB? +
AgPd: ≥10µm, Au: 3-7µm.

12. Can copper be used as a conductor on thick film ceramic PCB? +
No.

13. Are the circuits on thick film ceramic PCB created using printing or etching processes? +
They are created using a printing process.

14. How are the conductor paste and ceramic material bonded together? +
Through high-temperature sintering.

15. What is the peak sintering temperature for the conductor on thick film ceramic PCB? +
850°C ± 10°C.

16. What is the dwell time at peak temperature? +
8 minutes to 10 minutes.

17. What is the sintering cycle time? +
30 minutes to 60 minutes.

18. What is the operating temperature of thick film ceramic PCB? +
-55°C to 850°C.

19. Do thick film ceramic PCB require an insulating material between the conductor and substrate? +
No, ceramic materials are inherently insulating.

20. Can thick film ceramic PCB be screen-printed? +
Yes, but it is generally not done as it is quite complex to manufacture.

21. What is the minimum line width and spacing for thick film ceramic PCB? +
For samples: 0.2/0.2mm, for mass production: ≥0.25/0.25mm.

22. Can resistors be sintered on thick film ceramic PCB? What method is commonly used? +
Yes, laser trimming is commonly used.

23. Can thick film ceramic PCB be bonded? +
Yes.

24. Can thick film ceramic PCB be made with double-sided multilayers? +
Currently, no. Only single-sided multilayers are possible.

25. Can thick film ceramic PCB have through-holes? +
Yes, but only using special silver paste.

26. Can thick film ceramic PCB with gold paste conductors have through-holes? +
No, through-holes must be made with special silver paste, as silver paste and gold paste are incompatible.

27. Can thick film ceramic PCB be panelized? +
Yes.

28. How are panelized thick film ceramic PCB separated? +
They can be separated using tools like pliers or by hand-breaking.

29. How are holes drilled in ceramic boards? +
They are drilled using a laser.

30. Do ceramic boards absorb water? +
No, they are non-absorbent.

31. How are ceramic boards typically packaged? +
Vacuum packaging or in blister trays.

32. If the AgPd conductor on thick film ceramic PCB oxidizes, how can it be handled? +
The surface can be rubbed with an eraser.

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