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Decent Quality Aluminum Circuit Board for Prototype
Wednesday, July 16th, 2025

Aluminum circuit board is your first choice for prototypes needing efficient heat dissipation and mechanical strength. In today’s fast-moving electronic world, having a reliable board partner speeds up development and lowers risks. Let’s go through the types, benefits, manufacturing, and more—so you can make better decisions.

As a well-known aluminum circuit manufacturer, Best Technology supports decent quality aluminum circuit boards for prototypes. Our factory presents a wide variety of MCPCBs, like copper core PCB, single-layer MCPCB, COB MCPCB, double-sided MCPCB, multilayer MCPCB, and SinkPAD board. All our aluminum circuit goes through the most stringent electrical circuit test, AOI, and visual inspection. Our aluminum printed circuit boards are commonly used in aerospace, automotive, medical industries, LED lighting, and industrial equipment. It would be very nice of you to share the Gerber Files you have via email at mcsales@bestpcbs.com, then we will be glad to share the quote with you as quick as we can.

Decent Quality Aluminum Circuit Board for Prototype

What Is Aluminum Circuit Board?

An aluminum circuit board, also called metal core PCB or MCPCB, uses aluminum as its base instead of traditional FR4. It improves heat management and structural durability, which is vital for LED lighting and power devices. Unlike regular boards, these handle high temperatures without deforming. That’s why many engineers choose aluminum PCBs during prototyping.

What Is Aluminum Circuit Board?

What Is the Type of Aluminium PCB Board for LED?

For LED projects, the most common type is single-sided aluminum PCB. It’s compact and handles thermal loads well. But in high-power or RGB LED systems, double-sided or multilayer aluminum PCBs offer better performance. They reduce LED failure by improving heat flow. Best Technology supports custom layouts, even in tight spaces or dense LED arrangements.

Which Is Better: Aluminum PCB vs FR4?

Which is better: aluminum PCB vs FR4? Aluminum PCB beats FR4 in thermal performance. It draws heat away from sensitive parts, boosting LED lifespan and reducing risk. While FR4 costs less, it can’t manage heat well, especially in power circuits. In prototypes with high-current designs or compact layouts, aluminum wins. Plus, it supports better mechanical strength, cutting down failures during handling.

How Is the Aluminium PCB Manufacturing Process?

Making aluminum circuit boards involves steps like copper etching, dielectric lamination, and mechanical drilling. The copper layer must be etched with tight control. Some suppliers struggle here—especially above 3oz copper thickness. But Best Technology applies auto optical width checks and dynamic compensation algorithms. That keeps the line width deviation under ±0.02mm, even with 8oz copper. For heat bonding, vacuum lamination and real-time monitoring improve consistency, reducing delamination risks in LED arrays.

How Is the Aluminum Circuit Board Price?

Aluminum circuit board price varies with size, copper weight, layer count, and surface finish. Basic single-layer aluminum PCBs are cost-effective. But high-current designs with multiple layers cost more. Still, when you compare the longer LED lifespan, saved redesigns, and lower cooling costs, they provide better long-term value. Best Technology offers reasonable aluminum PCB prices, especially for small batches and prototypes.

How Is the Aluminum Circuit Board Price?

What Are the Advantages of Aluminum Printed Circuit Boards?

They shine in thermal management. The metal core pulls heat away quickly, protecting components. They’re durable and resist cracking better than FR4. For LED lighting, aluminum PCBs keep junction temperatures in the safe zone. This extends light quality and life. They also reduce the need for heat sinks, cutting system cost and weight. Aluminum PCB boards are also RoHS compliant and recyclable, supporting green goals.

Why Choose Best Technology as One of Your Reliable Aluminum Circuit Board Manufacturers?

Best Technology handles the technical challenges of aluminum PCB prototyping with skill. Let’s explore how we solve key demands.

1. Reliable Thermal Bonding

In LED arrays, poor bonding causes delamination and shortens lifespan. We use vacuum lamination and thermal imaging to detect flaws early. Thermal conductivity adhesives ensure better heat paths, with interface resistance as low as 0.8 K/W.

2. Complex Layout Support

Some designs need tight layouts. We support 0.5oz – 10oz conductor thickness, 4/4mil line space, and 0.48mil PTH wall thickness for HDI. The max board dimension supports up to 610*1625mm, and the MCPCB layers support up to 10 layers. Our thermal mapping and 3D layout tools balance heat and layout density—great for power-dense applications.

3. Controlled Drilling & Milling

CNC defects slow down prototyping. With laser depth control and anti-vibration tools, we prevent burrs and hole deformation. That means more reliable testing and less rework.

4. Strict Quality Assurance

We follow ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100D, and IPC Class 3. All batches are traceable, RoHS-safe, and meet UL requirements. Heat cycle tests from -55°C to +150°C, AOI checks, and electrical tests ensure long-term reliability.

5. Turnkey EMS MCPCB Manufacturing Service

Best Technology provides turnkey service from material procurement, MCPCB design, DFM analysis, MCPCB prototype, mass production, MCPCB assembly.

6. A Variety of Different MCPCBs

There are different varieties of our MCPCB portfolio, such as aluminum core PCBs, copper core PCBs, and Insulated Metal Substrate (IMS) PCBs with thermal vias. All support different layers, and there is no MOQ requirement for all our product lines.

Why Choose Best Technology as One of Your Reliable Aluminum Circuit Board Manufacturers?

In a nutshell, choosing a decent quality aluminum circuit board for your prototype is about more than just materials. It’s about solving thermal, layout, and manufacturing issues from the start. At Best Technology, we combine tech with process precision to overcome copper etching limits, bonding risks, and dense design hurdles. With our smart systems and certified quality, we support fast and successful prototyping for LED, power, and compact electronics. Feel free to email us at sales@bestpcbs.com or call us at +86-755-2909-1601, if you have any questions or would like to get more information.

Aluminum PCB Circuit Board | Aluminum PCB Design & Prototype
Tuesday, October 8th, 2024

What is Aluminum PCB Circuit Board?

An aluminum PCB, also known as an aluminum circuit board, is a type of metal core printed circuit board that uses aluminum as its base material. Unlike traditional PCBs, which are typically made with fiberglass, aluminum PCBs offer superior heat dissipation. This makes them ideal for high-power applications where excess heat can damage sensitive components. Aluminum PCBs are widely used in industries such as LED lighting, automotive, and power equipment because they provide better thermal management.

Aluminum PCBs are made from a combination of the following materials:

  • Aluminum Substrate: The base layer, responsible for mechanical support and heat dissipation.
  • Dielectric Layer: This layer provides insulation between the conductive layer and the aluminum base, while also helping with thermal transfer.
  • Conductive Layer: Made of copper, this layer is etched to form the circuit pattern and provides electrical connectivity.
  • Solder Mask Layer: This is a protective layer to protect the traces.
Aluminum PCB Circuit Board | Aluminum PCB Design & Prototype

Types of Aluminum PCB

Aluminum circuit board is a kind of metal base copper clad plate with good heat dissipation function, the main types include single-sided aluminum PCB, double-sided aluminum PCB and multi-layer aluminum PCB. ‌

Single sided aluminum PCB

The single-sided aluminum substrate is composed of a conductive graphic layer and an insulating material plus aluminum plate, which is relatively simple in structure and suitable for the installation and connection of some basic electronic components.

Double sided aluminum PCB

The double-sided circuit aluminum substrate has two layers of conductive graphics layer and the insulating material plus aluminum plate superimposed together, providing a larger circuit layout space and better heat dissipation effect, which is often used in electronic devices requiring higher integration and better heat dissipation performance.

Multilayer aluminum PCB

Multi-layer printed aluminum-based circuit board consists of three or more layers of conductive graphic layer and insulating material and aluminum plate alternately laminated together, with complex circuit design and excellent heat dissipation performance, suitable for high-end applications such as LED lighting, automotive electronics ‌.

In addition, there are other special types of aluminum-based circuit boards, such as flexible aluminum substrates, mixed aluminum substrates, etc. Flexible aluminum substrate has excellent electrical insulation, flexibility and thermal conductivity, and is suitable for product design in various shapes and angles. The hybrid aluminum substrate is a multilayer component made of conventional FR-4 bonded to an aluminum substrate with a thermoelectric medium, designed to improve heat dissipation and rigidity, and used as a shield ‌.

Aluminum PCB Features

The aluminum substrate, a metal-based cooling plate (including aluminum, copper, and iron substrates), is made from a low-alloyed Al-Mg-Si series high-plastic alloy plate. This material offers excellent thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and mechanical processing capabilities. When compared to traditional FR-4 materials, aluminum substrates of the same thickness and line width can carry higher currents. Additionally, they can withstand voltages up to 4500V and have a thermal conductivity greater than 2.0, making aluminum substrates the preferred choice in the industry.

● Surface mount technology (SMT);

● Very effective treatment of thermal diffusion in circuit design;

● Reduce product operating temperature, improve product power density and reliability, extend product service life;

● Reduce product volume, reduce hardware and assembly costs;

● Replace fragile ceramic substrate for better mechanical durability.

Aluminum PCB vs. Copper PCB

Both aluminum and copper PCBs have their own advantages, but they cater to different applications:

1. Thermal Conductivity

    In general, the higher the thermal conductivity, the more efficient the heat transfer, resulting in better heat dissipation and a longer lifespan. Among metal substrates, copper substrates offer the best thermal conductivity, outperforming aluminum substrates.

    2. Electrical Conductivity

    Both aluminum and copper are metals and conduct electricity, though their exact levels of conductivity differ. In terms of electrical conductivity, copper is significantly superior to aluminum. In applications that require high electrical conductivity, copper is the ideal choice.

    3. Resistance

    Resistance is crucial in PCB design as it affects the overall functionality and stability of the components. Given that copper has a higher density than aluminum, its resistance is generally lower. Therefore, in applications requiring thinner circuits and faster power transmission, copper is the better option.

    4. Weight

    Due to copper’s higher density per unit area, copper PCBs are much heavier than aluminum PCBs with the same design.

    In applications where lightweight structures are critical, aluminum is the preferred material. On the other hand, applications where weight is not a major concern often favor the use of copper.

    5. Applications

    Aluminum substrates are somewhat specialized. They are mainly used in energy-saving lighting products such as indoor lighting, energy-efficient lighting, and street lights. Copper substrates are suitable for high-power lighting equipment like car headlights, tail lights, and some high-tech electronics.

    6. Manufacturing Process

    The manufacturing process for aluminum-based PCBs is simpler than that for copper-based PCBs, which also impacts their production time and delivery schedules. Below is aluminum PCB and copper core PCB that made by Best Technology:

    Aluminum PCB Circuit Board | Aluminum PCB Design & Prototype

    Aluminum PCB Manufacturing Process

    The manufacturing process for aluminum PCBs involves several steps to ensure high quality and performance. Here is a basic manufacturing process of aluminum PCB:

    1. Substrate Selection and Preprocessing

      Aluminum alloys with high thermal conductivity, such as the 5052 and 6061 series, are selected as the base material. The aluminum sheet is first cut and cleaned to remove surface grease and impurities, ensuring proper adhesion for subsequent processes.

      2. Chemical Etching of Patterns

      Photosensitive ink is used to form the desired circuit patterns on the aluminum surface. After exposure and development, the ink-covered areas protect the underlying aluminum from being etched by chemicals, while the unprotected areas are etched away, forming the circuit pattern.

      3. Insulation Layer Deposition

      To achieve electrical isolation, an insulating material, usually thermosetting resin or ceramic-filled epoxy resin, is deposited on the aluminum substrate. This step is typically completed using screen printing or inkjet printing technology to ensure a uniform and appropriately thick insulation layer.

      4. Metallization

      Creating conductive paths on the insulation layer is a key step. Copper foil is deposited onto the insulation layer using methods such as electroplating, sputtering, or chemical copper deposition. This copper foil serves as the conductive layer for connecting LED chips and other components.

      5. Drilling and Metallization

      Holes are drilled in the board according to the design to achieve electrical connections between different layers. The hole walls are then metallized to ensure good conductivity inside the holes.

      6. Surface Treatment

      To improve solderability and corrosion resistance, the aluminum substrate undergoes additional surface treatments, such as tin spraying, gold plating, or silver plating.

      7. Assembly and Testing

      LED chips, resistors, capacitors, and other components are soldered onto the circuit board to complete the assembly. Here you can see the whole manufacturing process of aluminum metal core PCB.

      What Affects Aluminum PCB Circuit Board Price?

      First of all, ‌ raw material cost ‌ is one of the important factors affecting the price of aluminum based circuit board. The raw materials of aluminum substrate include aluminum substrate and other auxiliary materials, such as insulating layer materials. The price fluctuation of aluminum substrate will directly affect the production cost of aluminum substrate, and then affect its market price. In addition, the cost of electricity is also a part of the production process cannot be ignored, the fluctuation of electricity price will further affect the production cost ‌.

      Secondly, ‌ market supply and demand ‌ is also a key factor in determining the price of aluminum-based circuit boards. If demand increases and supply is insufficient, prices will naturally go up. On the other hand, if there is an oversupply, the price will fall. Changes in demand in the construction, automotive and other industries, as well as changes on the supply side such as the construction of new plants or the closure of old plants, will have a direct impact on the price of aluminum-based circuit boards ‌.

      ‌The macroeconomic environment ‌ also has an important impact on the price of aluminum-based circuit boards. When economic growth is expected to be good, the demand for aluminum substrate in related industries increases, driving up prices; The expectation of economic recession will lead to a decline in demand and pressure on aluminum substrate prices ‌.

      ‌Policies and regulations ‌ is also one of the factors affecting the price of aluminum-based circuit boards. The government’s environmental protection policies, trade policies and industry subsidies will have an impact on the aluminum substrate market. For example, environmental policies that limit production may reduce supply and push up prices; The establishment of trade barriers may affect the import and export of aluminum substrate, and then affect the domestic market price.

      Aluminum PCB Production Capability – Best Technology

      Best Technology is known for its strong production capability when it comes to aluminum PCBs. Our manufacturing facilities are equipped with the latest technology to produce high-quality aluminum PCBs that meet industry standards. We have the ability to produce single-sided, double-sided, and multi-layer aluminum PCBs, below you can see our capability of aluminum PCBs:

      Aluminum PCB Circuit Board | Aluminum PCB Design & Prototype

      Applications of Aluminum PCB

      Aluminum PCBs are used in a variety of applications, particularly where heat management is crucial:

      • LED Lighting
      • Automotive Electronics
      • Power Supplies
      • Consumer Electronics
      • Medical
      • Household appliance
      Aluminum PCB Circuit Board | Aluminum PCB Design & Prototype

      FAQs about Aluminum PCB Circuit Board

      1. What is the main advantage of aluminum PCBs?

        Aluminum PCBs excel in thermal management, making them perfect for heat-sensitive applications.

        2. Are aluminum PCBs expensive?

        No, aluminum PCBs are generally affordable, making them a cost-effective option for many industries.

        3. Can aluminum PCBs be used in consumer electronics?

        Yes, aluminum PCBs are commonly used in consumer electronics, especially in devices that generate significant heat.

        4. What industries commonly use aluminum PCBs?

        Industries such as automotive, LED lighting, and power supplies frequently use aluminum PCBs due to their thermal properties.

        5. Is aluminum PCB better than copper PCB?

        It depends on the application. Aluminum is better for heat dissipation, while copper excels in electrical conductivity.