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What is a Copper Clad PCB? Copper Clad Laminate (CCL)
Thursday, August 21st, 2025

Copper clad PCB are a core material for printed circuit boards (PCBs). Composed of an insulating substrate and copper foil, these materials are heat-pressed to form a composite. They both support components and provide conductive circuits. Depending on the substrate, these materials can be categorized as paper, fiberglass, composite, or metal. They are widely used in consumer electronics, communications, automotive, and industrial control applications.

What is a Copper Clad PCB? Copper Clad Laminate (CCL)

Are you curious about Best Technology’s copper clad PCBs?

  • Does the insulation performance meet circuit insulation requirements?
  • Can the material strength withstand the processing and usage environment?
  • Is the performance and cost balance balanced?
  • Does BEST Technology provide customization and after-sales support?

Best Technology’s copper clad PCB can answer these questions.

  • Compatible. Supports standard sizes and customized specifications (thickness, shape), adapting to different PCB design requirements, and enabling fast response for small batches.
  • Performance. The base material is highly resistant to bending and impact, and can withstand cutting, drilling, and other processing processes, preventing cracking or deformation after long-term use.
  • Achieve. Performance meets industry standards, with over 100 board options for cost optimization, balancing reliability and affordability.
  • Provide. Supports customization of materials, specifications, and processes. After-sales service includes rapid response and warranty services, and expedited orders ship within 24 hours.

What is copper clad in PCB?

Copper clad PCB refers to a board where a thin layer of copper foil is bonded to one or both sides of a substrate, usually fiberglass or other insulating material. This copper layer forms the conductive surface where circuit patterns are later etched.

Without this copper cladding, a PCB would just be an insulator with no ability to carry signals. By laminating copper onto the substrate, the board gains electrical conductivity and becomes the foundation for electronic circuits.

The copper clad board is then processed through techniques like imaging, etching, and drilling to create pathways that allow electricity to flow between components.

In short, a copper clad PCB board is the starting point for almost every PCB. It bridges the gap between insulating materials and conductive pathways.

How thick is PCB copper clad?

Copper thickness is one of the most critical specifications in any copper clad PCB sheet. It directly affects current-carrying capacity, heat dissipation, and durability.

The thickness of copper in PCBs is usually measured in ounces per square foot (oz/ft²). Here’s what it typically looks like:

  • 0.5 oz/ft² copper → about 18 microns thick
  • 1 oz/ft² copper → about 35 microns thick
  • 2 oz/ft² copper → about 70 microns thick
  • 3 oz/ft² and above → heavy copper, often used for power electronics
What is a Copper Clad PCB? Copper Clad Laminate (CCL)

Standard consumer electronics often use 1 oz copper. High-power applications may need 2 oz or more to handle higher currents without overheating.

So, when choosing a PCB copper clad board, thickness depends on your circuit’s power requirements and performance needs.

What are the materials of copper clad laminate (CCL)?

The copper clad laminate (CCL) is not just copper. It’s a composite material made of multiple layers. Each one has a specific role.

Here are the primary materials used:

1. Copper Foil

  • Conductive layer
  • Provides the pathways for current flow
  • Usually treated to improve adhesion

2. Resin System

  • Often epoxy or modified epoxy
  • Acts as a binder
  • Provides mechanical strength

3. Reinforcement Material

  • Fiberglass cloth is the most common
  • Ensures dimensional stability
  • Improves heat resistance

4. Additives

  • Flame retardants
  • Fillers for mechanical stability
  • Special compounds for high-frequency applications

The combination of these elements gives the copper clad laminate PCB its strong insulation, mechanical toughness, and long-term reliability.

What is a PCB with copper clad on only one side called?

PCB with copper laminated on only one side is known as a single-sided copper clad board. It’s the simplest form of PCB copper clad laminate.

These are widely used in low-cost and less complex electronic devices. For example:

  • Calculators
  • Power supplies
  • LED lighting modules
  • Consumer gadgets

On the other hand, a double sided copper clad PCB board has copper foil on both sides. This allows more complex designs and higher component density.

Therefore, depending on the complexity of the circuit, a single-sided or double-sided option can be chosen.

What are the types of copper clad laminate (CCL)?

Copper clad laminates are available in different types to suit varied applications. Here are the main categories:

What is a Copper Clad PCB? Copper Clad Laminate (CCL)

Based on Substrate

  • Paper-based (phenolic resin) → Affordable, good for household appliances
  • Glass fabric (epoxy resin) → More durable, widely used in general electronics
  • Composite CCL → A mix of paper and fiberglass

Based on Copper Foil

  • Electrolytic copper foil → Smooth surface, ideal for precision circuits
  • Rolled annealed copper foil → Excellent ductility, used in flexible PCBs

Based on Application

  • General-purpose CCL → Cost-effective and widely used
  • High-frequency CCL → Designed for RF and microwave devices
  • High-speed CCL → Used in data communication systems
  • Thermal conductive CCL → Great for LED and power devices

Each type of copper clad laminate PCB material is designed to handle unique performance demands.

Why use a copper clad PCB board?

Copper clad PCBs bring several advantages that make them a preferred choice:

  • Excellent Conductivity: Copper provides stable and reliable current flow.
  • Thermal Management: Thicker copper spreads heat efficiently, preventing damage.
  • Mechanical Strength: Fiberglass reinforcement adds stability.
  • Design Flexibility: Available in single, double, or multilayer forms.
  • Cost Efficiency: Paper-based and FR4 laminates reduce manufacturing costs.

These advantages have led to the widespread use of copper clad PCBs in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and medical devices.

What is copper clad used for?

Copper clad boards serve as the base for many electronic products. Some key applications include:

1. Consumer Electronics

  • Smartphones, tablets, laptops
  • Wearable devices

2. Automotive Electronics

  • Control modules
  • Safety systems
  • Infotainment units

3. LED Lighting

  • High thermal conductivity versions
  • Used in LED lighting aluminum substrates

4. Industrial Control Systems

  • Robust designs for high current
  • Suitable for harsh environments

5. Medical Devices

  • Compact and reliable circuits
  • Long-term performance stability

In short, copper clad PCBs are used anywhere reliable electronic connections are required.

How to choose a copper clad board for PCB?

Choosing the right copper clad laminate PCB requires balancing performance, cost, and application needs. Here’s how you can decide:

What is a Copper Clad PCB? Copper Clad Laminate (CCL)

1. Power Requirements

  • High current? Choose thicker copper.
  • Low power? Standard 1 oz copper is enough.

2. Frequency Performance

  • For RF or high-speed circuits, select low-loss laminates.
  • For simple circuits, FR4 is cost-effective.

3. Thermal Demands

  • LEDs and power devices benefit from thermal conductive laminates.

4. Design Complexity

  • Single-sided for simple devices.
  • Double-sided or multilayer for complex designs.

5. Budget Considerations

  • Paper-based laminates are cheaper.
  • Glass-fiber laminates offer longer life.

By considering these factors, you can select the best copper clad board PCB for your project.

At Best Technology, we specialize in PCB copper clad laminates that meet international standards and deliver long-term reliability. If you are seeking a trustworthy supplier for your copper clad PCB boards, our team is here to help. Contact us today at sales@bestpcbs.com

How to Choose the Copper Clad PCB Board for MCPCB Design?
Monday, August 11th, 2025

A Copper clad PCB board plays an important part in MCPCB design. In this blog, we will discuss the definition, features, price, layers, and manufacturing process for the copper clad PCB board.

Have you met these headaches?

  • Poor heat dissipation shortens LED lifespan?
  • Corrosion damage in harsh environments?
  • Vibration-induced cracking and structural damage?
  • Complex manufacturing processes increase cost and lead time?

Here are the solutions from Best Technology to fully resolve these problems.

  • Enhanced Thermal Management: To lower thermal resistance and LED temperatures for longer service life, we adopt the copper-based MCPCB with 1.0–4.0 W/m·K thermal conductivity. Besides, we will consider the copper-filled microvia structure for faster heat transfer.
  • Corrosion-Resistant Protection: To protect the metal core PCB from salt spray corrosion, we use the anodized layer or specialized plating. Every board has strictly passed the salt spray test.
  • Optimize the structure Design for Vibration: We take the 0.8 mm 5052 aluminum alloy with glass fiber reinforcement when selecting the material, and we will do the vibration test. This material is 0.8mm, which improves anti-vibration performance by 3 times.
  • Advanced Manufacturing Capability: Our solution for complex designs is to get the cutting-edge technology like Microvia, blind via, buried via, etc, which improve the multilayer MCPCB manufacturing efficiency and reliability.

The clad PCB board sits at the heart of many MCPCB designs. Best Technology provides excellent copper clad PCB boards for your MCPCB Design optimization. It would be great if you could give us your specific requirement via sales@bestpcbs.com. We are more than happy to give you our full service from metal core PCB prototype to final delivery.

What is a Copper Clad PCB Board?

A copper clad PCB board refers to a substrate material laminated with a thin layer of copper foil on its surface. Typically, it consists of an insulating substrate such as FR-4, bonded with copper foil through a lamination process.

Copper clad materials can be broadly categorized based on their substrate type:

  • If the substrate is metallic, such as aluminum or copper, it forms a Metal Core PCB (MCPCB). These PCBs are designed for applications with high thermal demands, where effective heat dissipation is crucial.
  • If the substrate is non-metallic, like FR-4 fiberglass, it is known as Copper Clad Laminate (CCL), widely used in general electronic circuit boards.

Depending on the specific application, PCB cores can vary from FR-4 fiberglass, metal cores (aluminum, copper), to advanced ceramic substrates. In this discussion, the focus will be on metal core PCBs.

What is Copper Clad PCB Board?

What Does Copper Clad Laminate Mean?

Copper clad laminate is also called CCL, which refers to the raw material. But copper clad PCB board may include the finished PCBs. Copper clad laminate is an essential and basic material in electronic manufacturing, like phones and laptops. That features the circuit conducting in electronic parts. The structure of copper clad laminate is hot-pressed by copper foil, an insulated substrate, such as Resin and glass fiber. It consists of a core insulating material bonded with copper foil on one or both sides.

Difference Between Copper Clad PCB and Photosensitive Copper Clad Board

While a copper clad PCB board is a general base for PCB fabrication, a photosensitive copper clad board has a special coating that reacts to light exposure. It has a great feature that it can form the circuit pattern through exposure and development. No need to process the traditional etching process to form the circuit pattern.

However, the big difference between copper clad PCB and photosensitive copper clad board is that the copper clad PCB should undergo etching, drilling, and other complex processes, then finish the PCB. It is commonly used in consumer electronics and communication devices. So the photosensitive copper clad board simplifies the manufacturing process, and it is mostly perfect for the small batch and the high precision circuit manufacturing, like HDI PCB board.

What is the Copper Clad PCB Board Price?

There are mainly 3 factors for price fluctuation.

  • The first factor is the substrate type, such as aluminum core and copper core. The aluminum core price is generally higher 30%-50% than the common FR4. However, the copper core substrate board will be more expensive, whose unit price may increase 50%-100% than the aluminum core board, which depends on the copper purity and the copper thickness.
  • Another factor is the complexity of the manufacturing process. The cost will increase 15%-25% if the high thermal metal core board needs special hole drilling, such as laser drilling, and surface treatment, such as immersion gold. Since this process is more complex, it is difficult to do well.
  • The final factor is the manufacturing batch quantity. If the quantity is lower than 100 pieces, the prototype unit price may be USD20-50 per piece. However, if above 1000 pieces, the price could be lower to USD5-10 per piece. And the copper core board will increase the cost by more than 20%-30%.
What is the Copper Clad PCB Board Price?

Layers of Copper Clad Board Double Sided

A double sided copper clad board has three material layers: copper foil on the top, insulating substrate in the middle, and copper foil at the bottom. A double sided copper clad board means there are laminated with copper foil on both substrate sides. That is suitable for the electronic equipment that needs both sides to have the circuits. It is applicable for medium complexity circuit design.

Double sided circuits are making the electricity connection through vias. The standard layer of double-sided copper-clad board is only 2 layer copper foil, which is a double-layer routing layer, without an inner layer of copper foil. If the double-sided copper-clad board has an inner layer, it needs to be specified like this: 4-layer copper clad board, which has 2 inner layers.

Manufacturing Process of Single Sided Copper Clad PCB Board

Manufacturing a single sided copper clad board involves several steps:

  1. Material Preparation: Cutting copper clad laminate to required size.
  2. Cleaning: Removing contaminants for better adhesion.
  3. Pattern Transfer: Applying a resist to define circuit patterns.
  4. Etching: Removing unwanted copper to reveal conductive traces.
  5. Finishing: Applying surface finishes for solderability and corrosion protection.

This straightforward process makes single sided copper clad boards a cost-effective choice for simpler MCPCB designs.

Difference Between Copper Clad PCB Board, Copper Plated PCB Board, and Copper Coated PCB Board

These terms sound similar but have distinct meanings.

  • A copper plated PCB board describes a board that has undergone plating during manufacturing, such as adding copper to through-hole walls.
  • Copper coated PCB board is a non-standard term, sometimes used to mean boards with a copper surface layer, but it lacks precision in professional contexts.

How to Choose the Copper Clad PCB Board for MCPCB Design?

Choosing a suitable copper clad PCB board for MCPCB design involves 6 fundamental factors.

  • First, you should choose suitable copper foils. There are ECF, RACF, and special copper foil for your selection. The ECF is suitable for the low frequency and the high current applications, which have low cost, but it’s mechanical strength is up to 150-300MPa. But its surface roughness is Ra 0.8-1.2μm, which may cause the high-frequency signal loss. The RACF is a great option for high-frequency transmission or the flexible MCPCB design. This copper foil has excellent ductility, and the surface is smoother. The third foil is a special type, like the high thermal copper foil or the copper foil, where Rz is lower than 3μm. It is suitable for high-power heat dissipation or high-speed circuits.
  • The second factor is copper thickness and the heat dissipation design. The outer layer commonly used is the 1/2 ounce plated copper. The inner layer is recommended to choose the 1-2 once a solid copper plate, so as to optimize the heat dissipation performance.
  • The third factor is to optimize the stacked structure. It is great to utilize the inner circuit to block the high-speed signal, so as to reduce the distraction.
  • The fourth factor is the copper laying strategy. The antenna area should avoid copper. The creepage spacing should be reserved for high-voltage circuits.
  • The fifth factor is the balance between costs. The FR4 depends on the copper foil and the vias to dissipate the heat. But the metal core substrate has a higher cost than FR4. And it improves the heat dissipation efficiency, making it suitable for the high-power MCPCB.
  • The final factor is the manufacturing process match. The 2 once copper foil is expensive, and it is difficult to do the fine circuit, but it has great thermal performance. Hence, the design needs to be weighed according to the requirements. The inner layer should use the negative copper to improve the yield, and the surface copper layer should avoid the dense circuit area.

Why Choose Best Technology as One of Your Trusted Copper Clad PCB Board Manufacturers?

Best Technology understands the challenges faced by customers in industries like LED lighting, automotive, and marine electronics. High-power LEDs demand superior heat dissipation. Coastal environments require boards that can resist salt spray corrosion. Vibration-heavy applications need materials that won’t crack under stress.

  • Best Technology has the practical experience to address these pain points with thermal solutions, corrosion Resistance, structure design optimization, and advanced manufacturing.
  • With certifications including ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, and AS9100D, Best Technology combines quality control with comprehensive quality system to deliver reliable copper clad PCB boards worldwide.
  • With over 19 years of experience in the PCB board industry, Best Technology supplies a whole range of boards, like copper clad PCB board, single sided copper clad board, copper clad board double sided, LED automotive aluminum circuit board, copper MCPCB, aluminium core PCB, IMS PCB, and others.
  • No matter which board type you want to do with the prototype, fabrication, assembly, or box build. We are the original factory to supply the premium full service for you without wasting a lot of time, money, and energy between a verity of manufacturers.
Why Choose Best Technology as One of Your Trusted Copper Clad PCB Board Manufacturers?

To conclude, understanding the copper clad PCB board definition, price factors, and manufacturing steps is indispensable in winning specific projects between customers. And Best Technology is one of the leading metal core PCB manufacturers in Shenzhen, supplying you with the EMS turnkey manufacturing services. If you have any inquiries or any technical questions, pls feel free to tell us via sales@bestpcbs.com or +86-755-2909-1601.

What is copper PCB board? Copper clad PCB board
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025

Copper PCB board is a type of circuit board where a thin layer of copper is bonded to an insulating base, usually made from fiberglass, resin, or other non-conductive materials.

What makes copper special is its exceptional electrical conductivity, which ensures fast, stable signal transmission and efficient power delivery. Whether it’s a single sided copper PCB board or a double sided copper clad laminate PCB circuit board, the copper layer is essential for performance, reliability, and heat control.

Available in different thicknesses and configurations, copper clad PCB boards can be tailored to meet the demands of everything from smartphones to medical devices.

Why is copper used in PCBs?

Copper is used in PCBs for one big reason—conductivity. It’s one of the best conductors of electricity. That means signals can move through the board fast, with low resistance. This ensures stable, efficient, and reliable performance in any circuit.

Another reason? Copper is durable. It handles high currents without overheating. It resists corrosion. And it can be etched into very fine lines for dense circuit layouts. Plus, copper is cost-effective. It offers high performance without sky-high prices.

In short, copper keeps signals fast, power stable, and costs low. That’s why it’s the standard across the electronics industry.

How thick is 2 oz of copper on a PCB?

This refers to how much copper is spread over a square foot of board.

2 oz copper thickness equals about 70 microns, or 0.07mm. That may sound thin, but it’s double the thickness of the standard 1 oz copper, which is 35 microns. And that extra thickness brings major benefits:

  • Higher current-carrying capacity
  • Better heat dissipation
  • Stronger, more reliable circuits

Designers choose 2 oz copper when a circuit needs to handle more power or operate in tough environments. It adds strength without a huge increase in cost or size.

What type of copper is used in PCB?

The copper used in PCBs is not just any copper. It’s specifically engineered for electronics manufacturing. The two most common types are:

  • Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper: This is the standard. It’s over 99% pure and offers great conductivity and flexibility.
  • Rolled Annealed (RA) Copper: This type is used in flexible PCBs. It’s softer, more bendable, and less likely to crack under repeated movement.

For rigid boards, like your TV remote or thermostat, ETP is ideal. For flexible applications, like foldable phones or wearable devices, RA copper shines.

How to choose PCB copper thickness?

Picking the right copper PCB board thickness depends on your needs. Here are some guiding points:

  • Current load: More current needs thicker copper. If your board handles power, go for 2 oz or more.
  • Heat management: Thicker copper spreads heat better, reducing hotspots.
  • Space constraints: If your design is tight, thinner copper can help save room.
  • Cost and weight: More copper = more weight and higher cost.

The most common thickness is 1 oz, but 0.5 oz and 2 oz are also widely used. High-power boards may go up to 3 oz or more.

What is a copper clad PCB board?

Copper clad PCB board is a base material, Usually FR4 (fiberglass), CEM-1, or phenolic resin, that’s laminated with a thin layer of copper on one or both sides.

Types of copper clad boards include:

  • Single sided copper clad board: copper on one side
  • Double sided copper clad board: copper on both sides
  • Multilayer boards: multiple layers of copper and insulation stacked together

These boards form the foundation of electronics. Without copper cladding, there’s no signal path, no connectivity, and no functionality.

Types of Copper Clad Boards

There are several variations, each tailored for different needs:

  • Single sided copper PCB board: Great for simple, low-cost circuits. Common in calculators or basic toys.
  • Double sided copper PCB board: Used in more complex electronics, offering better routing and signal flow.
  • Copper clad laminate: This is the raw material, often sold in panels, ready to be etched. Also known as blank copper PCB board.
  • Double sided copper clad laminate PCB circuit board: Offers flexibility in circuit design. Common in LED lighting and power supplies.
  • Copper strip PCB board: Used for high-current circuits. Thick copper strips are embedded to carry heavy loads.
  • Copper clad plate laminate PCB board: Known for high strength, used in industrial environments.

The choice depends on application, current needs, size, and cost.

What is a copper clad board used for?

Copper clad boards are used in every corner of the electronics world.

  • Consumer electronics
  • Industrial controls
  • LED lighting
  • Automotive dashboards
  • Medical devices
  • Communication systems

Their job? To carry signals, distribute power, and provide mechanical support. They’re also vital for EMI shielding, grounding, and signal integrity.

How to remove copper from PCB board?

There are moments in prototyping or repair when removing copper is necessary. Here are some common methods:

  • Chemical etching: Ferric chloride or ammonium persulfate can dissolve copper. Be cautious, it’s toxic and requires proper ventilation.
  • Mechanical removal: Sandpaper or a rotary tool can physically grind off copper.
  • Laser removal: High-end labs use this for ultra-precise control.

Each method has pros and cons. For hobbyists, mechanical methods are safer. For professionals, chemical etching allows for mass removal with precision.

Copper plated PCB board vs copper coated: What’s the difference?

Copper plated PCB boards and copper coated PCB boards may sound similar, but they serve different purposes.

Copper plated PCB board means copper has been electroplated onto certain areas—like holes or edges. This helps with conductivity, especially in via holes and multi-layer connections.

Copper coated PCB board refers to a board where a base material is uniformly covered with copper foil. This is typically done during the lamination stage to form the initial circuit layer.

In short:

  • Plated = targeted copper application, used for conductivity enhancement
  • Coated = general copper layer across a surface, used to form the main circuit

Conclusion:

Copper PCB boards play a critical role in modern electronics, offering excellent conductivity, thermal performance, and reliability. Whether it’s a single sided copper clad board, double sided copper PCB board, or a blank copper PCB board, each type supports different circuit needs.

If you’re looking for high-quality copper clad PCB boards, reliable support, or expert advice, we’re here to help.

Need help choosing the right copper PCB board? Reach out today at sales@bestpcbs.com