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on November 21, 2023
A thick copper PCB is a circuit board that is ≥ 3 oz/sq. in. thick. in its outer and inner layers. A board is categorized as a thick copper printed circuit board because it has a thicker coating. In the production of thick copper circuit boards,multilayer pcb fabrication the thickness of the copper is enhanced by holes and sidewalls.
For example, a PCB has 2 ounces of copper per square foot. ft. thick, it is a standard PCB. however, if it has more than 3 ounces of copper, it is a thick copper PCB. thick copper PCBs are considered to be a reliable wiring choice. Thick Copper PCBs differ from Extreme Copper PCBs,1 oz vs 2 oz Copper which feature 20 ounces to 200 ounces per square foot.
The extra copper thickness allows the board to carry more current. Thick copper circuit boards have high mechanical power at through holes and joints. This type of PCB is also known as a thick copper PCB.
What does Thick Copper PCB offer?
A thick copper PCB has a lot to offer. It has some unique features that make it ideal for high-end applications. Let's discuss some of the benefits of this PCB:
Great heat distribution:Due to its copper plated through holes, this PCB offers a high thermal resistance. Thick copper PCBs are used in companies that need to perform high-speed and high-frequency applications. You also know that you can use through this PCB in harsh temperatures.
Mechanical Strength:Thick copper PCBs have high mechanical strength. When this PCB is used, it makes the electrical system durable and sturdy.
Good Conductor: Thick copper PCBs are good conductors. Due to this property, they are used in the production of electronic products. They help in connecting various panels together. These panels can carry current.
On-board Heat Sinks: Thick copper panels provide on-board heat sinks. Using these panels, you can achieve effective heat sinks on mosaic surfaces.
Great Dissipation Factor:Thick copper PCBs are ideal for large components with high power consumption. These printed circuit boards prevent overheating of the electrical system. They dissipate heat efficiently.
Support for exotic materials:Thick copper helps us to protect and enhance exotic materials. Exotic materials are sometimes used to carry out the design of an electronic component. Extreme temperatures may be required to pass through an exotic material. Thick copper plates end circuit failures because for them to be used is also an exotic material that can be utilized to its fullest.
What are the steps for prototyping thick copper PCBs?
For the manufacturing of thick copper PCBs, plating or etching is usually used. The main purpose is to increase the copper thickness of the sidewalls and plated holes. The method of manufacturing thick copper PCBs is not out of reach. Thick copper pcb's require special etching and plating methods to ensure the extra thickness of copper.
Using a normal etching process to create a thick copper printed circuit board is not ideal. Normal etching methods produce over-etched edges and uneven edge lines. Printed circuit board manufacturers now use advanced etching and plating methods to achieve straight edges.
During the development of PCB manufacturing, thick copper PCBs are plated. This will not only help in thickening the parathyroid walls on the PCB. Using through this information technology, the number of layers can be reduced and the impedance distribution carries on to be reduced. When the pcb is constantly exposed to our several cycles during the manufacturing production process, the plated holes become weak.
Thick copper pcb manufacturing has its limitations, including etching technology process design increases the cost of the enterprise; etching process we need to carry out the removal of copper produced a large number of copper; difficult to be able to manufacture finer lines and thicker copper lines; a large number of copper traces so that the surface is not flat.
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