When heat is the limiting factor, moving the dielectric onto an aluminium or copper core spreads it away from the components and keeps junction temperatures under control.
Metal-core range
| Parameter | Capability |
|---|---|
| Layer count | 1-2 layers standard; multilayer on request |
| Metal core | Aluminium 5052 / 6061, copper core |
| Thermal conductivity | 1-4 W/m·K dielectric, core-dependent |
| Board thickness | 0.8 mm - 3.2 mm |
| Copper weight | 1 oz - 4 oz |
| Surface finish | HASL-LF, ENIG, OSP |
| Solder mask | White, black, green; high-reflectance white for LED |
| Profile | Routing, V-scoring, stamping |
Where metal-core boards help
- LED lightingHigh-reflectance white mask and good heat spreading for luminaires and modules.
- Power electronicsMOSFET, motor-drive and inverter boards with localized heat generation.
- Automotive lightingThermal cycling and vibration resistance in a compact package.
- Power suppliesHeat spreading without a heavy external heatsink.
Thermal design notes
Metal-core boards are not automatically cooler — the dielectric is still the thermal bottleneck. Use copper pours and thermal vias where possible, keep heat-generating parts spread out, and tell us the expected power dissipation and ambient temperature during DFM review. For isolated or high-voltage designs, confirm the dielectric breakdown voltage before specifying the core.
Send the LED or power-device layout with the expected wattage per board. We will recommend the core thickness and dielectric based on the thermal path, not just the Gerber.
Frequently asked questions
Can you assemble components on aluminium boards?
Yes. Single-sided aluminium boards assemble normally; double-sided metal-core designs need a specific process review.
Is white solder mask available?
Yes, including high-reflectance white for LED applications.
Can you route and V-score aluminium boards?
Yes. Both routing and V-scoring are available, with the profile defined on the fabrication drawing.