ALUMINUM / COPPER MCPCB

Metal Core PCB Manufacturing — Engineered Thermal Paths for LEDs & Power

Fabricate aluminum MCPCB with 1–8 W/m·K dielectrics, vacuum lamination, and copper-filled thermal vias so lighting, EV, and industrial systems stay cool and reliable.

  • 1–8 W/m·K dielectric
  • Vacuum lamination
  • Copper-filled thermal vias
  • Hi-Pot 4 kV
  • IR & D5470 validation
  • Turnkey LED assembly

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Metal Core MCPCB Fabrication & Assembly

APTPCB engineers translate power maps into aluminum or copper MCPCB stackups, selecting dielectric conductivity, isolation thickness, and bonding films to hit thermal and electrical targets.

We integrate copper-filled vias, embedded coins, and plated slots so LEDs, MOSFETs, and power modules mount directly while remaining isolated from the baseplate.

Turnkey assembly support covers solder paste selection, vacuum reflow, press-fit hardware, and conformal coating to keep heavy panels protected.

APTPCB's aluminum-PCB guide describes the aluminum + dielectric + copper sandwich that spreads heat quickly; we apply the same architecture to LED lighting, automotive lamps, and power modules with tightly controlled dielectric thickness and thermal conductivity.

The guide also covers dielectric bonding, drilling/tapping, CNC routing, ENIG/OSP finishes, and reliability testing for lighting, automotive, and telecom power supplies. Our production flow mirrors those steps so aluminum boards balance thermal headroom and assembly efficiency.

MCPCB production line

MCPCB Programs Delivered

Lighting, EV, industrial, and telecom power builds that rely on our aluminum MCPCB platforms.

LED grow lights

LED grow lights

EV charger modules

EV charger modules

Automotive lighting

Automotive lighting

Industrial drives

Industrial drives

Telecom power amps

Telecom power amps

Aerospace beacons

Aerospace beacons

Thermal Reliability, Proven Results

Vacuum lamination, IR thermography, ASTM D5470 conduction tests, and Hi-Pot up to 4 kV verify every MCPCB lot.

Download Capabilities
1–8 W/m·K dielectricsCopper-filled viasEmbedded coinsIR & D5470 dataLead-free readyHi-Pot certified

APTPCB Metal Core MCPCB Services

Single- and multi-layer MCPCB platforms, copper coin integration, and turnkey assembly for thermal performance.

MCPCB Platform Types

Single-layer aluminum, double-layer MCPCB, copper base, hybrid MCPCB + FR-4, and rigid-flex thermal harnesses.

  • Single-Layer Metal Core (Aluminum) – Standard LED engines with 1–3 W/m·K dielectrics.
  • High-Conductivity Metal Core (Aluminum) – 6–8 W/m·K dielectrics for high-power LEDs and laser drivers.
  • Copper MCPCB – Copper base for >10 W/cm² hotspots.
  • Dual-Layer MCPCB – Signal + power routing on stacked dielectrics.
  • Hybrid MCPCB + FR-4 – Thermal base bonded to FR-4 control logic.

Thermal Via & Coin Options

  • Copper-Filled Thermal Vias: Drop heat through dielectric into the aluminum base.
  • Embedded Copper Coins: Machined pockets with plated coins for extreme hotspots.
  • Plated Slots: Mount connectors or heat spreaders directly into the base.
  • Backdrilled Vias: Remove stub mass near sensitive components.
  • High-Isolation Clearance: Maintain creepage for Hi-Pot testing.

Sample MCPCB Stackups

  • Standard LED MCPCB: 1.5 mm Al base / 100 μm dielectric / 2 oz Cu.
  • High-Power Copper MCPCB: 2 mm Cu base / 75 μm dielectric / 4 oz Cu.
  • Hybrid MCPCB: Al base bonded to FR-4 control board via press-fit pins.

Material & Design Guidelines

Match dielectric conductivity, thickness, and isolation to heat flux and voltage requirements.

  • Specify conductivity (W/m·K), dielectric thickness, and isolation voltage.
  • Define aluminum alloy or copper base depending on CTE and mechanical needs.
  • Call out tolerances for flatness and surface roughness for TIM contact.
  • Select finishes (OSP, silver, ENIG) based on LED reflectivity and assembly.

Reliability & Validation

Every MCPCB undergoes lamination checks, flatness measurement, IR thermography, and Hi-Pot testing to 4 kV to ensure safe operation.

Cost & Application Guidance

  • Match platform to heat flux: Use copper or coins only where necessary.
  • Panelize LED engines: Share tooling across SKUs to cut waste.
  • Standardize finishes: Use OSP/bare Cu where possible; reserve ENEPIG for wire bond.

Metal Core MCPCB Manufacturing Flow

1

Thermal Stackup Review

Map heat flux and isolation requirements to dielectrics and base metal.

2

Tooling & Imaging

LDI imaging with compensation for thick copper and slots.

3

Lamination & Bonding

Vacuum lamination bonds dielectric to aluminum/copper base.

4

Drill & Thermal Vias

Drill, plate, and fill vias or machine coin pockets.

5

Surface Finish & Assembly Prep

Apply soldermask, finish, and prepare carriers for heavy panels.

6

Validation & Test

IR thermography, D5470, Hi-Pot, and electrical testing.

7

Metal Base Stack-Up

Anodize and prepare the aluminum base, then laminate the thermal dielectric and copper while monitoring interface roughness and adhesion.

8

Machining & Final Finish

Drill/tap, CNC the outline, finish with ENIG/OSP, and run LED/automotive-grade thermal cycling plus hi-pot tests.

MCPCB CAM & Thermal Engineering

Define dielectric selection, copper thickness, and machining features before fab.

  • Confirm conductivity, thickness, and voltage requirements.
  • Plan copper thieving and relief to balance plating.
  • Define coin/via patterns and flatness specs.
  • Specify finishes and coating keep-outs for LEDs.
  • Document bake and handling instructions for metal-backed boards.
  • Provide packaging notes to prevent oxidation.

Manufacturing Execution & Feedback

Process engineers monitor lamination, fill, and thermal tests, closing the loop with design.

  • Track lamination temperature/pressure and record per lot.
  • Measure dielectric thickness and adhesion.
  • Inspect via fill, coin bonding, and routing accuracy.
  • Validate surface finish and soldermask reflectivity.
  • Perform Hi-Pot, IR, and electrical tests with archived data.
  • Package panels with corrosion inhibitors and protective films.
1–8 W/m·K

Dielectric Conductivity

Standard aluminum MCPCB range

4 kV

Hi-Pot Isolation

Tested per lot

0.5–2.0 mm

Base Thickness

Aluminum or copper

≤0.05 mm

Dielectric Thickness

Tight tolerance for thermal paths

Advantages of Metal Core MCPCB

Efficient thermal paths, simplified assembly, and better reliability.

High Heat Flux Capability

Dielectrics up to 8 W/m·K plus copper vias evacuate heat quickly.

Electrical Isolation

Hi-Pot tested insulation keeps LEDs and power modules safe.

Platform Flexibility

Support aluminum, copper, hybrid, and rigid-flex thermal designs.

Precise Flatness

Vacuum lamination holds TIM interfaces flat and smooth.

Lower System Cost

Replace secondary heatsinks and hardware with integrated MCPCB.

Faster Certification

Thermal + electrical reports accelerate customer approval.

Thermal Proof Per Lot

ASTM D5470 conduction data, IR imagery, and Hi-Pot logs confirm every MCPCB shipment.

Assembly Integration

Carrier fixtures, torque specs, and coating plans let LED and power modules drop directly into SMT.

Why Choose APTPCB?

Integrating heat spreading into the PCB shortens thermal paths and reduces mechanical complexity.

LEDEVIndustrialTelecomAerospaceMedical
APTPCB production line
MCPCB lamination

Metal Core PCB Applications

Ideal for LED, automotive, industrial, and telecom designs that demand strong thermal paths.

Shorter heat paths improve lifetime, brightness, and reliability.

LED Lighting

High-brightness, grow, and architectural lighting.

HorticultureStreet lightingStageBacklightUV LED

Automotive & EV

Headlamps, exterior lighting, and charger modules.

HeadlampDRLChargerBMSBattery cooling

Industrial Power

Motor drives, robotics, and power distribution.

Motor drivesRoboticsUPSHVAC

Telecom & RF

Power amplifiers and RF combiners needing thermal control.

PARRUBackhaulMicrowave

Aerospace & Defense

Beacon, radar, and mission lighting modules.

BeaconRadarAvionics

Medical & Life Sciences

Imaging, therapy, and surgical lighting with strict thermal limits.

ImagingTherapySurgicalDental

Rigid-Flex Thermal

Wearables and compact modules using MCPCB tails.

WearablesEdge computeIoT

Test & Measurement

Load banks and IR calibration equipment.

Load bankCalibrationLab

Metal Core MCPCB Design Challenges & Solutions

Balancing conduction, isolation, and manufacturability requires careful planning.

Common Design Challenges

01

Thermal vs. Isolation Tradeoffs

Thinner dielectrics improve conduction but reduce breakdown voltage.

02

Flatness & TIM Contact

Poor lamination leaves air gaps and reduces cooling efficiency.

03

CTE Mismatch

LED packages and aluminum bases expand differently, stressing solder joints.

04

Surface Finish Impact

Finish choice alters reflectivity, solderability, and bond wire compatibility.

05

Assembly Handling

Metal-backed boards store heat and require special fixtures.

06

Validation Data

Without documented IR/D5470 results, approvals can stall.

Our Engineering Solutions

01

Thermal/Isolation Modeling

We recommend dielectric thickness to meet both W/cm² and Hi-Pot targets.

02

Vacuum Lamination Control

Process controls deliver flat, void-free TIM surfaces.

03

CTE Balancing

Select base alloys and bonding films that match component expansion.

04

Finish Best Practices

Guidance on OSP, silver, ENIG, or ENEPIG usage.

05

Thermal Test Packages

IR, D5470, and Hi-Pot data bundled with each shipment.

How to Control Metal Core PCB Cost

Thermal performance rises with dielectric conductivity and machining—reserve premium materials and coins for true hotspots. Reusing panel sizes, drill programs, and finishes keeps quoting and production fast. Share heat flux, isolation, and finish preferences early so we can map the lightest viable stackup.

01 / 08

Targeted Conductivity

Use 4–8 W/m·K dielectrics only under high-power components.

02 / 08

Finish Alignment

Select OSP or silver for LEDs; ENIG/ENEPIG only where necessary.

03 / 08

Hybrid Stackups

Combine MCPCB under hotspots with FR-4 elsewhere.

04 / 08

Panel Utilization

Panelize multiple lamp engines to maximize material usage.

05 / 08

Test Scope Planning

Full D5470/IR for qualification, sampling for production.

06 / 08

Collaborative DFx

Early reviews prevent over-spec’d copper or finish requirements.

07 / 08

Standard Hardware

Reuse insert and screw patterns to limit machining.

08 / 08

Material Forecasts

Reserve high-conductivity dielectrics in advance to avoid expedite fees.

Certifications & Standards

Quality, environmental, and industry credentials supporting reliable manufacturing.

Certification
ISO 9001:2015

Quality management for IMS fabrication.

Certification
ISO 14001:2015

Environmental controls for aluminum processing.

Certification
ISO 13485:2016

Medical lighting and imaging traceability.

Certification
IATF 16949

Automotive thermal systems documentation.

Certification
AS9100 Rev D

Aerospace-grade process governance.

Certification
IPC-6012 / 6013

Class 3 acceptance for rigid and flex-rigid MCPCBs.

Certification
UL 796 / UL94 V-0

Safety and flammability compliance.

Certification
RoHS / REACH

Material compliance for global shipments.

Selecting an Metal Core MCPCB Partner

  • Vacuum lamination and D5470 test capability.
  • Copper coin and filled via integration in-house.
  • Hi-Pot testing and traceable insulation data.
  • Turnkey LED/power assembly fixtures and processes.
  • Rapid DFx feedback in multiple languages.
  • Documented quality systems for automotive and industrial customers.
Selecting an Metal Core MCPCB Partner

Quality & Cost Console

Process & Reliability Controls + Economic Levers

Unified dashboard connecting HDI quality checkpoints with the economic levers that compress cost.

Process & Reliability

Pre-Lamination Controls

Stack-Up Validation

  • Panel utilization+5–8%
  • Stack-up simulation±2% thickness
  • VIPPO planningPer lot
  • Material bake110 °C vacuum

Pre-Lamination Strategy

• Rotate outlines, mirror flex tails

• Share coupons across programs

• Reclaim 5-8% panel area

Registration

Laser & Metrology

Registration

  • Laser drill accuracy±12 μm
  • Microvia aspect ratio≤ 1:1
  • Coverlay alignment±0.05 mm
  • AOI overlaySPC logged

Laser Metrology

• Online laser capture

• ±0.05 mm tolerance band

• Auto-logged to SPC

Testing

Electrical & Reliability

Testing

  • Impedance & TDR±5% tolerance
  • Insertion lossLow-loss verified
  • Skew testingDifferential pairs
  • Microvia reliability> 1000 cycles

Electrical Test

• TDR coupons per panel

• IPC-6013 Class 3

• Force-resistance drift logged

Integration

Assembly Interfaces

Integration

  • Cleanroom SMTCarrier + ESD
  • Moisture control≤ 0.1% RH
  • Selective materialsLCP / low Df only where needed
  • ECN governanceVersion-controlled

Assembly Controls

• Nitrogen reflow

• Inline plasma clean

• 48h logistics consolidation

Architecture

Stack-Up Economics

Architecture

  • Lamination cyclesOptimize 1+N+1/2+N+2
  • Hybrid materialsLow-loss where required
  • Copper weightsMix 0.5/1 oz strategically
  • BOM alignmentStandard cores first

Cost Strategy

• Balance cost vs performance

• Standardize on common cores

• Low-loss only on RF layers

Microvia Planning

Via Strategy

Microvia Planning

  • Staggered over stacked-18% cost
  • Backdrill sharingCommon depths
  • Buried via reuseAcross nets
  • Fill specificationOnly for VIPPO

Via Cost Savings

• Avoid stacked microvias

• Share backdrill tools

• Minimize fill costs

Utilization

Panel Efficiency

Utilization

  • Outline rotation+4–6% yield
  • Shared couponsMulti-program
  • Coupon placementEdge pooled
  • Tooling commonalityPanel families

Panel Optimization

• Rotate for nesting efficiency

• Share test coupons

• Standardize tooling

Execution

Supply Chain & Coating

Execution

  • Material poolingMonthly ladder
  • Dual-source PPAPPre-qualified
  • Selective finishENIG / OSP mix
  • Logistics lanes48 h consolidation

Supply Chain Levers

• Pool low-loss material

• Dual-source laminates

• Match finish to need

Metal Core MCPCB Manufacturing — Upload Data for Thermal Review

IPC / ISO certified MCPCB lines
Thermal validation included
Aluminum & copper platforms
Hi-Pot & reliability documentation

Send stackups, heat maps, and assembly requirements—our engineers respond with DFx notes, validation scope, and lead time within one business day.

Metal Core MCPCB FAQ

Material, thermal, and assembly answers for MCPCB designers.