Metal core or IMS (Insulated Metallic Substrate) circuit boards are an excellent alternative to standard circuit boards, if the circuit boards are exposed to large mechanical loads, or a high level of dimensional stability is required, or high temperatures must be conducted away from power components or LEDs. Benefit from our many years of experience with Insulated Metal Substrate (IMS) PCBs.
The thermal conductivity assisted by the aluminium core in the circuit boards enables higher packing density, more stable operating parameters, higher operational safety and a reduced failure rate. Ideal e.g. for laser diodes!
The integration of the cooling unit in the printed circuit board also results in space savings.
Additional application areas for this technology include: high current application, power LED's, SMD and power circuit boards. The high thermal conductivity and small insulation thickness (standard: 100µm) permits a quick and effective transfer of the heat produced.
In addition, Multi-CB is also at your side for further aspects of thermal management:
- Design / construction of the heat-critical circuit board
- Thermal via array
- Thick-Copper PCBs
Available types
You can order single sided, double sided and double sided pth aluminium core circuit boards from Multi-CB (see: layer buildup). Depending on the design, the thermal conductivity ranges from 2.0 to 7.0 W/mK (the value for FR4 is approx. 0.3 W/mK).
The option Z-axis milling of the insulation also allows a direct connection of the components to the aluminum core by means of thermal paste (or similar). Bendable metal core printed circuit boards with ceramic-based insulation can also be produced.
Technical options for Metal core circuit boards
| Options | Inklusive | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminium core | - | Datasheets |
| Max. size | 420mm x 570mm | - | |
| Design | 1 layer, 2 layers plated-through | ||
| Aluminium thickness | 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm | 1.5mm | |
| Copper | 35µm, 70µm, 105µm, 140µm | 35µm | |
| Insulation thickness | 75µm, 100µm, 125µm, 150µm | 100µm | |
| Thermal conductivity | 2.0W/mK - 7.0W/mK | 2.0W/mK | |
| Conductor width min. | 150µm | 150µm | |
| Annular ring min. | 125µm | 150µm | |
| Drill (NPTH) min. Ø | 0.5mm | 0.9mm | Design-Aid |
| Via min. Ø | 0.2mm | 0.2mm | |
| Surface | HAL lead-free, chemical gold | HAL lead-free | Surfaces |
| Solder-stop | white, black, green, red, blue | white, black | |
| Legend print | black, white | - | |
| Milling | yes | yes | |
| V-Scoring | yes | yes | clean & simple |
| Z-Axis milling | yes | - | |
| RoHS compliant | yes | yes | |
| UL-certified | yes | yes | UL certificate |
METAL CORE PCBs (IMS)
Inclusive
- Alu core 1.5mm, 35µm Cu
- 2.0 W/mK, insulation 100µm
- Surface HAL lead-free
- 1x solder-stop white
- Milling inner, outer
- E-Test, Design-Rule-Check
Optional: SS black, Express, ..
| e.g. 1 layer IMS 80mm x 100mm | 10 WD | 6 WD |
|---|---|---|
| 1 pc. | 74.80 € | 124.60 € |
| 3 pcs. each | 31.48 € | 41.53 € |
| 10 pcs. each | 11.91 € | 18.03 € |
| 25 pcs. each | 6.82 € | 9.89 € |
1 layer Metal core
| Material for metal core boards 1 Layer | Thermal conductivity | Thermal resistance | Surface Resistivity | Dielectric glass transition (Tg) | Dielectric Breakdown (AC)* | CTI | Tracking resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W/mK | K/W | MΩ | °C | kV | PLC | Volt | |
| TC-Lam 2.0 | 2.0 | 0.50 | 10^7 | 100 | 5.0 | 0 | ≥ 600V |
| HA50 (3) | 2.2 | 0.41 | 10^6 | 120 | 4.3 | 0 | ≥ 600V |
| AL-200 | 2.0 | 0.35 | 5 x 10^8 | - | 3.5 | 0 | ≥ 600V |
| AL-300 | 3.0 | 0.30 | 5 x 10^8 | - | 3.5 | 0 | ≥ 600V |
| Ventec VT-4B3 Ceramic Filled | 3.0 | - | 5 x 10^8 | 130 | 8.0 | 0 | ≥ 600V |
| Ventec VT-4B4 Ceramic Filled | 4.2 | - | 2 x 10^7 | 120 | 8.0 | 0 | ≥ 600V |
| Ventec VT-4B7 Ceramic Filled | 7.0 | - | 2 x 10^7 | 100 | 8.0 | 0 | ≥ 600V |
2 layers Metal core (PTH) - Design Parameters
| Material for metal core boards 2 Layers (plated-through) | Thermal conductivity | Thermal resistance | Surface Resistivity | Dielectric glass transition (Tg) | Dielectric Breakdown (AC)* | Tracking resistance CTI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W/mK | K/W | MΩ | °C | kV | PLC | |
| Ventec VT-4A2 | 2.2 | - | 2 x 10^7 | 130 | 7.5 | 0 |
| Ventec VT-4B3 Ceramic Filled | 3.0 | - | 5 x 10^8 | 130 | 8.0 | 0 |
For optimal preparation, we recommend that you contact our CAM-Station engineers early on. We would be very happy to advise you during the development process.
UL certification for Metal core circuit boards
At Multi-CB, you also get Metal core circuit boards with UL certification.
Metal core PCBs FAQ
Included as standard: Aluminium core 1.5mm, copper 35µm, insulation 100µm with 2.0W/mK, surface HAL lead-free, white solder resist as well as internal and external milling. Higher thermal conductivity values (up to 7.0 W/mK), other solder resist colours and express production are optionally available.
You can order single-sided, double-sided and double-sided through-hole plated aluminium core PCBs. The aluminium is available in thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm , the copper thickness ranges from 35 µm to 140 µm.
When Z-axis milling the insulating layer is removed selectively down to the aluminium core using a milling cutter. This allows components to be connected directly to the core (e.g. with heat-conducting paste), which further improves heat dissipation - ideal for highly stressed power components.
Typical applications for metal core PCBs are
- Power LEDs and LED modules (e.g. in lighting, automotive, display backlighting)
- High-current applications (power electronics, motor drivers)
- SMD power components (transistors, diodes, rectifiers)
- Laser diodes and other thermally critical components
Yes, on request we can supply your IMS printed circuit boards with UL certificate (UL94 / V-0). Please select this free option in the calculator for metal core PCBs.