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Heavy Copper PCB Suppliers: Reliable China Factories for High-Quality Printed Circuit Boards

The heavy copper PCB segment is an integral part of our production line in China. To fully support this vital area, we are establishing strong partnerships with carefully vetted suppliers and factories. Our commitment to quality and innovation ensures that we work with the best manufacturers in the industry, enhancing our capability to deliver top-notch heavy copper PCBs that meet diverse client needs

    What is a heavy copper PCB?

    Double-sided printed boards are usually made of epoxy glass cloth copper foil. It is mainly used for communication electronics with high performance requirements Equipment, advanced instruments and electronic computers, etc.

    The production process of double-sided boards is generally divided into several methods, including process wire method, hole blocking method, masking method, and graphic electroplating etching method.

    Heavy copper PCBs are defined as boards with:

    • Copper thickness > 2 oz (70 μm)
    • Preferred term over “thick” copper PCB

    Common heavy copper weights:

    • 2 oz (70 μm)
    • 3 oz (105 μm)
    • 4 oz (140 μm)
    • 6 oz (210 μm)
    • 8 oz (280 μm)
    • 10 oz (350 μm)

    Other key attributes:

    • Typically compatible with FR-4 dielectric
    • Mostly used for inner layers rather than outer layers
    • Plated through holes (PTHs) often need to be plugged/filled
    • Requires careful registration and lamination

    Heavy copper inner layers improve thermal performance and current carrying capacity useful for applications like LED lighting, power electronics, and electric vehicle inverters.

    It is a PCB made with two or more conductive copper layers. The conductive foil appears to be thicker than on standard PCBs. The different inner layers are processed in pairs (on a core) and then bonded together using prepreg as the insulating layer. The layers are then placed in such a way that both sides of the PCB can be used to mount components with additional tracking/electrical connections on the inside of the board. Vias are used as a source of the electrical connections between the different layers of the PCB.

    More and more products are using heavy copper PCBs, for example EV-chargers, high current systems and power storage systems.

    Feature AREX´s Technical Specification
    Number of layers 4 – 22 layers standard, 30 layers advanced, 40 layers prototype, much depending on copper thickness.
    Technology highlights Multiple layers of epoxy glass fiber bonded together with multiple layers of copper of varying thicknesses.
    Materials High performance FR4, halogen-free FR4
    Copper weights (finished) 18-210µm, advanced 1050µm / 30 Oz
    Minimum track and gap 0,075mm / 0,075mm (very much depending on copper thickness)
    PCB thickness 0.40mm – 7.0mm, Min thickness depending on number of layers and copper thickness
    Maximum dimensions 580mm x 1080mm, advanced 610mm x 1400mm
    Surface finishes available HASL (SnPb), LF HASL (SnNiCu), OSP, ENIG, Immersion Tin, Immersion Silver, Electrolytic gold, Gold fingers (HASL / LF HASL not recommended)
    Minimum mechanical drill 0.20mm

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What defines a heavy copper PCB?
    Heavy copper PCBs are defined as printed circuit boards with a finished copper thickness of greater than 2 oz (70 μm). They are preferred over standard boards for high-power applications.
    What are the common applications for heavy copper PCBs?
    They are widely used in demanding industries for applications like LED lighting, power electronics, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, EV inverters, high current systems, and power storage systems.
    What materials and surface finishes are compatible with heavy copper PCBs?
    They are typically compatible with high-performance FR4 and halogen-free FR4 materials. Available surface finishes include OSP, ENIG, Immersion Tin, Immersion Silver, Electrolytic Gold, and Gold fingers, though HASL/LF HASL is generally not recommended.
    Why are heavy copper layers mainly used for inner layers?
    Heavy copper inner layers are primarily utilized to improve thermal performance and current carrying capacity. They require careful registration, lamination, and the plugging or filling of plated through holes (PTHs) for reliability.
    What is the layer and thickness limit for AREX's heavy copper PCBs?
    AREX can manufacture 4 to 22 layers as standard, up to 30 layers for advanced designs, and 40 layers for prototypes. Finished copper weights can reach up to 1050µm (30 Oz), and overall PCB thicknesses range from 0.40mm to 7.0mm.