Skip to content

Metal Core PCB Manufacturing Services

Metal core PCBs move heat away from LEDs and power components far better than standard FR-4. MOZPCB builds aluminum and copper base boards with dielectric selection matched to your thermal budget.

Request metal core PCB quote View PCB capabilities

Service overview

A metal core PCB (MCPCB) replaces the FR-4 substrate with an aluminum or copper base separated from the circuit layer by a thermally conductive dielectric. The dielectric is the critical choice: its thermal conductivity and thickness set how efficiently heat travels from component pads into the metal base.

We review your power dissipation, ambient conditions, and mounting method (heatsink, chassis, open air) before recommending base material, dielectric grade, and copper weight—so the board is quoted around a thermal target, not just a layer count.

Most programs are single-layer aluminum boards for LED and power applications; double-layer and copper-base constructions are supported where the design justifies them.

What we offer

  • Aluminum base PCBs (5052, 6061) in standard and heavy thicknesses
  • Copper base PCBs for the highest thermal-demand designs
  • Thermally conductive dielectrics from 1 W/mK standard grades to 3 W/mK and above
  • Heavy copper circuit layers up to 3 oz and beyond for power routing
  • Countersinks, chamfers, and precision CNC profiles for fixture mounting
  • White high-reflectivity solder mask for LED lighting applications
  • Assembly of MCPCBs including reflow profiles adjusted for metal thermal mass
  • Thermal design feedback: pad geometry, via placement, and dielectric selection

Technical capabilities

  • Base thicknesses commonly 1.0, 1.6, 2.0, and 3.0 mm, per mechanical drawings
  • Dielectric thermal conductivity options reviewed against your power budget
  • Single- and double-layer constructions; multilayer hybrid builds case by case
  • Copper weights from 1 oz to 3 oz standard, heavier subject to review
  • Surface finishes including HASL, lead-free HASL, ENIG, and OSP
  • V-scoring and routing profiles adapted to metal substrates

Common applications

  • LED lighting: street lights, high-bay fixtures, automotive lamps, grow lights
  • Power conversion: DC-DC modules, motor drives, solar inverters
  • Automotive electronics with high under-hood ambient temperatures
  • Telecom power amplifiers and base station modules
  • Industrial heaters, welders, and high-current control boards

How the process works

  1. 01

    Requirements intake

    Share Gerber, BOM, drawings, quantities, and any reliability or compliance notes.

  2. 02

    Technical alignment

    We confirm materials, finishes, assembly flow, and test expectations with you.

  3. 03

    Production & inspection

    Manufacturing and assembly follow the agreed traveler with documented checks.

  4. 04

    Delivery

    Packing, labeling, and shipment according to your logistics instructions.

In our factory

  • PCB copper plating line
    Plating line
  • Panelized PCBs after fabrication
    Panelized boards
  • Laminate and core material storage
    Laminate store

Related services

Custom PCB Fabrication Services PCB Assembly Services View PCB capabilities Request a quote

FAQ

When do I need a metal core PCB instead of FR-4 with thermal vias?
FR-4 with via farms handles moderate heat. When component junction temperatures still run too hot—typical in LED arrays above a few watts, or power stages with concentrated dissipation—an MCPCB moves heat through its dielectric into the metal base far more effectively. Share your power dissipation and we can advise which approach fits.
Aluminum or copper base—how do I choose?
Aluminum is the default: lighter, cheaper, and sufficient for most LED and power designs. Copper conducts heat roughly twice as well and suits the highest-density power applications, at a significant cost and weight premium.
What does the dielectric thermal conductivity rating mean in practice?
It measures how fast heat crosses the insulating layer between copper circuit and metal base. Moving from a 1 W/mK to a 3 W/mK dielectric can drop component temperature rise substantially at the same thickness. Higher grades cost more, so we match the grade to your measured or simulated thermal budget.
Can metal core PCBs have circuits on both sides?
Yes, but double-sided MCPCBs need insulated through-holes through the metal base, which adds process steps and cost. Many designs stay single-layer and route complexity onto a separate FR-4 control board.
Do you assemble metal core boards?
Yes. MCPCB assembly uses adjusted reflow profiles because the metal base absorbs heat quickly. We handle profiling, and AOI applies as with standard assemblies.

Get started

Ready for the next step?

Send your project files and requirements. We will review stackup, assembly, and test needs, then respond with a clear quotation path.

Request metal core PCB quote Contact us