What is Heavy Copper PCB?

Heavy copper PCB is a printed circuit board (PCB) in which the thickness of the copper foil reaches a certain standard. Generally, a PCB is defined as heavy copper PCB when the finished copper thickness is > 2oz (70um).

Compared to conventional PCBs, heavy copper PCBs have a significant increase in copper foil thickness. Conventional PCBs typically have a copper thickness of 2oz (70um) or less. Heavy Copper PCBs have much thicker copper foils, commonly 3oz (105um), 4oz (140um), 10oz (350um), 15oz (525um) or even higher.

This increase in copper foil thickness makes heavy copper PCBs very different from conventional PCBs in terms of performance. Firstly, heavy copper PCBs have stronger electrical conductivity and are able to carry higher currents, making them suitable for high-power electronic devices. Secondly, heavy copper PCBs also have better heat dissipation properties, which can effectively dissipate the heat generated during the working process and ensure the stable operation of electronic devices.

In the manufacturing process, heavy copper PCB is also more complex, requires special treatment, such as etching, plating, etc., to ensure the evenness and conductivity of the copper layer. At the same time, due to the thicker copper foil, heavy copper PCBs also need to pay attention to avoid deformation during processing, to maintain the flatness and stability of the PCB.

                                           Advantages of Heavy Copper PCB

PART.01 Superior heat dissipation

Heavy copper PCBs have excellent heat dissipation properties, mainly due to their thick copper layer. Copper itself has good thermal conductivity, thick copper layer can quickly absorb the heat generated by the electronic components when working, and quickly conduct it to the surrounding environment. In high-power electronic device, heat generation is more concentrated and large, heavy copper PCB can effectively spread out the heat to avoid local overheating, thus ensuring the stable operation of electronic device. For example, in the field of power supply modules and automotive electronic parts, heavy copper PCBs can ensure that the operating temperature of the device is still within a controlled range under the conditions of long-time and high-load work, thus effectively prolonging the service life of the electronic device.

PART.02 High conductivity properties

Heavy copper PCBs have high conductivity properties that significantly enhance current conduction capacity. Due to the thicker copper layer, the cross-sectional area of the circuit is increased and resistance is reduced, resulting in smoother and more efficient current conduction. This enables electronic devices to support higher power output and improved performance. In applications with high current requirements, such as high-voltage products and power supply boards, heavy copper PCBs provide stable and strong current support, reducing current losses and voltage drops, ensuring signal integrity and stability, and avoiding problems such as distortion or interruptions, resulting in better performance of the electronic devices.

PART.03 Great mechanical strength

Heavy copper PCBs have great mechanical strength and provide a sturdy support for electronic systems. The thicker copper layer increases the overall structural stability of the PCB, allowing it to withstand greater mechanical stress. In harsh environments such as aerospace and automotive electronics, where high vibration and shock are common, heavy copper PCBs are able to withstand mechanical shock and vibration effectively, preventing damage to electronic components and increasing the durability and reliability of electronic device. At the same time, heavy copper PCBs are not easily deformed during processing and installation, and can maintain a good physical form to ensure the stable operation and performance of electronic device.