How to create 2 layer copper in aluminium PCB? can anyone please explain? I can’t find a way…
Google is your friend . . .
From that website:
Looks quite impressive. I do wonder about the costs though…
Single-Layer Aluminum PCB
Single-layer Aluminum PCBs consist of a single layer of copper conductor, laminated on an aluminum substrate. They are the most basic type of Aluminum PCB and are commonly used in applications that require efficient heat dissipation. Single-layer Aluminum PCBs are suitable for simple circuit designs and low-cost applications.
Double-Layer Aluminum PCB
Double-layer Aluminum PCBs consist of two layers of copper conductor, separated by a dielectric layer, and laminated on an aluminum substrate. The copper layers provide increased routing flexibility and allow for more complex circuit designs compared to single-layer boards. Double-layer Aluminum PCBs are commonly used in applications that require moderate circuit complexity and improved electrical performance.
Multilayer Aluminum PCB
Multilayer Aluminum PCBs consist of three or more layers of copper conductor, separated by multiple dielectric layers, and laminated on an aluminum substrate. These boards offer the highest level of design flexibility and are suitable for complex circuit designs, high-density interconnections, and advanced electronic applications. Multilayer Aluminum PCBs are used in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and high-speed computing.
Hybrid Aluminum PCB
Hybrid Aluminum PCBs combine aluminum and FR4 materials to leverage the advantages of both. These boards typically have an aluminum core layer sandwiched between FR4 layers. The FR4 layers provide additional mechanical support, while the aluminum core offers excellent heat dissipation. Hybrid Aluminum PCBs are commonly used in applications where a balance between heat dissipation and mechanical strength is required.
High-Frequency Aluminum PCB
High-Frequency Aluminum PCBs are designed specifically for applications that require high-speed signal transmission and minimal signal loss. These boards utilize specialized high-frequency materials, such as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) or ceramic-filled PTFE, combined with an aluminum core. High-Frequency Aluminum PCBs are commonly used in RF/microwave communication systems, radar systems, and high-speed digital devices.
Metal Core PCB (MCPCB)
While not exclusively aluminum-based, Metal Core PCBs deserve mention as they utilize a metal core, which can include aluminum. MCPCBs are designed with a metal base layer (typically aluminum, copper, or steel) and are known for their excellent thermal conductivity and heat dissipation properties. MCPCBs find applications in high-power LED lighting, automotive electronics, power supplies, and other heat-sensitive electronic devices.
Thank you so much paulvdh… Could you please help in routing double layers in KiCad, so that no overlapping occurs between copper field zones?
Meh, I just copied some text from the website linked to by RaptorUK. I have no experience with this sort of thing.
This type of PCB is also “non standard”. And that means the best way to proceed is probably to first find a manufacturer and ask them for specifics.
These PCB’s seem to be made by adding one layer at a time, you probably can’t use regular via’s but have to use blind and buried via’s instead.
Also, as a first-poster here. How much PCB design experience do you have? It is probably best to first design (and have manufactured) a few “regular” PCB projects before you attempt something like this.
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Welcome,
To create a copper on Aluminium PCB:
File > PCB Editor > Board Setup > Physical Stackup > Select Copper layers, Dielectric Layers, ellipsis (three dots), choose Al from materials. See below:
From:Aluminum PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services - Fastlink PCB
Through-hole Aluminum PCBs
In complex structures, a single layer of aluminum can be the central center of a multi-sided thermal structure. Through-hole PCBs the aluminum is pre-drilled , and the hole is then filled with dielectric prior to the laminate process. Then, the heat-resistant materials (or assemblies) are laminated on each side of aluminum using thermal bonding substances. After lamination, the assembled is through-drilled to form an multilayer PCB. the through-holes plated with a conductive coating are placed through the holes in the aluminum in order to create electrical insulation.
Multilayer Aluminum PCBs
A common feature in the market for high-performance power supplies multilayer IMS PCBs are constructed out of multiple layers of dielectrics that conduct heat. They are constructed with several layers of circuitry that are buried within the dielectric, with blind vias that function as signal vias or thermal vias. Although they are more costly and less efficient in the transfer of heat than single-layer designs, they offer a straightforward and efficient solution to heat dissipation in more complicated designs.
You also have confusion between aluminium metal core and alumina ceramic core PCBs, which is a popular hybrid substrate as it is electrically insulating, but a reasonable heat conductor.