Thick copper PCBs are available in different ounces. Several applications require different copper thicknesses. An ounce (Oz) is a unit that represents the copper thickness of a PCB board. Copper is a crucial material in PCBs. It helps to ensure proper heat dissipation and also helps a board achieve functionality. We will shed more light on 12 oz copper PCB in this article.
12 Oz Copper PCB – What is It?
12 Oz copper board is an electric circuit that carries a high current load. It features a copper weight of 12 ounces. 1 ounce copper thickness is 35 μm (0.035mm). Therefore, 12 Oz copper thickness is 420 μm (0.42mm). 12 Oz copper thickness in mils is 16.44.
This copper board offers maximum efficiency when it comes to thermal management. More copper weight makes a board more functional. Thick copper PCBs are great for electricity conduction. 12 Oz copper PCB features different dielectric materials. You will find materials like CEM3, FR-4, and CEM1 in this board.
These highly effective materials are lead-free and as such are environmentally-friendly. Also, FR-4 controls the thermal and electrical characteristics of a PCB. Composite epoxy materials (CEM) provide optimum robustness to the electric circuits. CEM3 and CEM1 are commonly used for fabricating 12 Oz copper PCB.
Advantages of 12 Oz Copper PCB
12 Oz copper PCBs aren’t just used in some applications. Manufacturers used them because of the advantages they offer. Here are some of advantages of this PCB:
Low noise
When you are considering a PCB that reduces noise and Emi, consider using 12 Oz copper PCB. High-speed communication systems often encounter this problem. However, 12 Oz copper PCB provides a lasting solution to this problem. Its broad surface enables manufacturers to use the low-pass filter. Also, the increased copper thickness makes the design much easier.
Environmentally-friendly
This is one of the advantages of using this PCB. It has no toxic molecules like phosphorus or lead. Also, it is halogen-free. Therefore, this thick copper board enables a maximum level of integrity in applications.
Reliability
This PCB is reliable in varying temperatures. It can withstand moisture and high temperature. The use of CEM increases the shelf life of this board.
Thermal management
When thermal management is a crucial factor, 12 Oz PCB is an ideal choice. This PCB manages excessive heat. It dissipates heat to ensure optimum efficiency. PCB components are likely to overheat due to high current transfer. However, 12 Oz PCB transfers heat to the PCB layers to prevent overheating. It uses thermal vias to dissipate heat to the heat sink.
Temperature Change in 12 Oz Copper PCB
PCBs used in high-performance applications are usually exposed to different temperatures. Does change in temperature affect 12 Oz copper PCB? Yes, rapid temperature change impacts the electrical conduction of 12 Oz copper PCB.
A change in temperature may reduce its efficiency during data transmission. The dielectric materials won’t maintain their properties due to a change in temperature. Therefore, manufacturers take some measures to control the thermal phases. 12 Oz PCB makes use of thermal vias to ensure heat dissipation.
Also, it uses a heat sink to achieve heat dissipation. The vias transmit the heat to the sink. The maximum temperature where glass materials change to an adhesive state is the glass transition temperature (Tg). Any glass material that does this will lose its original nature.
12 Oz Copper PCB features an effective Tg value. The glass transition temperature of this board is above 280 degrees Celsius. This indicates the thermal stability of 12 Oz PCB.
Type of Vias Used in 12 Oz Copper Boards
Vias are a critical component in 12 Oz copper PCB. Vias help to achieve heat dissipation in this board. They come in different types.
Buried via
This establishes a path between two internal layers. Buried vias don’t connect to the external layer of the PCB.
PTH Via
Also known as plated through-hole via, it connects the terminal layers of the PCB. This type of via is viable to heat conduction.
Thermal via
This via type connects the heat sink and PCB surface to distribute the additional heat. When this via is well-placed, it enhances thermal management in 12 Oz copper PCB.
A blind via creates a channel between the inner and outer layers of the PCB. This type of via distributes heat.
Applications of 12 Oz Copper PCB
You will find 12 O copper PCB in applications that require high performance. This board is specifically designed to function in such applications.
- Power converters
- Planar transformers
- High power rectifiers
- Power grid switching systems
- Protection relays
- Power grid backup
- UPS systems
- Military equipment
- Radar system
- Power amplifiers
- High-speed signal transmission
- Industrial machinery
Difference Between 12 Oz PCB and 10 Oz PCB
The functionality and features of 12 Oz PCB differ from 10 Oz PCB. Some manufacturers prefer to use 12 Oz PCB for some applications rather than 10 Oz PCB. So, what are the differences between these two thick copper PCBs?
Copper weight
12 Oz PCB features 12 ounces copper thickness. That is, its copper thickness is 16.44 mils or 420 μm. On the other hand, 10 Oz PCB features 10 ounces copper thickness. This means that the copper thickness is 10.37 mils and 350 μm.
Current carrying capacity
The current carrying capacity of these two boards differs. 12 Oz PCB features a higher current carrying capacity than 10 oz PCB. The thicker the copper in a PCB, the higher its current carrying capacity.
Production cost
This cost of fabricating 12 Oz copper PCB is different from the manufacturing cost of 10 Oz PCB. Boards with heavier copper are more costly to manufacture.
Features to Consider when Choosing 12 Oz Copper PCB
When choosing 12 Oz copper PCB for your project, ensure you consider some features. You should choose a thick copper board that meets the requirements of your project.
- Minimum trace spacing
- Number of layers
- Tensile strength
- Coefficient of thermal expansion
- Trace width
- Current carrying capacity
- Flexural strength
- Rated power
Conclusion
12 Oz copper PCB is an ideal solution to thermal management problems in circuits. This PCB provides a lot of benefits when used in electronic devices. Therefore, it is a great option for high-performance applications.
