Copper is a core material used in PCB manufacturing. Printed circuit boards are available in most electronic devices. Also, they provide connection to various electronic components. Also, copper circuit boards provide the conductivity and durability needed for high-temperature applications. A bare copper PCB integrates copper as its base layer. This article aims to provide further details about bare copper PCBs and their functions.
What is a Bare Copper PCB?
A bare copper PCB is a metal core PCB which features copper as its base layer. Also, this type of circuit board integrates bare copper. Bare copper has unparalleled conductive properties. It can be medium-hard, soft, or hard. A bare copper PCB features higher thermal conductivity than other metal core PCBs.
Furthermore, there is an even transfer of heat through a bare copper board. Even transfer of heat is crucial because lack of it can put too much stress on the circuit board. Also, copper features exceptional electric conductivity which enables it transfer signals with less electrical energy loss.
Bare copper PCBs offer excellent performance when used in different applications and industries. A bare copper has no coating. Therefore, a bare copper PCB features copper that has no coating. The type of application will determine the use of bare copper PCBs. A bare copper PCB is highly preferred because of its high tensile strength.
Benefits of Bare Copper PCB
Copper is well known as a good conductor of electricity. This material features a high thermal conductivity. There are several benefits of a bare copper PCB which includes:
Exceptional thermal conductivity
Bare copper features very exceptional thermal conductivity. The high thermal conductivity of this PCB allows it to transfer and dissipate heat at a much faster rate. Standard PCBs like FR-4 may not be able to withstand heat in some environments. Therefore, a bare copper PCB is an ideal choice for such application environments. This PCB transfers heat from crucial circuits and prevent any performance issues.
Durability
Bare copper boards are less likely to corrode over time. Therefore, this makes them more durable. Also, bare copper can withstand the manufacturing process much better than standard materials can. Therefore, this helps to minimize breaks that may likely occur during development.
Reduces assembly costs
Bare copper boards don’t require a lot to assemble. With these boards, PCB manufacturer don’t need to install heat sinks on PCB surface. This is because bare copper boards dissipate heat at faster rates, so, they don’t need heat sinks.
Environmental friendly
Copper is recyclable. Therefore, it is friendly to the environment. Copper doesn’t cause harm to the environment and human lives. The integration of a bare copper PCB makes your project environmental friendly.
Enhances electronics’ reliability
Bare copper features an unparalleled thermal resistance. This helps to enhance the electronic devices’ reliability when used in harsh environments.
Other benefits include:
- Good solderability
- Creep resistance
- Good malleability and ductility
- High melting point
- Resistance to damage
Applications of Bare Copper PCBs
Bare copper PCBs are suitable for high-power applications. Also, these PCBs offer the highest level of thermal conductivity. These PCBs can survive several severe conditions without any damage to the crucial components. Bare copper boards are crucial in light-emitting diode (LED) applications. These boards play a significant role in their performance.
Also, bare copper boards enable you to achieve more complex projects. These boards also support high-density designs. Therefore, what are the possible applications of these boards?
Light emitting diodes
The rapid advancement in LED technology has raised many concerns about heat dissipation. LEDs are always mounted on the circuit board. They can cause reliability and stability problems for a printed circuit board when the right technique isn’t adopted. The use of bare copper PCBs is an ideal option for these applications. Bare copper boards are widely found in interior lightings, street lights, and more.
A bare copper PCB is ideal for use in consumer electronics like televisions, computers, etc. Also, these circuit boards offer great thermal conductivity and heat dissipation. Therefore, they enhance the performance of these consumer electronics.
Power supply
This board is available in power rectifiers, solid-state relays, and bridges. Also, a bare copper PCB is ideal for these type of applications because they demand a lot of energy and generate much heat.
Bare copper PCBs are also suitable for use in medical devices. You will find these boards in high-power scanning technology, power converters, operating room and surgical lighting.
How to Preserve Bare Copper PCBs
Bare copper boards can corrode or oxidize. This can affect the performance of these boards. Here are simple ways to protect your bare copper PCB from oxidation and corrosion.
Keep away from humidity
Your bare copper board will come in a vacuum seal once you receive it from your manufacturer. This seal prevents this board from moisture and humidity. Ensure you keep this board in a container free of humidity once they are removed from the packaging.
Keep your PCBs away from corrosive metals
Ensure your boards don’t come in contact with corrosive metals. For instance, keep bare copper boards very close to aluminum can result in oxidation.
Request for a finish
One of the best ways to preserve your bare copper PCB is to request for a protective layer. This layer covers the copper and as such, serves as a form of protection to your board.
Use hermatic sealed packaging
Hermatic sealed packages protect your bare copper boards from environmental conditions. However, hermatic sealing needs to be carefully carried out in a controlled environment. Also, hermatic seal can prevent moisture from trapping in the packaging.
Apply conformal coating
Conformal coating is a good way to protect your board before using it in any electronic device. Also, this coating prevents your board from corroding and oxidizing.
Conclusion
Bare copper PCBs offer a lot of benefits when used in some applications. Also, these circuit boards are ideal for high-performance applications as they offer great thermal conductivity and heat dissipation. Bare copper PCBs are a good choice for several applications. Experience the benefits of this board by integrating it in your PCB projects.
