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Heavy Copper PCBs

What is Heavy Copper PCB?

Typically, most PCBs are manufactured using copper thicknesses ranging from 1oz to 3oz.However,a heavy copper PCB refers to a PCB where 3oz or greater copper is used on all layers of the board (both inner and outer layers).

heavy copper PCBs_1.jpg

Why Heavy Copper PCBs are Used?

Some PCBs are designed to carry higher current levels (amperage) by using wider traces. However, as power requirements increase, thicker copper is needed to transmit signals across the board.This is why heavy copper PCBs are used in high current designs.

The Advantages of Heavy Copper PCB

• Improved thermal performance: Heavy copper PCBs can withstand repeated thermal cycles during manufacturing and assembly processes.

• Increased current carrying capacity: Heavy copper PCBs offer better electrical conductivity and can handle higher current loads. Increasing the copper trace width can enhance the current carrying capacity, and thicker copper traces can handle even larger current loads.

• Increased mechanical strength: Heavy copper PCBs enhance mechanical strength at connectors and plated-through holes, ensuring the board's structural integrity and making the electrical system more robust and resistant to voltage.

• Excellent dissipation factor: Heavy copper PCBs are highly suitable for large power-loss components. These PCBs can prevent electrical systems from overheating and effectively dissipate heat.

• Good conductor: Heavy copper PCBs are good conductors, making them useful in the production of electronic products. They help to connect various boards together, which can transmit currents.

Capabilities of Heavy Copper PCB 

As a PCB service provider with over a decade of experience in PCB manufacturing and PCB assembly, PCBWay has a rich background in manufacturing heavy copper PCB. Check our capabilities in the following table:

Feature             Capability
MaterialFR-4 Standard Tg 140°C, FR4-High Tg 170°C  
Min.Track/Spacing   

For External layers:

4oz Cu 9mil/9mil,5oz Cu 11mil/11mil

6oz Cu 13mil/13mil,12oz Cu 20mil/32mil

For Internal layers: 

4oz Cu 8mil/12mil,5oz Cu 10mil/14mil

6oz Cu 12mil/16mil,12oz Cu 20mil/32mil 

Min.Hole Size        10mil         
Max Outer Layer Copper Weight(Finished)          15oz
Max Inner Layer Copper Weight12oz
Board Thickness0.6-6mm
Surface Finishing

HASL lead free,Immersion gold,OSP,Hard

Gold,Immersion Silver,Enepig

Solder Mask

Green,Red,Yellow,Blue,White,Black,Purple,

Matte Black,Matte green   

SilkscreenWhite,Black         
Via Process

Tenting Vias,Plugged Vias,Vias not covered    

TestingFly Probe Testing (Free) and A.O.I.testing
Build time5-10 days
Lead time2-3 days

Applications of Heavy Copper PCB

Heavy copper PCBs are becoming more and more popular due to their wide application in the following fields:

• Military: Weapons control, radar, and monitoring systems.

• Automotive industries: Rail track system and signal transmission system.

• Power distribution: Excitation systems for power regulators, power grid switching systems, high power rectifiers, and overload relays.

• Transportation: Power converters for railway systems, power line monitors, traction converters.

• Industrial controls: Safety and signal systems, welding equipment, protection relays, surge protectors.

• Renewable Systems: Power converters, energy storage, power grid back-up, hydroelectric power plants control panels.

PCBWay provides services including PCB Prototype & Batch Production, PCB Assembly (SMT),  Electronics Modules Selling, CNC Machining, etc. We are committed to meeting the needs of global makers from different industries in terms of quality, delivery, cost-effectiveness and any other demanding requests in electronics.

More information please check here:

Heavy Copper PCB Instant Quote

Comments (11)
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  • Hi! Do you also produce 3oz PCBs? If yes, what would be the min.Track/Spacing? Best regards

    PCBWay Team 2023-10-04 10:28:32Reply

    Yes,we can produce 3oz PCBs, min. Track/Spacing is 8mil/10mil. For our production capacity, please see this link.https://www.pcbway.com/capabilities.html

    Reply
  • Hi! It would be nice to have a summary of what kind of layer stackup can be achieved with different thicknesses of copper.

    PCBWay Team 2023-04-28 09:28:52Reply

    Follow this link to get the information you want.Rigid board:https://www.pcbway.com/multi-layer-laminated-structure.html ;FPC:https://www.pcbway.com/pcb_prototype/Stack_up_for_FPC.html

    Szabo 2023-04-28 14:26:16Reply

    I was thinking of the thick copper PCB (3oz, 4oz, 6oz).

    PCBWay Team 2023-05-02 18:00:17Reply

    Do you mean heavy copper PCB?

    Szabo 2023-05-02 19:38:22Reply
    PCBWay Team 2023-05-03 09:04:13Reply

    You can place an order through this link(https://www.pcbway.com/orderonline.aspx).If you have any other special requests,you can comment in the other speical request box.

    Reply
  • Hello, I'd like to ask if partially thick copper (not all paths) PCB is possible to order. For example one piece of PCB that consists of low current/signal for MCUs and logic part that has 1oz copper thickness and other part of the same PCB that has high current paths with e.g. 6oz copper thickness. If it's possible, does it impacts on final PCB price? Does thicker (>2 oz) copper layer impact anyhow on low current paths (apart from spacing), e.g. in terms of assembly or final durability?

    Team 2020-12-11 10:13:28Reply

    Sorry sir, it can not be achieved.

    Katie Nelson 2021-02-27 09:23:34Reply

    @Engineer: keep in mind that inner layers (4+ layer boards) are not the same thickness as outer layers. So, with careful use of vias to inner layers, you may be able to achieve the size/density you're probably hoping for. The alternative would be to make a 2-board assembly, with one built with a 0.5oz process and the other a ≥2 oz process. Regards.

    Reply