HEAVY COPPER PCB

Applications which require heavy power have built in components of copper. Heavy copper PCB(printed
circuit boards) ensure efficient and reliable power distribution. Most electronic materials are embracing this
technology of printed circuit boards. There is heavy copper and extreme copper printed circuit. The most
common commercial PCB is manufactured for low voltage powered applications. Heavy copper circuits are
made up of copper with weights ranging from 4 0z/ft2 and 40 Oz/ft2. Above there weights are extreme
copper pcb while below this is copper pcb.

APPLICATIONS

Heavy copper pcbs are used in the following areas but not limited to:

Equipment welding industries.

Manufacturers of solar panels

Power supplies

Converters of power

Vehicle and automotive industry

Electrical and power distribution industry.

• Electric vehicles

Energy storage and power grids
Hydroelectric plants
BENEFITS

The following are the main benefits of heavy copper used in devices and equipment:

Thermal endurance gains more endurance

• The current and power carrying capacity increases
• Mechanical strengths are increased in area of connections and PTC holes.

Decreases chances of circuit failure thus devices can be used to their full potential e.g. when there is
high temperatures.

When multiple heavy copper pcb is used in the same layer it reduces the end product size.

With increased current supply there is increased heat, it helps transfer heat throughout the layer to an
external source like a heat sink.

CONSTRUCTION

Heavy copper PCB are either multi-layered or double sided. They are manufactured using a number of
sheets of copper foils. They are approximately 0.5 oz/ft2 to 2 oz/ft2. Etching is then done to get rid of the
unwanted copper parts. Plated is then done to planes, sides and traces. The plating is done through holes.
The circuit is then laminated into an end product.

CURRENT AND TEMPERATURE CAPACITY

Temperature is the main determinant of how much current a device can carry. If a device can withstand
higher temperatures then it has the capability to carry more current. With the formula I2R, there is power loss
when current passes through the traces thus generating heat in the heavy copper pcb. The copper trace cools
the temperatures by supplying the heat to the neighboring materials with the process of conduction. The heat
is then transmitted by the process of convection to the environment. Heavy copper pcbs are made to ensure
the heat gain is equal to the cooling.

CONCLUSION

Heavy copper PCB has had evolutionary experience. The manufacturing and assembly are to ensure high
performance devices that are reliable to increase productivity. The demand increases with time as they
increase performance and reduce cost. The only disadvantage know of this technology is that it costs more
than TPC (traditional printed circuits).