Aluminum Core in Printed Circuit Board Fabrication: The Benefits of Aluminum Constructs

Author: James F Brown

Aluminum is quite a versatile metal when it comes to manufacturing. Most people associate the use of aluminum with the construction of soda cans, but in reality, aluminum is an excellent method of transferring heat; it is quite malleable and is non-magnetic. These are just some of the attractions that make this metal useful when it comes to developing printed circuit boards.

Cost reduction

Aluminum is a very abundant metal and can be found in a wide range of climates. This material is quite common on the planet to mine and refine, so the costs of doing so are incredibly lower than many other metals. Because these mining and refining costs are low, using aluminum in PCBs is a cost-effective solution.

Eco-friendlier

Because aluminum is non-toxic and can be easily recycled and re-manufactured, the footprint of humanity in terms of eco-friendliness is considerably reduced. Its ease of assembly and lower hardware usage for manufacturing is also conducive to conserving energy during development. This means that it’s more advantageous for the planet to utilize aluminum than it is for many alternatives.

Heat dissipation

As heat is the number one killer of all electronics, it’s ideal to use a material that can help dissipate temperatures within a project during use. Aluminum is one such metal that can help in transferring heat away from vital components, reducing the effect it could have on sensitive materials. Removing the heat from those components essentially increases the product’s lifespan and makes your project more cost efficient for clients and customers.

Surface mount technologies

Aluminum can be easily modified to assist in developing Surface Mount Technologies, or SMT, for your projects. Many manufacturers are moving more towards using SMT as often as possible because it provides a stable and functional development for virtually any project. In many situations, it is more cost efficient to provide quality PCBs in this fashion while implementing the physical benefits of the aluminum itself.

Increased durability

Ceramic PCBs can be easily broken due to a variety of causes. Using aluminum creates a much stronger and durable product that can survive in a great deal of strenuous situations. This can help in product troubleshooting and prevent accidental breakage during a project’s development. Many technicians have broken fragile PCBs just by trying to lift them from a project while there was still a single miniature screw obscured from view. Accidents happen, but aluminum can reduce the ease with which a PCB can be damaged or destroyed.

Lightweight creation

Aluminum is an incredibly light metal compared to its durability. Creating PCBs from this material doesn’t add a significant amount of weight to any project. In some situations, the use of aluminum can actually reduce the weight of a project without sacrificing its durability.

Aluminum is an incredible metal for use in technology that adds strength and resilience. The many benefits can create the ideal material for your project.