Summary of Differences Between PCB Aluminum and Copper Substrates

March 10, 2025

Thermal Conductivity

Generally, the higher the thermal conductivity, the greater the transmission efficiency, better the heat dissipation, and longer the lifespan. Copper substrates have the best thermal conductivity among metal substrates, outperforming aluminum substrates.

Electrical Conductivity

Both aluminum and copper are metals and conductors; however, the exact conductivity levels differ. In terms of electrical conductivity, copper significantly outperforms aluminum. In other words, copper is the ideal choice for applications requiring efficient conductivity.

Resistance

Resistance is crucial in PCB design as it affects the overall functionality and stability of components. Given that copper has a higher density than aluminum, its resistance is typically lower, making copper a better choice for applications needing thinner circuits and faster power transmission.

Weight Differences

Due to copper's higher density per unit area, a copper PCB is much heavier than an aluminum PCB under the same design conditions. In applications where lightweight structures are essential, aluminum is the preferred material. Conversely, copper is widely used in applications where weight is not a significant concern.

Applications

Aluminum substrates are somewhat specialized, primarily used in energy-efficient lighting electronic products such as indoor lighting, energy-saving lighting, and street lighting. Copper substrates are suitable for high-power lighting devices in automotive headlights, taillights, and some high-tech electronic products.

Production Process

The production process for aluminum substrate PCBs is simpler than that for copper substrate PCBs, which also affects their production and delivery times.

Every PCB manufacturer will have technical parameters for producing PCBs. It is advisable to understand these parameters in advance based on the applicable environment for your product before manufacturing. In summary, both copper and aluminum substrates have their respective advantages.