What Is A Thick Copper PCB?
Thick copper PCB solutions for high-current applications
As a leading China flex PCB supplier, we specialize in high-quality flex circuit manufacturing—from rapid-turn prototyping to full-volume flexible PCB fabrication. Upload your Gerber files now for a fast, reliable quote.
China Thick Copper PCB Manufacturer
At Fast Turn PCB, we specialize in producing robust, high-current printed circuit boards with copper thicknesses ranging from 2oz to over 20oz. Designed to handle extreme current loads, improve heat dissipation, and ensure long-term durability, our thick copper PCBs are ideal for power electronics, automotive systems, industrial controls, and military applications.
Whether you need quick-turn prototypes or full-scale production, our
advanced manufacturing capabilities and experienced engineering team
ensure that your custom heavy copper PCB meets the highest standards for
performance and reliability. With precise etching, multilayer support, and
full compliance with international quality certifications, we deliver results
that power your innovations.
What Is A Thick Copper PCB?
A Thick Copper PCB—also known as a Heavy Copper PCB—is a printed circuit board that features significantly thicker copper layers than standard PCBs. While conventional PCBs typically use 1oz (35μm) copper thickness, thick copper PCBs use copper layers of 2oz (70μm) or more, often reaching up to 20oz (700μm) or higher for specialized applications.
These boards are engineered to carry higher current loads, provide superior thermal management, and ensure enhanced mechanical strength, especially in harsh environments or power-intensive systems.
Typical Copper Thickness Ranges
- Standard PCB: 1oz (35μm)
- Thick Copper PCB: 2oz – 6oz (70μm – 210μm)
- Extra Heavy Copper PCB: 8oz – 20oz+ (280μm – 700μm+)
Key Characteristics
- Reinforced current-carrying capacity
- Better heat dissipation across layers
- Improved reliability under thermal and mechanical stress
- Ability to integrate high power and control circuits on a single board
Where It’s Used
- Power supplies and converters
- Automotive electronics (EV chargers, powertrains)
- Industrial equipment
- Aerospace and defense systems
- Renewable energy systems (solar inverters, battery management)
Applications
Manufacturing Process
01. Engineering Review & DFM Check
Every project begins with a thorough design review and DFM (Design for Manufacturability) analysis to ensure optimal layout, copper weight compatibility, and manufacturability.
02. Material Selection
We select high-Tg, high-thermal-conductivity base materials suitable for heavy copper etching and high-power applications.
03. Inner Layer Imaging & Etching
For multilayer designs, inner layers are imaged and etched with extra care to manage wide traces and thick copper distribution accurately.
04. Lamination
Multilayer boards are pressed under high temperature and pressure using advanced vacuum lamination to ensure uniform bonding of thick copper layers.
05.Drilling & Hole Plating
Holes are drilled and electroplated with heavy copper using controlled plating techniques to maintain via integrity and current-carrying capacity.
06. Outer Layer Imaging, Etching & Plating
Outer copper layers are patterned and etched, followed by precise plating to achieve the final copper thickness as specified.
07. Solder Mask & Surface Finish
A high-temperature-resistant solder mask is applied, followed by a surface finish such as ENIG, HASL, or OSP for improved solderability.
08.Routing, V-Cut, and Mechanical Processing
The boards are routed, scored, or CNC machined as per design, ensuring smooth edges and tight tolerances.
Quality Control
Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) for inner and outer layers
X-ray Inspection for multilayer alignment and plated through-hole quality
X-ray Inspection for multilayer alignment and plated through-hole quality
Cross-section Analysis for copper thickness and via quality verification
ISO & UL Certified Processes, ensuring international compliance
RoHS & REACH Compliance, as required for global applications
Support & Services
Engineering Assistance
- Free DFM review by experienced PCB engineers
- Support for custom stack-ups, copper weight planning, and thermal design
Rapid Prototyping
- Fast turnaround options available (as quick as 2–3 days)
- Ideal for design validation and time-critical projects
Scalable Production
- Flexible support for both small and large volumes
- Consistent quality and full traceability across batches
Reliable Delivery
- Global shipping with secure, anti- static packaging
- On-time delivery via trusted carriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx)
Custom Capabilities
- Special materials, heavy copper layers, and various surface finishes
- Customized panelization and routing options available
FAQ
Thick copper printed circuit boards refer to printed circuit boards with copper foil thickness far exceeding conventional standards.
Their primary purpose is to meet the requirements of high current density, high thermal conductivity, and high mechanical strength.
This type of circuit board is commonly used in power electronics, automotive electronics, industrial control, communication base stations, aerospace and other fields to ensure stable operation in high power and harsh environments.
Flex PCBs are primarily made from polyimide (PI) or polyester (PET) substrates with copper foil layers. We also use adhesiveless laminates for high-reliability applications. Coverlays, stiffeners (FR4 or stainless steel), and surface finishes (ENIG, OSP) are added depending on the design.
Lead times depend on complexity and quantity:
- Prototype Flex PCBs: 3–7 business days
- Production Runs: 7–20 business days
Expedited options are available for urgent projects — contact us for a custom quote.
- Flex PCBs use flexible base materials and are designed to bend, fold, or twist during use.
- Rigid PCBs are built on FR4 substrates and are not designed for movement.
Flex PCBs save space, reduce weight, and improve durability in dynamic environments.
Absolutely. Our engineering team offers free DFM reviews, helping you optimize your design for manufacturability, cost efficiency, and long-term reliability. Upload your Gerber files, and we’ll evaluate them before production begins.