Why LED PCBs?

Although LEDs are highly efficient in converting electricity to light, they generate some heat when operating at high power. Unless this heat is removed quickly, it may cause thermal runaway, thereby destroying the LED.

The metal core in LED PCBs helps to distribute heat very quickly. LED applications prefer metal core LED PCBs (MCPCBs) as the metal core has a higher ability to dissipate heat from the LEDs, keeping them operating within their specified temperature range.

Advantages of Aluminum for LED PCBs

Lower Costs

Aluminum is abundantly available and easier to mine and refine, making it a cost-effective alternative to other heat transfer methods.

Environmental Performance

Aluminum is non-toxic, recyclable, and safer to dispose of at the end of the LED PCB's life, reducing the carbon footprint.

Improved Durability

Aluminum backing makes PCBs more resistant to damage during manufacturing, assembly, and use in harsh environments.

Reduced Weight

Lighter than copper and stainless steel alternatives, making LED boards ideal for vehicles and aerospace applications.

Types of Aluminum for LED PCBs

Flexible Aluminum

Offers great insulation and flexibility through a combination of ceramic fillers and Polyimide resins, providing high thermal conductivity with excellent flexibility.

Hybrid Aluminum

Merges aluminum with non-thermal materials like FR4, offering high thermal conductivity along with high rigidity.

Multi-Layer Aluminum

Excellent for highly complex PCBs, offering high thermal conductivity, outstanding insulation, and good mechanical strength with thermally conductive adhesives.

Aluminum LED PCB Construction

Base Layer

The aluminum alloy sheet serves as the foundation, distributing and dispersing heat efficiently throughout the PCB.

Thermal Insulation

A ceramic polymer layer protects the board from thermal and mechanical damage while absorbing heat from LEDs and transferring it to the base layer.

Circuit Layer

Copper circuits are laid out according to the LED PCB design, providing electrical connectivity for all components.

LED PCB Assembly Process

SMD LEDs

Surface mount device LEDs are mounted along with other SMT components using standard processes:

  • Silkscreen printing the solder paste on the PCB
  • Solder paste inspection
  • Component placement on the PCB
  • Reflow soldering to bond components onto the PCB
  • Automated optical inspection
COB LEDs

Chip-on-board LEDs are directly bonded to the PCB using one of two processes:

  • Wire Bonding: Gold wires connect chips to positive and negative electrode pads
  • Flip-Chip: Solder balls at the chip bottom melt under force and high temperature, bonding to the PCB

Why Choose Xekera for LED PCB Assembly?

With decades of experience in high frequency PCBs, we offer the necessary expertise and world-class equipment for complex circuit designs. Let us help bring your LED project to life.

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