As PCB technologies continue to evolve, so does the circuit board design. One of the essential aspects of PCB design is the copper thickness, which is measured in ounces. Copper thickness is an important factor that affects the reliability and performance of your circuit boards. In this post, we will compare 1oz, 2oz, and 3oz copper thickness in PCBs so you can make informed decisions when designing your PCBs.
1oz Copper
1oz copper is a popular copper thickness choice for PCB designs. It has a thickness of 1.4 mils or 35 microns. 1oz copper thickness is ideal for low current PCB designs because it provides a balance between cost and reliability.
1oz copper thickness is also preferred in PCB designs that have a small trace width and spacing. The reason is that 1oz copper thickness can create finer traces than thicker copper variants allowing you to achieve an accurate design.
2oz Copper
If you want to reinforce the performance of your low-current PCB designs, 2oz copper thickness can be an excellent choice. 2oz copper thickness provides twice the thickness of 1oz copper. It has a thickness of 2.8 mils or 70 microns.
2oz copper thickness is more durable and has better heat dissipation than a 1oz copper thickness. However, it's also more expensive. So, 2oz copper thickness is only worth considering if the focus of your PCB design is durability and heat dissipation.
3oz Copper
For heavy-duty PCB designs that require high-current routes, you will require thicker copper. 3oz copper thickness can take your PCB design to its extreme limit. It has a thickness of 4.2 mils or 105 microns.
3oz copper thickness is highly durable and can handle large current flows that might generate heat. The thicker copper also reduces signal noise caused by high-frequency electromagnetic interference. However, it comes with a higher price tag but worth considering if the design demands it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right copper thickness is a crucial part of PCB design. The thickness of copper determines the current carrying and heat dissipation capacity of your PCB design. You don't need to go with the thickest copper available always; it depends on your design's requirements.
If you are designing a PCB that handles low currents, it's best to choose 1oz copper thickness. 2oz copper thickness is better suited for projects that should handle higher currents and enhanced durability. And finally, 3oz copper thickness is ideal for heavy-duty applications where high currents and excessive heat are expected.