What Is a Metal Core PCB (MCPCB)?

A Metal-Core PCB (MCPCB), also known as a Thermal PCB or Insulated Metal Substrate (IMS), is a type of printed circuit board that incorporates a base metal material as the heat spreader portion of the board. The primary purpose of an MCPCB is to redirect heat away from critical board components (such as LEDs or power transistors) and towards a heat sink or the chassis.

Unlike standard FR4 or CEM1-3 boards which are poor thermal conductors, Metal Core PCBs utilize a base metal—typically Aluminum, Copper, or Steel alloy—to significantly improve thermal management, durability, and dimensional stability.