PCB Copper Thickness Capabilities | Standard & Heavy Copper (0.5oz to 15oz)
Learn about PCB copper thickness (copper weight), a critical parameter for current capacity, impedance control, and thermal performance. We specialize in heavy copper PCBs from 0.5oz to 6oz and up to 15oz for high‑power applications, delivering superior heat dissipation and lower resistance.
What is PCB Copper Thickness?
PCB copper thickness, also called PCB copper weight, is one of the most critical factors in printed circuit board design. It describes the weight of copper per square foot (oz/ft²) and directly defines the current carrying capacity of copper traces.
Copper thickness is also essential for calculating trace impedance in high‑speed and RF digital circuits. Requirements vary by application and current demands. We offer a full range of PCB copper thickness options to match your exact design needs.
Key Points About PCB Copper Thickness
- PCB copper thickness determines current carrying capacity
- Copper weight must be considered for trace impedance calculation
- Requirements vary based on application and power needs
- We support multiple thicknesses for custom designs
- Multiple copper weights (2oz, 10oz, 20oz, 30oz) on the same layer available
Understanding 1oz Copper Thickness & Conversion
In the PCB industry, copper thickness is measured in ounces (oz) – a weight unit, not distance. When 1 oz (28.35g) of copper is spread over 1 square foot, the thickness is 1.37 mils or 0.0348mm.
Standard Conversion Chart:
- ½ oz = 0.68 mils = 0.017 mm
- 1 oz = 1.37 mils = 0.035 mm
- 2 oz = 2.74 mils = 0.070 mm
- 3 oz = 4.11 mils = 0.105 mm
Typical PCB Copper Weights (Inner & Outer Layers)
Inner Layer Copper Thickness
- 0.5oz (0.7 mils): Thin copper for specialized designs
- 1oz (1.4 mils): Standard inner layer thickness
- 2oz (2.8 mils): Balanced conductivity and weight
Outer Layer Copper Thickness
- 0.5oz (0.7 mils): High‑density signal layers
- 1oz (1.4 mils): Industry standard for reliable performance
PCB Copper Thickness Current Capacity Table
Values show approximate current capacity by trace width and PCB copper thickness (20°C temperature rise):
| Cu Weight (oz/ft²) | Thickness (inch) | 0.0625 | 0.1250 | 0.2500 | 0.5000 | 1.0000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.0014 | 4.6 | 7.6 | 12.5 | 20.7 | 34.2 |
| 2 | 0.0028 | 7.6 | 12.5 | 20.7 | 34.2 | 56.6 |
| 4 | 0.0056 | 12.5 | 20.7 | 34.2 | 56.6 | 93.6 |
| 6 | 0.0084 | 16.8 | 27.8 | 46.0 | 76.0 | 125.5 |
| 10 | 0.0140 | 24.4 | 40.3 | 66.5 | 110.0 | 181.8 |
| 15 | 0.0210 | 34.2 | 56.6 | 93.6 | 154.7 | 255.6 |
What is Heavy Copper PCB?
A heavy copper PCB uses thicker copper foil layers to carry higher currents. Unlike standard PCBs, heavy copper boards typically start from 1oz to 3oz and above, supporting extreme power demands.
Benefits of Heavy Copper PCBs:
- Higher current carrying capacity for high‑power systems
- Superior heat dissipation for reliable thermal management
- Lower resistance and reduced power loss
- Stable power distribution in industrial and automotive designs
Typical Applications:
- Power conversion and inverters
- Motor and servo control boards
- LED lighting and battery chargers
- High‑power computing and industrial equipment
Our PCB Copper Thickness Capabilities
We provide full‑range PCB copper thickness for inner and outer layers, supporting prototype to mass production.
Inner Layer Copper Thickness
- 0.5 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, 3 oz, 4 oz, 5 oz, 6 oz
Outer Layer Copper Thickness
- 1/3 oz, 0.5 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, 3 oz, 4 oz, 5 oz, 6 oz, 10 oz, 15 oz
Summary
PCB copper thickness directly impacts current capacity, impedance, and thermal performance. Our capabilities cover standard and heavy copper from 0.5oz up to 15oz, supporting high‑reliability, high‑power PCB designs for global industrial and automotive buyers.
The default standard thickness is 1oz per layer if not specified. For high‑voltage, low‑resistance, or high‑frequency designs, thicker copper is strongly recommended.
Get Your Copper Thickness PCB Quote
Send your Gerber files and specifications for a fast, free quotation. We support custom PCB copper thickness, heavy copper designs, and full PCB manufacturing for international buyers.
FAQ About PCB Copper Thickness
Q: What is the default PCB copper thickness?
A: The industry default is 1oz copper (≈0.035mm) per layer if not specified in your design files.
Q: How do I choose the right PCB copper thickness?
A: Base your choice on required current capacity, impedance, thermal needs, and application environment. Use online trace width calculators or contact our engineering team for guidance.
Q: Can you mix different copper weights in one PCB?
A: Yes, we support mixed PCB copper thickness on inner and outer layers for optimized power and signal performance.
Q: What is the maximum copper thickness you can produce?
A: We provide up to 15oz copper for outer layers and 6oz for inner layers to meet heavy‑power requirements.
