Copper Thickness Impact on PCB Performance: 1oz vs 2oz vs 3oz Selection
- Sunsoar engineer Mia
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Copper Thickness Impact on PCB Performance: 1oz vs 2oz vs 3oz—Which to Choose and Why?By Sunsoar PCB | www.pcbsun.com
When designing a printed circuit board (PCB), one crucial yet often overlooked specification is copper thickness. Commonly measured in ounces (oz), the copper layer’s weight refers to how much copper is deposited over one square foot of the board. While 1oz copper is the industry default, many high-performance or power-demanding applications opt for 2oz or even 3oz copper to meet thermal, electrical, and mechanical demands. But what are the real differences—and which one is right for your application?
Understanding Copper Thickness in PCBs
In simple terms:
1oz copper = ~35µm thickness
2oz copper = ~70µm thickness
3oz copper = ~105µm thickness
This measurement directly impacts the PCB’s ability to carry current and dissipate heat. While thicker copper adds cost and complexity, it can dramatically improve performance for specific applications.
Performance Comparison: 1oz vs 2oz vs 3oz Copper
1oz Copper – The Standard Choice
This is the most commonly used copper thickness, ideal for signal integrity and standard power requirements. It's well-suited for consumer electronics, IoT boards, and low-power industrial devices.
Pros: Lower cost, widely available, suitable for fine traces
Cons: Limited current carrying capacity and heat dissipation
2oz Copper – The Middle Ground
2oz copper offers a balance between increased current handling and manufacturability. It’s preferred in designs where thermal management is essential, such as power management boards, LED drivers, or BMS PCBs.
Pros: Handles more current (about double that of 1oz), better thermal conduction
Cons: Slightly higher cost, requires more spacing between traces
3oz Copper – Heavy-Duty Performance
3oz copper PCBs are used in extreme power applications, including motor controllers, high-wattage power supplies, solar inverters, and industrial control systems.
Pros: Excellent heat dissipation, can carry high current with minimal voltage drop
Cons: Higher cost, more challenging to etch fine features
Application-Based Selection Guide
Application Type | Recommended Copper Thickness |
Consumer Electronics | 1oz |
Automotive BMS / LED Lighting | 2oz |
Industrial Power Supply | 2oz–3oz |
High-Current Motor Drives | 3oz |
How Copper Thickness Affects PCB Design
Thermal Management: Thicker copper spreads heat more efficiently. This is critical in high-power or high-frequency applications.
Current Carrying Capacity: Thicker copper reduces resistance, allowing for higher current without overheating.
PCB Size Optimization: With more copper, fewer or wider traces are needed, possibly reducing the overall board size.
Durability & Reliability: Boards with thicker copper tend to be more robust and are less likely to suffer from thermal fatigue.
Manufacturing Considerations at SUNSOAR
At SUNSOAR, we support a wide range of copper thicknesses up to 6oz for custom projects. Our factory uses precision etching and multilayer lamination technologies to ensure high-quality results—even with thicker copper. We help our clients choose the optimal copper weight based on:
Current load requirements
Operating temperature
Trace width limitations
Cost-performance balance
Compared to JLCPCB, PCBWay, or ALLPCB, our flexibility in prototyping and small-to-medium volume runs with thicker copper options gives us a competitive edge. Moreover, we provide fast lead times, engineering consultation, and end-to-end PCBA services under one roof.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
If your design operates under standard conditions without high current, 1oz is often sufficient. For applications involving power electronics, battery management systems (BMS), or industrial controllers, upgrading to 2oz or 3oz copper significantly improves reliability and efficiency. Ultimately, the best copper thickness depends on your specific design goals and electrical requirements.
Need help deciding? Our engineers are here to offer free design consultation to ensure optimal PCB performance and manufacturability.
Contact SUNSOAR today:📧 sales03@sunsoartech.com | 📞 +86 13632793113🌐 www.pcbsun.com | 📺 YouTube Channel
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