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MCPCB full form: Metal Core Printed Circuit Board
MCPCB stands for Metal Core Printed Circuit Board. In the Indian LED industry the term almost always means a single-sided board with an aluminium base, used under LEDs because the metal carries heat away. This guide explains the term, what is inside the board and where it is used.
Sara Circuits team · 24 October 2026
MCPCB full form and meaning.
| Letters | Stands for | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| MC | Metal Core | The board has a metal base, usually aluminium, instead of paper or glass-epoxy |
| PCB | Printed Circuit Board | An insulating board with copper tracks that connect electronic parts |
In Hindi: MCPCB ek aluminium base wala PCB hai jo LED ki garmi bahar nikalta hai.
Other names for the same board: aluminium PCB, aluminum PCB (US spelling), aluminium MCPCB and metal core PCB. PCB glossary
What is inside an MCPCB.
- Aluminium base: takes heat from the LEDs and spreads it out.
- Thin dielectric: insulates the copper from the aluminium while letting heat pass through.
- Copper layer: one layer, 35 µm (1 oz) as standard, 70 µm (2 oz) where the design needs it.
- Solder mask: white for LED boards, because it reflects light; green and black on request.
- Surface finish: HASL or OSP to keep pads solderable.
The MCPCBs we make are single-sided, 0.8 mm to 1.6 mm thick. MCPCB specification
Why LED lights use MCPCB.
LEDs turn part of their power into heat. On an aluminium MCPCB the heat moves through the thin dielectric into the metal base and spreads out, so the LEDs run cooler and keep their brightness longer than on paper or glass-epoxy boards. That is why MCPCB is the usual choice for high-power LEDs, DOBs and fittings in closed housings.
Where MCPCBs are used.
- LED bulbs LED bulb PCB
- DOB (Driver On Board) bulbs DOB PCB
- Emergency and rechargeable bulbs Emergency bulb PCB
- LED panels, battens and street lights LED PCBs
- Automotive lamps and DRLs Automotive
MCPCB vs FR4 in one line.
Choose MCPCB where heat decides LED life: high-power LEDs, DOBs and closed housings. FR4, CEM3 or CEM1 suit driver boards and some low-power LED strips. Aluminium PCB vs FR4
How we make MCPCBs.
- CAM check of your Gerber: track width, spacing, creepage and panel layout.
- PDF approval: you approve the final panel before any material is cut.
- Printing and etching the copper tracks.
- White solder mask and legend, then a HASL or OSP finish.
- Punching on a blanking die (21 ready dies for common bulb, emergency bulb and DOB sizes) or CNC routing.
- Bare board testing of every lot, an independent QC check and dispatch with a job number.
Related PCB full forms.
| Term | Full form | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| PCB | Printed Circuit Board | Insulating board with copper tracks |
| DOB | Driver On Board | LED board carrying both the driver and the LEDs |
| FR1 | Flame Retardant grade 1 | Paper phenolic laminate, the lowest-cost base |
| FR4 | Flame Retardant grade 4 | Woven glass-epoxy laminate |
| CEM1 | Composite Epoxy Material 1 | Paper core with glass-epoxy surfaces |
| CEM3 | Composite Epoxy Material 3 | Non-woven glass core |
| SMPS | Switch Mode Power Supply | Power supply used in chargers, adapters and drivers |
| BBT | Bare Board Testing | Electrical test for opens and shorts |
Questions? Answers.
What is the full form of MCPCB?
Metal Core Printed Circuit Board. Most MCPCBs use an aluminium base and are used for LED lighting.
MCPCB kya hota hai?
MCPCB ek aluminium base wala PCB hai jo LED ki garmi bahar nikalta hai. Iska full form Metal Core Printed Circuit Board hai.
Is MCPCB the same as aluminium PCB?
Yes, in LED lighting. Aluminium PCB, aluminum PCB and aluminium MCPCB all mean a metal core PCB with an aluminium base.
What is the HSN code for MCPCB?
A bare aluminium MCPCB is a printed circuit under HSN 8534 00 00. PCB HSN code
Do you manufacture MCPCBs?
Yes. We make single-sided aluminium MCPCBs at our plant in Barwala, Haryana, for LED lighting manufacturers across India, from 40 m² per design. MCPCB
Related: MCPCB & aluminium PCB manufacturer · PCB glossary · Aluminium PCB vs FR4 · Two boards in an LED bulb · All guides & news
Send us your design.
Attach the Gerber, tell us the material and quantity, and we will come back with a price.