Whelen Lights

Light Circuit Board

benefits of aluminum based printed circuit boards

Benefits of Aluminum based Printed Circuit Boards:

• Dissipation of heat without using additional heatsinks;

• Mechanically rigid, increasing the physical strength of the assembly;

• Reduces the effect of thermal stress on all components, increasing life and durability;

• Improved thermal conduction leading to versatility in component and tracking layout enabling PCB dimensions to be reduced; and

• Reduces component operating temperatures, improving reliability.

Furthermore, aluminum has a few good natures of itself:

 

Light Weight

Aluminum is a very light metal with a specific weight of 2.7 g/cm3, about a third that of steel. For example, the use of aluminum in vehicles reduces dead-weight and energy consumption while increasing load capacity. Its strength can be adapted to the application required by modifying the composition of its alloys.

 

Corrosion Resistance

Aluminum naturally generates a protective oxide coating and is highly corrosion resistant. Different types of surface treatment such as anodizing, painting or lacquering can further improve this property. It is particularly useful for applications where protection and conservation are required.

 

Electrical and Thermal Conductivity

Aluminum is an excellent heat and electricity conductor and in relation to its weight is almost twice as good a conductor as copper. This has made aluminum the most commonly used material in major power transmission lines.

 

Reflectivity

Aluminum is a good reflector of visible light as well as heat, and that together with its low weight makes it an ideal material for reflectors in, for example, light fittings or rescue blankets.

 

Ductility

Aluminum is ductile and has a low melting point and density. In a molten condition it can be processed in a number of ways. Its ductility allows products of aluminum to be basically formed close to the end of the product’s design.

 

Impermeable and Odourless

Aluminum foil, even when it is rolled to only 0.007 mm thickness, is still completely impermeable and lets neither light aroma nor taste substances out. Moreover, the metal itself is non-toxic and releases no aroma or taste substances which make it ideal for packaging sensitive products such as food or pharmaceuticals.

 

Recyclability

Aluminum is 100 % recyclable with no downgrading of its qualities. The re-melting of aluminum requires little energy: only about 5 percent of the energy required to produce the primary metal initially is needed in the recycling process.

 

Source: European Aluminum Association

 

Click here to visit European Aluminium Association Website.

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