MCPCBs (Metal Core Printed Circuit Boards) are widely used in industries that require high thermal conductivity, such as LED lighting, power supplies, and electric vehicles. But how much do they really cost in 2025? Prices vary dramatically based on material, design complexity, and region. This article will help you understand every key pricing factor, from core materials to regional differences—so you can make informed sourcing decisions.
1. What Is MCPCB and How It Differs from Standard PCBs?
MCPCB stands out from traditional FR4 boards by using a metal base (usually aluminum or copper) for better heat dissipation. It consists of:
- Metal base layer (aluminum, copper, or stainless steel)
- Thermal dielectric layer
- Copper circuit layer
Compared to standard PCBs, MCPCBs are better suited for high-power applications like:
- LED street lights and displays
- Power converters and MOSFETs
- Automotive lighting and motor control
2. Core Factors That Influence MCPCB Pricing (With Actual Prices)
The cost of an MCPCB depends on several engineering and production choices. Here’s how each factor affects the price:
Base Material
- Aluminum: Most common and affordable
Price range: $0.30 – $1.50 per piece
- Copper: Better heat performance, higher cost
Price range: $3.00 – $6.50 per piece
Copper Thickness
- 1oz copper: Standard, included in base price
- 2oz–3oz copper: For high-current circuits
Adds $0.30 – $1.00 per piece
Layer Count
- Single-layer MCPCB:
Price: $0.30 – $1.00 per piece
- Double-layer MCPCB:
Price: $0.80 – $2.50 per piece
- 4-layer aluminum MCPCB:
Price: $4.00 – $8.00 per piece
Dielectric Layer (Thermal Conductivity)
- 1.0W/m·K: Basic thermal conductivity
- 2.0–3.0W/m·K: Premium performance
Adds $0.20 – $0.80 per piece
Surface Finish
- HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling): Standard, low-cost
- ENIG (Immersion Gold): Higher quality, longer shelf life
Adds $0.15 – $0.50 per piece
- Immersion Silver or OSP:
Adds $0.10 – $0.30 per piece
3. Real-World MCPCB Price Range in 2025
Here’s what you can expect to pay in today’s market:
Single-layer aluminum MCPCB (1oz Cu, HASL)
- Prototype (10 pcs): $0.60 – $1.00 per piece
- Mass production (1000 pcs+): $0.30 – $0.55 per piece
Double-layer aluminum MCPCB (2oz Cu, ENIG)
- Prototype: $1.80 – $2.50 per piece
- Mass production: $0.80 – $1.60 per piece
Copper-based MCPCB (for power electronics)
- Prototype: $4.00 – $6.50 per piece
- Production: $3.00 – $4.50 per piece
4-layer aluminum MCPCB
- Prototype: $6.00 – $10.00 per piece
- Mass production: $4.00 – $7.00 per piece
4. Price Comparison by Application Type
Different applications require different specs, which lead to different pricing:
LED Lighting (1-layer aluminum, standard finish)
- Price: $0.30 – $1.20 per piece
Power Electronics (thick copper, higher heat)
- Price: $2.00 – $5.00 per piece
Automotive Electronics (e.g., headlight MCPCB)
- Price: $3.00 – $6.50 per piece
Telecom & RF (high-frequency, precision control)
- Price: $4.00 – $10.00 per piece
5. MCPCB Prices Around the World: A Regional Comparison
Depending on your supplier’s location, prices and lead times may vary. Here’s a regional breakdown:
China:
- Price: $0.30 – $1.00 per piece
- Advantage: Cost-effective, fast production
United States:
- Price: $1.50 – $4.00 per piece
- Advantage: Local compliance and communication
Germany / European Union:
- Price: $2.00 – $5.00 per piece
- Advantage: RoHS-certified, high-end quality
India / Southeast Asia:
- Price: $0.80 – $2.50 per piece
- Advantage: Balanced cost-performance, growing capacity
Don’t get caught off guard by these common extras:
- Engineering review fee: $20 – $50 (for complex layouts)
- Tooling/setup fee: $30 – $100 (for prototypes or new orders)
- Testing fees (E-test, thermal): $0.05 – $0.10 per piece
- Surface finish upgrades: $0.10 – $0.50 per piece
- Express shipping: $20 – $80 (depends on region & courier)
7. Tips to Reduce Your MCPCB Cost Without Sacrificing Quality
- Simplify your design: Avoid over-specification
- Use standard materials: Aluminum + 1oz copper is the sweet spot
- Order in bulk: Pricing drops significantly with higher quantities
- Use panelization: Combine multiple designs in one panel
- Work with trusted manufacturers: Reduces rework and communication time
8. Why Choose KingSunPCB for Your MCPCB Projects?
At KingSunPCB, we offer:
- Factory-direct pricing starting from $0.30 per piece
- Fast turnaround (24h prototype service available)
- UL, ISO, and RoHS certified production
- Support for LED, power, EV, and industrial MCPCB needs
- Real-time online quotes with Gerber file upload
Whether you need 10 samples or 10,000 units, we ensure top performance, on-time delivery, and competitive pricing.
9. Conclusion
By understanding the true cost components behind MCPCB manufacturing—materials, layers, regions, and finishes—you can optimize both your budget and performance. Let KingSunPCB help you strike the right balance between thermal performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency in your next project.