1.Thermal conductivity and heat dissipation performance:
Copper's thermal conductivity is twice that of aluminum, which means copper can transfer heat to a radiator or cooling fan faster, making it suitable for cooling high-power electronic equipment.
Aluminum has poor thermal conductivity and relatively poor heat dissipation effect, making it suitable for low-power electronic equipment.
2.Mechanical strength and fatigue resistance:
Copper has a higher elastic modulus, so the warpage and expansion and contraction of the copper substrate will be smaller than that of the aluminum substrate, and it has better mechanical strength and fatigue resistance.
Aluminum has low strength and fatigue resistance and is prone to breaking during repeated bending
3.Resistivity and ampacity:
The resistivity of copper is low, and the allowable carrying capacity of copper cables of the same cross-section is about 30% higher than that of aluminum cables. Therefore, the voltage drop of copper cables is small and they are suitable for long-distance power transmission.
Aluminum has a higher resistivity and greater resistance, so the current carrying capacity of aluminum wire cables is lower
4.Price and cost:
The material cost of copper is relatively high and the price is relatively high. It is suitable for high-end electronic equipment with high thermal conductivity and signal transmission requirements.
Aluminum has low material cost and relatively low price, and is suitable for low-power electronic equipment with higher cost requirements.
5.Processing technology and processing difficulty:
The processing of copper substrates is difficult and requires special processing techniques, such as chemical etching, electroplating, etc. The processing process is complex.
The processing of aluminum substrates is relatively simple. Conventional processing techniques can be used, such as mechanical processing, stamping, etc. The processing process is simple.
6.Color and appearance:
Copper wire is purple-red, while aluminum wire is off-white.
In summary, there are significant differences between copper and aluminum in terms of thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, resistivity, current carrying capacity, price, and processing techniques, which determine their advantages and disadvantages in specific electronic and electrical applications.