Additive Copper PCB Design: Less Copper. Less Carbon.

Design for Additive Manufacturing of PCBs: Cutting Copper, Cutting Carbon

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing PCB design by enabling precise material deposition—placing copper only where it’s needed. Unlike traditional subtractive processes, which wastefully etch away excess copper, AM dramatically reduces copper usage and boosts sustainability.

Designing PCBs specifically for AM (DfAM) unlocks lighter, more efficient boards, slashes material waste, and shrinks the environmental footprint. Transitioning from subtractive etching to AM can cut CO₂e emissions by over 50%. Even if just 0.5% of the PCB industry adopts AM, it could reduce global emissions by more than 100 megatons of CO₂e annually.

Copprint Green PCB: DfAM Advantages

• 2–5X cost reduction through lower material usage and streamlined processes
• Thinner traces tailored to function – no need for overdesign
• Ultra-low trace heights – print copper layers under 4μm
• Eliminate wide ground planes – only deposit what’s essential
• Over 50% CO₂e emissions reduction vs. traditional etching
• Lower energy, water, and toxic chemical consumption
• Supports eco-friendly, sustainable substrates
• Enables local, onshore manufacturing for greener supply chains