metail in pcb can take a few different forms.  discrete wiring pwb (dwpwb) is one such approach that can be used in some specific applications for led, mixed power and control circuitry, intelligent motor drives and more. from a thermal management standpoint, providing metal in pcb board gives the pcb some additional capability to dissipate heat.  this is a great development given that systems are shrinking and thermal engineers need as many tools as possible to bring the best thermal management strategies to bear in a given system design.

dwpwb section from pcb007 article

the following excellent article describes this sector well.   for the thermal management or heat transfer professional, knowing of these developments can give you more tools in your toolbox to enable your next design to operate to its specification.  to read this articel, click to: "metal in the board, a return to the future" on pcb007's web site.