Rigid Flex Printed Circuit Boards
Rigid-flex printed circuit boards are a great choice for complex electronic products that need to bend and flex. They can provide greater spatial performance than rigid PCBs and can be designed to conform to a variety of shapes, which makes them ideal for wearable devices, aerospace systems, and other applications with tight space restrictions.
The specialized materials used to make rigid-flex printed circuit board can vary by design and application. The materials you use will impact the thickness of your board, as well as the cost. For instance, you’ll need to consider the type of coverlay, flexible solder mask, stiffeners, and adhesives that you’ll need to add to your board. You’ll also need to decide whether or not you want to add rigid material to certain areas of your flex PCB in order to increase the mechanical stability and longevity of the component connections.
A flex PCB’s copper conductors can be thin or wide, but they should be offset from each other to prevent stress concentration during bending. In addition, you should avoid any 90-degree bends in your flex circuit because this will increase the risk of damage. Additionally, you should avoid using plated through hole vias at the bend area of your flex circuit. This is because a plated through hole will cause the copper to deform under the bend, which can lead to short circuits or a loss of functionality.
Limitations to the Size of Rigid Flex Printed Circuit Boards
While there are limitations to the size of rigid flex PCBs, these limits are slowly being pushed as technology advances and manufacturing processes become more advanced. With these advancements, flex PCBs are quickly becoming the standard for many electronics and have even replaced traditional wiring for some applications.
One of the main benefits of rigid flex is that it can reduce the amount of components needed to create a functional device. This reduction in component density has helped to improve the overall reliability and efficiency of rigid-flex printed circuit boards, which can lower overall system cost. This also makes it easier to assemble, which can help to speed up the production process.
Another advantage of rigid-flex is that it can eliminate the need for extra connectors and cables. This helps to simplify the assembly process and can help to reduce human error. Additionally, it can reduce the amount of time and money required for future repairs and replacements.
A final benefit of rigid-flex is that it can be reversible, which allows the user to change the direction in which they’re facing without having to remove the entire board and then re-attach it. This can be especially helpful in medical, automotive, and consumer applications where the device will need to be re-assembled frequently.
Choosing the right PCB manufacturer is critical for your project’s success. Ensure that they have the experience necessary to meet your design and assembly needs. Working with an ECM with a strong background in rigid-flex PCB assembly can save you time and money. For example, Levison Enterprises has the experience and expertise necessary to take your project from design through prototyping and assembly. Contact us today for a quote.
