Flexible PCB Boards
As our electronic devices get smaller and thinner, the need for innovation that supports these miniaturization efforts increases. One such innovation is the flexible PCB board. While rigid circuit boards are a valuable tool in the design process, flexible PCBs provide several advantages that make them ideal for a wide range of applications. Here’s a look at some of the most significant benefits they offer:
One of the main reasons that designers and consumers prefer flexible PCBs is their lower weight. This comes from a combination of factors, including the use of thinner and lighter substrates. Additionally, flex PCBs can be made with fewer layers of conductors than their rigid counterparts. As a result, they can be up to 75% lighter. Flexible PCBs also tend to have a reduced thickness, enabling them to fit in tight spaces that wouldn’t be possible with rigid boards. As a result, they can save on both assembly time and materials costs.
The base material of a flexible pcb board is Polyimide film, which bonds with copper to form the core of the circuit. However, unlike standard PCBs, which use adhesives to bond copper to the base, flex circuits utilize an etching process that creates copper layer connections without the need for adhesives. This technique reduces the risk of via damage and improves signal transmission performance.
Flexible PCB Boards for Flexible Displays
A flex circuit’s copper layer is then plated with tin or soft gold to protect it from environmental conditions such as high temperatures and electrical charges. In addition, a coverlay can be applied to the circuit to enhance insulation and increase its durability. If some areas of the flex circuit need to be stiffened, manufacturers can laminate a stiffener material to those portions. This can help to prevent the circuit from bending too much during manufacturing or during use.
Another benefit of using a flex PCB is that it can be produced in shorter lead times than rigid circuit boards. This can help to reduce the time it takes to assemble the product and improve the overall productivity of the production line. Additionally, a flex circuit can be delivered to customers ready for final assembly, which makes it a valuable tool in the supply chain.
Ultimately, the cost of a flex circuit depends on the raw materials used and the complexity of its design. To keep costs down, the client should clarify to the manufacturer exactly what type of flex circuit is required and how it will be used. This will ensure that the appropriate raw materials are used and will limit the amount of waste created.
To ensure that the flex circuit meets all of its specifications, manufacturers can also test it with specialized software. These programs allow them to run simulations of the flex circuit under different conditions to identify potential problems early on. By doing this, they can reduce the number of prototypes needed to find the perfect design for a customer’s project. To start designing your next electronics, try Altium Designer and get started with a free trial today.
