What is rigid-flex PCB
From the literal meaning, we can know that the rigid-flex PCB is a combination of rigid and flexible circuit boards, and has the advantages of rigid-flex PCBs.Common rigid-flex PCBs are composed of multilayer flexible circuit boards, which are connected to rigid circuit boards externally or internally. The bending degree of the flexible circuit boards is determined and needs to be determined during the design and manufacturing process.The advantages of rigid-flex PCB
·Flexibility: The combination of two kinds of circuit boards allows it to have the freedom of shape when the flexible circuit board is packaged, and the
accuracy and repeatability of the rigid circuit board
·Minimize space and save manufacturing cost.
·By eliminating the need for connectors and cables between various rigid components, the size of the circuit board and the overall weight of the system can
be reduced, thereby improving the ability of the circuit to transmit signals without loss.
·Reduce solder joints and improve link reliability.
·When designing a rigid PCB, certain design rules must be followed, including the smallest hole size, the smallest space and trace width, the smallest distance
to the edge of the board, and the copper and overall design thickness. The cost, complexity, and technical requirements of flexible circuit boards are high, and flexible circuit boards share many of their manufacturing process steps.
Introduction and classification of flexible circuit boards
1. Single-layer FPC: the most basic structure in FPC, with only one conductive layer, light weight, thin thickness, and lowest cost
2. Double-layer FPC: Insulation layer in the middle, conductive copper on both sides, through the middle via hole to realize signal transmission, under the same volume, the signal transmission capacity is greater than single-layer FPC, and can achieve greater density in some applications Signal connection.
3. Multi-layer FPC: Press multiple single-layer FPCs together by pressing equipment. After drilling, the holes are metallized to make the multi-layer circuit conduction to form a multilayer FPC, which has the advantages of single-layer FPC. The lamination doubles the number of high-precision circuits that can be loaded per unit area, and the cost is also very high.
4. Rigid-flex board: the combination of soft board and hard board, the soft board part can be bent, and the hard board part can carry heavy components to form a three-dimensional circuit board. This combination has stronger performance, higher stability, and optimization. space. If a printed board has components on the front and back sides, rigid-flex boards are a good choice. But if all the components are on one side, it will be more economical to choose a double-sided flexible board and laminate a layer of FR4 reinforced material on its back.
The application of rigid flexible circuit boards in various fields
·Electronic field: It can be installed in high-end control systems, mobile phones, computers, drones, etc.
·Medical field: Flexible circuits have a wide range of attractiveness in medical equipment technology, such as prostheses, implantable and external medical equipment, surgical equipment and patient monitoring equipment, etc.
·Automotive field: mainly includes engine control system, chassis control system and body electronic control system.
·Rigid-flex PCBs are needed in aviation, aerospace satellites, and military fields.
POE’s ability to manufacture rigid and flexible circuit boards POE can manufacture rigid-flex PCBs in small batches in a short period of time, and provide testing services and after-sales services. The following is our manufacturing capability table:
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Feature
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Capability
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Material
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Polyimide Flex+FR4
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Min. Track/Spacing
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3mil
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Min. Hole Size
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0.2mm
|
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Rigid-Flex Thickness
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0.3-3.2mm
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FPC Thickness
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0.08-0.4mm
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Solder Mask Color(Rigid Part)
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Green, Red, Yellow, White, Black, Purple, Matte Black,
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Covrelay (Flex Part)
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Yellow Coverlay, WhiteCoverlay,Black Coverlay
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Silkscreen
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White, Black，Red
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Finish Cooper(Flex Part)
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0.5-2oz
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Finish Cooper(Rigid Part)
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1-4oz
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Via Process
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Tenting Vias,Plugged Vias,Vias not covered
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Build time
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1-10 days
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Lead time
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1-7 days
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