Can Rigid Flex Circuits Be Used

In a world of rapidly evolving electronics, rigid-flex circuit boards are an essential technology for many critical industries. Their flexibility allows for improved performance, reliability and form factor reduction. They also offer the added benefit of simplifying assembly and making a product more aesthetically pleasing for end users.

Rigid-flex is a combination of a standard rigid printed circuit board (PPCB) and flexible inner layers that can flex, bend or fold to fit around components and provide another direct connection to the circuitry. This makes it perfect for a wide range of applications where space and weight are critical factors, such as high shock or vibration environments.

A rigid flex circuits PCB starts with a one or two-sided layer of conductive copper, either pre-laminated with foil or unclad flex film. The flex is then drilled, plated through and etched in much the same way as a conventional 2-sided rigid PCB core. This flex is then adhered temporarily to a pre-laminated, high TG/low CTE rigid section with plated through holes and a cover lay application.

Can Rigid Flex Circuits Be Used in Underwater Applications?

During the fabrication process, the flex sections are electrically connected to the rigid sections through plated through holes. These plated through holes are then covered with a coverlay application, which is typically an additional layer of polyimide film with adhesive, though for coarser cheaper designs, an adhesiveless photo-imageable solder mask can be used. The final coverlay is then cut to shape and cured with UV exposure.

Rigid flex is a highly versatile technology that can be incorporated into a wide range of electronic equipment, from consumer devices to heavy machinery. Whether in aerospace or defense applications, medical devices that target form factor reduction or power electronics for a variety of industrial applications, rigid-flex is an invaluable technology that has become the go-to choice for engineers looking to improve their products.

A key advantage of rigid-flex is that it reduces the amount of complex connections and connectors required, which in turn lowers manufacturing costs. Additionally, the ability to flex, bend or fold provides significant design flexibility and increases the number of connections available without sacrificing integrity. As a result, rigid-flex circuits can handle higher currents with fewer connections, which improves efficiency and overall system reliability.

In addition to lowering manufacturing costs, rigid-flex circuits can reduce testing times, wire routing errors and rejection rates during assembly. These cost savings are especially notable on long production runs, where a larger number of units are assembled. In order to make the most of this exciting technology, however, you must work with a rigid-flex PCB manufacturer who offers the highest quality materials and a comprehensive set of services. Hemeixin, for example, has extensive experience working with customers to develop workable solutions for the most challenging circuitry challenges. From a 14-layer bookbinder PCB for the Herschel satellite to a 3D-miniaturization project in the field of medical implants, our expertise in rigid-flex can ensure a solution that works every time.