A flexible printed circuit carries out functions that are similar to a regular printed circuit board. The difference mainly lies in the fact that the electronic circuit is assembled on a flexible plastic substrate. Some examples of plastic substrates include conductive polyester film, polyimide or Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or even polyester. This gives the circuit more flexibility to bend to a certain angle.
Typically, the flex board could be required to bend during use, or it could be permanently configured at an angle. The flex board needs to be printed keeping these considerations in mind. Most leading manufacturers around the world employ photolithographic technology in manufacturing a flexible printed circuit.
As electronics become small, and there is a growing trend of wearable gadgets in the consumer electronics market, the demand for flexible PCBs has increased in the recent past. With this, there is a rising demand for enterprises that can offer manufacturing solutions for such applications. There are several advantages of opting for flex boards. Here are a few:
As compared to the conventionally used stiff or rigid PCBs, the printed boards offer more versatility.
The plastic substrates that are used in the manufacture of flexible circuit boards are several times lighter than the fiberglass reinforced epoxy laminate that is found in the conventional boards. This works better as the overall weight of the end product is reduced.
Along with being lighter the materials on which flex boards are printed are also thinner, dimensionally. Thanks to this feature, the dimensions of the final product become more compact, in keeping with the latest industry demands.
With innovative conducive ink printing technology becoming more common, the need for components such as connectors and cables is reduced to a large extent. This reduces space usage, weight, as well as costs. And, with lower component usage, the overall complexity of circuits is greatly reduced.
It thus becomes apparent why several OEMs are opting for a flexible printed circuit as opposed to the traditional rigid printed circuit board. The choice of whether to use a rigid or flex board depends entirely on the needs of the application. It is advisable to discuss the exact requirements of your project with your chosen manufacturer for professional insights and advise. And, it is important to remember that your choice of flex or rigid will also have direct bearing on your project costs.
The uses of a flexible printed circuit are widespread. From consumer electronics to medical devices to military equipment to cell phones to human implants to industrial heaters to telecommunications to aerospace, flexible circuits are making their presence felt in virtually every sphere of our life.
When you decide to partner with a PCBA manufacturer, do remember to check their project history.
