Flexible PCBs are also called as FPCs because their substrate is flexible. Flexible PCBs can be folded or twisted without snapping, which are easy to adjust shape and size according to the specific target product.
Flexible PCBs can be divided into single, double, or multi-layer PCBs like rigid PCBs. Flexibility is the most prominent benefit of FPCs. FPCs are typically more expensive than rigid PCBs but with more advantages to improve the cost performance.
Advantages of flexible PCBs
- Flexible shape to various PCB designs and layout
The substrate material of flexible PCBs is usually PEEK, Polyamide, and conductive polyester film. Flexible PCBs can be used around edges and folds without affecting the performance, making electronics small and lightweight.
- Space savings: reduce size and weight
The flexible circuit is viral in modern portable electronics because its deformable and lightweight features meet the requirements of such products very well. Therefore, flexible PCBs are very helpful to improve product appearance.
- Increase the flexibility of connection
Most electronics are designed to be lightweight, flexible, and efficient. The flexibility of FPCs PCBs allows greater freedom in the design and operation of the PCBs to adapt for small or irregularly shaped spaces.
- Higher circuit density
Since the flexible circuit boards take up less space, the weight of the application motherboard is reduced. Therefore, the density of circuits in the same area can be significantly increased, thus improving the performance of the overall circuit design.
- Stronger signal quality
Flexibility and lighter weights enable the FPCs to absorb and reduce the impact of vibration on itself and any solder joints in the connection, ensuring PCB’s signal quality stability.
- Improve reliability and impedance control
Flexible PCBs have better resistance to vibration and motion, making them more popular in the transportation field. And when using flexible PCBs, circuit failures can be eliminated and equipment reliability improved with little or no wiring.
- More robust operating temperature range
The substrate materials of flexible PCBs are suited for a very high temperate than FR4. Moreover, flexible circuit boards’ optimal use of available space also enables better thermal management.
Except for these advantages, flexible PCBs also exist some shortages:
- Higher material cost than rigid PCBs
- More complex assembly
- Sensitive to scratching
- More strict storage conditions
- Weak performance in low-temperature conditions
In conclusion, flexible PCBs enable many new and interesting electronic designs that are not possible with traditional rigid circuit boards. But we should not overlook some of FPC’s shortcomings. In each new design process, we need to carefully evaluate the needs of the target application and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the flexible PCBs to choose the most suitable material for our design.
Applications of flexible PCBs
The introduction of flexible PCB has completely changed the traditional electrical interconnection technology. Due to the flexibility, compactness of the connection, and the high density of the electrical connection that can be achieved, flexible PCBs significantly increase the circuit density while reducing the weight and volume of the PCBs.
Nowadays, the flexible PCB’s manufacturing technology is developing rapidly, and the FPC is widely used in many fields because it provides more possibilities for circuit design.
- Hard disk drives
- Desktop printers
- Communications
- Consumer electronics
- Medical
- Automotive
- Industrial
- Aerospace
- Military
- Transportation
ATAPCB’s flexible PCBs
ATAPCB provides flexible PCB manufacturing in 1~6 layers from prototype to low-volume production. Advanced manufacturing processes, high-end manufacturing equipment, and professional technicians make our PCBs highly reliable. ATAPCB has professional manufacturing lines and long-term cooperative supplier partners, so our manufacturing price is very competitive in the markets.
The PCBs we produced are widely used in consumer electronics, communication equipment, medical devices, military electronics, and aerospace markets. Whether you are looking for flexible PCBs or rigid PCBs manufacturers, ATAPCB can offer you expert guidance and technology to turn your idea into reality.
