Why should you use Rigid-Flex PCBs

Introduction

Rigid-flex or rigid-flexible PCBs have become a popular choice used in designing today’s electronics by offering greater design flexibility, reduced product weight, sub-compact packaging and simplified PCB assembly. As the name implies, the Rigid-flex design provides a combination of flexible material, (polyimide on Cu cladding substrate), connected to a FR4 rigid board. The flexible material can be multilayer, with via hole interconnects, easily replacing harnesses and wiring found in outdated electronic designs.

Key Advantages of Rigid-flex PCBs:

• High Reliability: No need for board-to-board connectors and less solder joints on the board level. Potential failure points are fewer, with increased circuit consistency.
• Miniaturization: Reduced packaging requirements with one integrated unit replacing multiple connectors, wire harnesses, etc. Ability to bend and fold into small spaces make them indispensable for today’s electronics; laptops, cameras, robotics, automotive control, medical devices and wearables.
• Better Testing: Interconnections are tested at the board manufacturing level; easier to integrate into hardware. With subcircuits connected to the main design, automating the complete testing of rigid-flex PCBs is viable.
• Cost Efficiency: The Small board size with fewer connector assemblies reduces the number of components and their associated assembly costs. Comparatively cheaper than flex PCBs, but offering the same flex circuit advantages.

Challenges of Rigid-flex: The challenges unique to Rigid-flex boards over conventional rigid PCBs deals chiefly with designing in 3-dimensions. Other challenges involve materials’ matching and the alignment between the flexible layers and the rigid structure; a considerable drawback for both assembly and lamination processes. However, you can rely on PCB Technologies’ vast experience in the field to overcome any obstacles.

The Way Forward: To enjoy all the advantages of Rigid-flex PCBs, you’ll need a highly experienced Rigid-flex PCB manufacturer. Much of PCB Technologies’ current capabilities are focused on complex board design and fabrication, which supports the hybrid construction of Rigid-flex boards. We combine RF with our specially developed low CTE organic substrate materials in the rigid construction segment; providing highly effective thermal management.

Rigid-flex Substrates for 3D IC packaging is made by PCB Technologies’ subsidiary company iNPACK. Our iNPACK Division offers complete package PCB assembly solutions for both low and high-volume requirements. This includes SiP design and manufacturing, surface mount tech, chip on board (COB), microfabrication, and substrate design and manufacturing capabilities.

Does your project design need an innovative, high-efficiency solution? Rigid-flex PCBs may provide the answer.  >> See our PCB solutions.