Gallery View: Density, reliability key to rigid-flex PCBs future

Suppliers of rigid-flex PCBs are aiming for broader reach in the industrial and medical fields, in addition to existing hot markets such as wearables, robotics, drones and displays.

Manufacturers of rigid-flex PCBs in China continue to capitalize on the circuit board type's advantages of flexibility, space-saving, long life span and reliability – and its wide range of applications. That includes smartphones, wearables, robotics, drones, displays, and industrial, space and aviation products.

To keep pace with electronics upgrades and boost market penetration, especially in the industrial and medical spheres, companies strive for ever-greater density and reliability. Current high-density types have 100µm minimum line spacing, 25µm and thinner FCCL, less than 100µm laser-drilled holes, and copper 18µm or thinner.

Mainstream double-sided rigid-flex PCBs, and those with three to eight layers, have 4mil minimum line width and spacing, an immersion gold or ENIG surface finish and a yellow or green solder mask. Widely available, they have holes as small as 0.23mm, 1 to 3oz finished copper and 1.6mm board thickness.

Most suppliers trade heavily on their capability for customization, which accounts for the bulk of shipments, and ensure products meet UL and RoHS requirements.

Key materials such as polyimide, copper, FR-4 and adhesives come from domestic sources. Input costs and product prices remained stable in the past year. This is expected to continue throughout 2021, although some companies may lower their quotes due to intense competition.

Electrodeposited or rolled-annealed copper

Model Rigid-flex FPC20201014ARF-0920 from Flex Plus (Xiamen) Co. Ltd uses 1/2 or 1mil copper-clad polyimide, 1/3, 1/2 or 1oz electrodeposited or rolled-annealed copper, 1/2 or 1mil polyimide coverlay and 25, 30 or 35µm adhesive. It has an electrolytic gold-plated surface finish.

The 100-unit minimum order has a three-day lead time.

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Electrolytic gold-plated surface finish

Flex Plus (Xiamen) Co. Ltd's Rigid-flex FPC2020008F-0855 model has 1/2 or 1mil copper-clad polyimide and 1/3, 1/2 or 1oz electrodeposited or rolled-annealed copper, with an electrolytic gold-plated surface finish. It has a 1/2 or 1mil polyimide coverlay and uses 25, 30 or 35µm adhesive.

An order of at least 100 units is delivered within three days.

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IPC-600G Class 2, IPC-6012B Class 2

Poe Precision Electronics Co. Ltd offers this rigid-flex PCB, the POE-171019-5942, which meets IPC-600G Class 2 and IPC-6012B Class 2 standards and RoHS requirements. The UL94V-0 unit undergoes flying probe, electrical and function tests, AOI and ICT.

The negotiable minimum order quantity has a delivery lead time of five days.

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UL94V-0 rating

From Poe Precision Electronics Co. Ltd, the POE-171019-5232 rigid-flex PCB undergoes flying probe, electrical and function tests, in addition to AOI and ICT. It complies with IPC-600G Class 2, IPC-6012B Class 2 and RoHS standards. The board is UL94V-0-rated.

Order quantity is negotiable. Delivery is within five days.

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0.2 to 6mm board thickness

The PCB-TOP-816 model from Top Electronic (SZ) Co. Ltd is a rigid-flex PCB with HASL, immersion gold, tin or silver, OSP or ENIG surface finish. It is available with 0.5 to 60oz copper and 0.2 to 6mm board thicknesses.

The minimum order quantity is negotiable. Delivery takes two days.

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0.5 to 60oz copper

This rigid-flex PCB from Top Electronic (SZ) Co. Ltd, the PCB-TOP-92, has 0.2 to 6mm board and 0.5 to 60oz copper thicknesses. Surface finish options are HASL, immersion gold, tin and silver, OSP and ENIG.

The negotiable order quantity has a two-day delivery lead time.

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