Rigid-Flex PCB Manufacturer
A rigid-flex circuit board combines the benefits of both rigid and flexible printed circuit boards. This type of PCB is made by layering flexible circuit substrates inside rigid PCB materials and assembling them together. Rigid-flex circuits are ideal for applications that require a combination of mechanical and electrical features, such as sensors, motors, and actuators. In addition, they are also useful for high-density applications that require multiple connection points on a single board.
When selecting a flex rigid pcb manufacturer, it is important to choose one that has experience in the design and fabrication of these circuit boards. A reputable company will be able to provide accurate estimates for the cost of production and meet deadlines. They should also be able to provide references from previous customers. This is a good way to assess the quality of the company’s products and service.
A good flex rigid pcb manufacturer will be able to provide a rigid-flex PCB that is compliant with all applicable standards. They will also be able to meet the required design specifications and deliver high-quality products in committed lead times. The best rigid-flex manufacturers will be able to work with your engineering team to ensure that the final product meets all requirements and is ready for mass production.
Rigid-Flex PCB Manufacturer Comparison
Rigid-flex PCB manufacturing is a complex process and should be handled by an experienced supplier with a strong track record of producing high-quality boards. In addition, the supplier should have an efficient communication channel and be able to offer 24/7 customer support. This will allow them to quickly respond to any questions or concerns that you may have.
There are many benefits of using a rigid-flex PCB, including increased reliability and decreased assembly costs. A rigid-flex PCB will eliminate the need for multiple connectors and cables, which will reduce the number of opportunities for soldering errors that can cause failure. In addition, it will save time and money by reducing the amount of time needed for testing and assembly.
The first step in designing a rigid-flex PCB is to determine the size and shape of the circuit board. This will help you decide how many layers to include and what materials to use. Once the board is designed, you can begin to fabricate it. During the fabrication process, holes are made through the conductive copper vias and blind & buried vias. The buried vias are used to connect the flex and rigid sections of the circuit board.
Afterwards, the holes are filled with solder. During this stage, the solder is melted and deposited over the exposed copper. After the soldering process, the bare copper is plated with a layer of photosensitive etch resist. The etch resist is then used to expose and develop the desired mask pattern prior to chemically etching the copper.
The etching process will create the circuit pathways and holes on your rigid-flex PCB. It is important to make sure that the holes are plated with at least 1 mil of copper, which will add mechanical support to the pads and vias on your flex circuit. Afterwards, the etched copper is plated with an appropriate color of solder mask to indicate the corresponding component locations. The flex circuits are then covered with an additional coverlay layer, which is typically polyimide film with adhesive or photoimageable solder mask. Finally, the coverlay is cured by UV exposure.