manufacturing rigid flex boards
Rigid flex is a combination of rigid and flexible PCB that provides a new way to connect electronic devices and parts. It can reduce the number of connectors in a circuit board, which can save space and lower overall production costs. These benefits make rigid flex boards an increasingly popular option for electronics manufacturers, especially in the mobile phone industry.
Rigid-flex circuit boards are a great choice for applications that require the best possible electrical performance and high-speed data transmission. They are also ideal for use in situations where space is limited or the product must withstand rough environments. However, it is important to note that these types of boards are more complex to design and produce than traditional rigid circuit boards.
When designing a rigid flex board, there are several factors that need to be considered, including the thickness of the materials and the amount of copper used. In addition, the board should be designed with stiffeners to help support the components and protect the connections from damage. Stiffeners can be made of polyimide, FR4, or stainless steel and come in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of each application.
What are the typical lead times for manufacturing rigid flex boards?
The first step in fabricating a rigid-flex circuit board is to clean the laminate. This is a critical step and can take 2-3 days to complete. Once the cleaning is completed, the etching process can begin. This is a chemical process that removes the copper layers from the laminate. Once the etching is finished, the pads on the bottom side of the board can be plated with solder.
It is important to understand that a rigid-flex board has different CTE values than a traditional rigid board. The difference in CTEs can lead to problems with the solder joints, which may cause the circuit board to flex and deform over time. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a no-flow prepreg during the fabrication process.
During the manufacturing process, the flexible material is laminated with the rigid materials. The surface of the rigid materials will then be eliminated through a special process to make room for the flex board. The flex board will then be exposed to surface finish and milled to create the final rigid-flex PCB.
Rigid-flex boards are becoming more common in today’s electronics due to the demands for greater individualized products and reduced size and weight. Despite the fact that these circuit boards are more expensive to produce than rigid-rigid PCBs, they offer a wide range of advantages and can save companies money in the long run.
Rigid-flex boards are also more difficult to manufacture than rigid-rigid boards because they contain both rigid and flex components. The process for making these boards requires a lot more steps than standard rigid-rigid PCBs and can take up to three weeks to manufacture. This is because of the different material choices, drilling process and chemistry required for flex circuits. If you are looking for a quick turnaround for your rigid-flex boards, it is essential to choose a fabricator that specializes in these types of projects.
