Flexible PCB

Layer: 1, 2 & mulit-layer
Shipping Way
Economy Express, Standard Express, Priority Express
Cost: Factory price
Leading Time：5-21 days
Production requirements: According to documents
Standard: International standards

Introduction

Flexible Printed Circuit Board is referred to as “soft board”. It’s commonly known as FPC in the industry. And it is made of flexible insulating substrates (mainly polyimide or polyester film).

Species

- Single Side Board
  The single-sided PI copper-clad material is used after the circuit is completed. And then covered with a protective film to form a flexible circuit board with only a single-layer conductor.
- Double Side Board
  After the double-sided circuit is completed with double-sided PI board copper-clad material, a protective film is added on both sides. Then it become a circuit board with double-layer conductors.
- Substrate to Generate Single Board
  In the circuit manufacturing process using pure copper foil material, a protective film is added on each side of the board. Then it becomes a circuit board with only a single layer of conductors but exposed conductors on both sides of the circuit board.
- The Substrate Generates Double Side Board
  Use two layers of single-sided PI copper-clad material in the middle, supplemented by adhesive glue that opens at a specific position. It becomes pressed in a local area. Then it achieves a circuit board with high flexibility in the layered area.

Advantages

FPC can be bent, wound and folded freely. It can be arranged according to the space layout requirements, moved and expanded in three-dimensional space. Then achieve the integration of component assembly and wire connection;
The use of FPC can greatly reduce the volume and weight of electronic products;
FPC also has the advantages of good heat dissipation and solder-ability. It’s easy assembly and connection.

Disadvantages

High One-time Initial Cost
Since flexible PCBs are designed and manufactured for special applications, the cost of initial circuit design, wiring and photographic masters is high. Unless there is a special need to apply a flexible PCB, it is usually best not to use it for a small number of applications.
It is Difficult to Modify and Repair Flexible PCBs
Once the flexible PCB is made, it must be changed from the base map or the programmed light drawing program, so it is not easy to change. The surface is covered with a protective film, which must be removed before repair and restored after repair. This is a relatively difficult task.
Size is Restricted
When flexible PCBs are not yet popular, they are usually manufactured by batch process. They cannot be made very long and wide due to the limitation of the size of the production equipment.
Improper Operation is Easy to Damage
Improper operation of the assembly and connection personnel can easily cause damage to the flexible circuit. Its soldering and rework require trained personnel to operate.