Premier Rigid-Flex PCB Manufacturer Apart
Rigid-flex circuit boards combine rigid PCB fabrication with flexible PCB technology. The resulting boards can flex into tight spaces where rigid circuits would need connector cables to connect them. This flexibility also excises the need for solder joints, resulting in lighter and space-saving boards. During the design process, engineers can use a variety of flex materials with varying thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. They can also utilize different types of surface finishes, including halogen-free.
Rigid flex PCBs can be assembled using either through-hole or surface mount technologies. Through-hole assembly is used on components that have wire leads for mounting through holes. It is suitable for smaller devices, and it works best with integrated circuits. Surface mount technology, on the other hand, is ideal for small components with wires or leads that can be inserted into surface-mounted pads on the board. The advantage of this method is that it is easier and faster to assemble.
A premier rigid flex pcb manufacturer will have the right tools and expertise to support your design process. They will be able to help you build a prototype that will allow you to test the functionality of your circuit before manufacturing. They will also be able to provide you with a BOM that includes all of the components for your project. The BOM will have a comment section that provides information about each part. For example, a CAP capacitor may have a CAD footprint named “C27”. This description will help to distinguish it from other parts on the flex circuit.
What Sets a Premier Rigid-Flex PCB Manufacturer Apart?
It is crucial to have a good understanding of the physical limitations of rigid-flex circuits. To avoid problems during manufacturing, you should be aware of the following limitations and design guidelines.
Ensure that the rigid sections are not too close to each other. This will prevent the flex layers from shifting due to a misalignment in the rigid sections. It is also important to ensure that the rigid sections have enough clearance to accommodate the flex layer. This will also minimize stress on the copper and prevent traces from breaking. The flex material should also be routed with large bend radii to reduce stress. Staggering the traces will reduce I-beaming, which can cause breakage.
Choose a high-quality rigid-flex PCB manufacturer with a proven track record. Look for a CM that offers rigid-flex PCB manufacturing, PCB assembly, component sourcing, and value-added services such as box-built. They should also have an extensive list of materials and a wide range of finishing options. The best manufacturers will have a comprehensive quality assurance system and a short turnaround time.
Rigid-flex PCBs can be found in a variety of electronic products, including smart devices, laptops, and digital cameras. They can also be found in medical and military equipment such as pacemakers, as they have excellent shock and vibration resistance. Rigid-flex PCBs also have better heat dissipation, which can help to protect the electronics against overheating and damage. They are also lightweight and can be shaped into 3D shapes. This makes them perfect for bending areas in mobile phones and notebooks, screen signal connections, and any flex area.