Primary Applications of Flex Board PCBs
Applications of Flex Board PCBs
The primary applications of flex board pcbs are in consumer electronics, automotive electronic components, industrial equipment and medical devices. This type of flexible circuitry is perfect for devices that need to be able to flex, like a mobile phone or tablet computer. The use of flex PCBs in these devices allows designers to maximize space and performance.
Flex PCBs are also used in aerospace applications because of their unique ability to handle extreme temperatures and vibrations. They are also used in military and police equipment for their flexibility and strength. The use of rigid flex circuits in these applications often requires the addition of stiffeners, which are rigid materials (can be FR4) added to specified areas of a flex PCB to increase its thickness and withstand the demands of the application.
Another major area where flex board pcb are used is in LED lighting. These PCBs help to make LED lights more efficient by allowing them to better disperse heat from the bulbs. This also reduces the amount of power needed to illuminate a space.
Rigid flex PCBs are also commonly used in consumer electronics because they allow manufacturers to design sleeker, more compact devices. These are also very durable, which is important when designing a device that will be used frequently or in harsh environments.
Primary Applications of Flex Board PCBs
When designing a flex PCB, it is important to consider the manufacturing processes involved. For example, a flex PCB requires a different type of surface finish than a traditional rigid PCB. This is because the copper can be damaged during the etching process if the surface is not properly treated. Therefore, a flex PCB needs to be finished using a thermally cured acrylic adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
A flex PCB should also be designed with a wide range of options. For instance, the designer can choose between panel plating and pad-only plating. Panel plating involves deposition of copper on the entire surface of the flex PCB, while pad-only plating uses a special process to deposit copper only on the pads/vias of the flex PCB. Pad-only plating is more expensive, but it can provide a more consistent copper thickness, width and spacing.
Other considerations include the selection of surface finishes and stiffeners for a flex PCB. These are used to prevent oxidation, improve solderability and add abrasion resistance. The designer should also ensure the drill-to-copper distance is not too close, as this can cause stress and cracks during assembly. Finally, the designer should determine if the flex PCB will need to be stiffened, and if so, what kind of stiffener is required.
Considering the many uses of flex circuit boards, it is no wonder they are becoming increasingly popular in the marketplace. The flex PCB manufacturing process is more complex than rigid PCB, but it can be highly effective in dynamic applications where space and weight are at a premium. In fact, a recent webinar from Epec Engineered Technologies has shown that a typical rigid PCB takes 8 steps to manufacture, while a flex PCB will take 17 steps.