Flexible circuits (also variously referred to around the globe as flex circuits, flexible printed circuit boards, flex print, flexi-circuits) are members of electronic and interconnection family. They consist of a thin insulating polymer film having conductive circuit patterns affixed thereto and typically supplied with a thin polymer coating to protect the conductor circuits. The technology has been used for interconnecting electronic devices since the 1950s in one form or another. It is now one of the most important interconnection technologies in use for the manufacture of many of today's most advanced electronic products.
In practice, there are many different kinds of flexible circuits, including one metal layer, double-sided, multilayer and rigid flex circuits. The circuits can be formed by etching metal foil cladding (normally of copper) from polymer bases, plating metal or printing of conductive inks among other processes. Flexible circuits may or may not have components attached. When components are attached, they are considered by some in the industry to be flexible electronic assemblies.
A Flex PCB or FPCB is a patterned arrangement of printed circuitry and components that utilize flexible based material with or without flexible overlay. These flexible electronic assemblies may be fabricated using the same components used for rigid printed circuit boards, but allowing the board to conform to the desired shape (flex) during its application.
Flexible PCB Advantages
There are many advantages that come with using flexible circuit technology beyond the initial flex capabilities. Performance advantages, such as, dynamic flexing and increased heat dissipation allow engineers to design these circuits into applications where extreme temperatures and vibrations are common. Other advantages with using flexible circuits include less weight, increased package density, and more integrated design. Flexible circuits can cost less than traditional assemblies because one flex assembly can replace several, single circuits.
Flex circuits also allow design engineers to utilize space three-dimensionally which cuts down on the overall footprint of the circuit and saves space.
The primary benefits of flexible circuits compared to traditional cabling and rigid boards include the following benefits listed below.
Flex boards benefit also include:
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Reduced wiring errors
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Elimination of mechanical connectors
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Unparalleled design flexibility
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Higher circuit density
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More robust operating temperature range
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Stronger signal quality
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Improved reliability and impedance control
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Size and weight reduction
Flexible PCB Applications
Applications of flexible circuits range in a variety of fields. Flexible circuits are used in cell phones, LCD televisions, antennas, and laptops. Flexible circuits have evolved and help provide durability and reliability. Flexible circuits are also used in the aviation field. Other applications of flexible circuits are in hearing aids, calculators, cameras, printers, and in satellites.
FPCBs are used widely in everyday technology and electronics in addition to high-end, complex completed components. A few of the most prominent examples of flexible circuits usage is in modern portable electronics, devices, hard disk drives.
Flexible circuits are also used extensively in other applications and industries including:
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Communications
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Consumer Electronics
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Automotive
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Medical
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Industrial
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Aerospace
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Military
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Transportation
In transportation, they are extensively used due to their improved resistance to vibrations and movement.
Our Capabilities
Learn more about JHY PCB by exploring the manufacturing capability of Flexible PCB below. We can do more than you can imagine.
Gold fingers Stiffene
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Items
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Manufacturing Capability
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PCB Layers
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1 - 8layers
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Laminate
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DuPont PI, Shengyi PI
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Maximum PCB Size(Length x Width)
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Single Sided PCB
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480*4000mm
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Double Sided PCB
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480*1800mm
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Multilayers
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236*600mm
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Minimum Board Thickness
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Single Sided PCB
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0.05mm+/-0.02mm
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Double Sided PCB
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0.08mm+/-0.02mm
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Multilayers
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As per Gerber
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Finished Board Thickness
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1-6L
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0.05mm-0.6mm
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8L
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1.6mm
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Min Tracing/Spacing
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Copper Thickness 1/3 oz:
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0.076mm/0.076mm (1-6L)
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0.05mm/0.05mm (8L)
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Copper Thickness 1/2 oz:
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0.076mm/0.076mm (1-6L)
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0.06mm/0.06mm (8L)
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Copper Thickness 1oz:
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0.1mm/0.1mm (1-6L)
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0.065mm/0.065mm (8L)
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Min. Annular Ring
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4mil
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Minimum Hole Size
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1-6L
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0.2mm(8mil) (CNC)
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8L
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0.15mm(CNC)
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Solder Mask Color
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Green, White, Blue, Black, Red, Yellow
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Solder-stop coating---Coverlay
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PI and PET film
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Silkscreen Color
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White, Black, Yellow
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Surface Finish
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OSP
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e HASL
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ENIG(Electroless NickLead-Freeion Gold)
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Ni thickness:2-6um
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Au thickness:0.025-0.05um
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Flash Gold
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Ni thickness:2-8um
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Au thickness:0.025-0.15um
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Immersion Tin
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Tin thickness:0.5-1um
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PlatingTin
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Tin thickness:1-10um
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Laser cuPunching
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Special technologies
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Peelable solder mask
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r (only for The stiffenerbstrate)
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Impedance Control+/-10%
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Rigid Flex PCB
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We can turn your flexible PCB manufacturing order in as quick as you wish.
