China Rigid Flex Printed Circuit Boards: Top Suppliers & Factory Solutions for Versatile Applications
Product Application
Common applications of rigid flexible combination PCB and semi flexible PCB design
Medical imaging instruments
Medical applications require a large number of semi flexible PCBs. Semi flexible PCBs are used in medical devices such as endoscopes and other imaging instruments. An endoscope is a hose with a lamp at one end and a lens at the other end. Insert it into the body to view the internal structure or perform procedures such as tissue biopsy, drainage of fluid accumulation, removal of foreign objects, and dilation of narrow channels (such as the esophagus). Semi flexible PCBs have the advantages of good electrical performance and low cost. A semi flexible PCB can be bent to the desired shape, making it suitable for this application.
Other medical applications:
Other medical applications:
- Injection needle tip protection circuit board (ETC)
- Medical device temperature control circuit board
- Portable blood pressure monitor display circuit board
Automotive Applications
Semi flexible printed circuit boards (SFPBs) are used in automotive applications with high temperatures and vibrations. Flexible circuits provide excellent performance under high temperature conditions and ensure that circuit boards do not break due to mechanical shock or vibration. They are made of rigid FR-4 glass epoxy resin material and laminated with additional copper foil layers on both sides of the substrate to meet the requirements of most applications.
The main characteristic of semi flexible printed circuit boards is their flexibility, which makes them very suitable for automotive applications involving high temperatures, such as digital control units (DCUs), electronic control modules (ECM), etc. These boards can withstand temperatures up to 150 °C without damage or deformation.
The main characteristic of semi flexible printed circuit boards is their flexibility, which makes them very suitable for automotive applications involving high temperatures, such as digital control units (DCUs), electronic control modules (ECM), etc. These boards can withstand temperatures up to 150 °C without damage or deformation.
Aviation
With the increasing demand for miniaturization and weight reduction, the use of rigid flexible combination PCBs for aerospace applications has increased. The combination of rigid and flexible PCBs as interconnecting devices is an effective solution that can reduce weight, size, and power consumption while improving reliability.
Rigid flexible PCB has been used in various aerospace applications, such as avionics, telecommunications, and military systems. In avionics applications, rigid flexible combination PCBs are used as connector devices between printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other components such as cables, switches, or displays. They help reduce the number of connectors required on PCBs, thereby helping to reduce the weight of the system. They also improve reliability by reducing the number of connected components.
Rigid flexible PCB has been used in various aerospace applications, such as avionics, telecommunications, and military systems. In avionics applications, rigid flexible combination PCBs are used as connector devices between printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other components such as cables, switches, or displays. They help reduce the number of connectors required on PCBs, thereby helping to reduce the weight of the system. They also improve reliability by reducing the number of connected components.
Wearable devices
Wearable devices are becoming increasingly popular, with smartwatches and fitness trackers being the most popular examples. Wearable devices are usually small battery powered devices worn on the body. The combination of rigid and flexible PCBs and semi flexible PCBs is used for wearable devices. Rigid and flexible PCBs are more common in smartwatches, while semi flexible PCBs are more common in fitness trackers. This is because rigid and flexible can withstand bending forces, which is important for smartwatches that need to be able to withstand impact when colliding with objects, while semi flexible is more suitable for wearable devices that need to be able to bend with the body.
Smartphones and laptops
Semi flexible PCBs are typically used for applications where PCBs need to be bent but not bent. For example, semi flexible circuit boards are typically used to display flexible high-end smartphone and tablet systems. In these devices, a thin layer of semi flexible board is directly laminated onto the back of the monitor. This allows the display to bend but not break when folded or bent. Semi flexible plates can also be used in situations where extreme flexibility is not required. For example, they can be used on the back of devices with rigid front panels - such as many laptops and monitors.
Sporting facilities
The main advantage of using rigid and flexible PCBs in gaming devices is that they can better prevent mechanical impact damage. This is because they have fewer layers than standard rigid circuit boards, making them more susceptible to strong external forces such as impacts or drops. The layers on the rigid and flexible PCB are also more resistant to bending, which means that if you drop the device, it will withstand greater pressure than traditional rigid PCBs. For example, game consoles require frequent bending, and the combination of rigid and flexible PCBs can easily bend or fold without breaking or cracking during use.
Bottom line
Due to their certain characteristics and characteristics, rigid and semi flexible PCBs may score higher than their counterparts in multiple fields. Due to their similar functions, they compete fiercely with other available PCBs, providing end users with more economical choices. These applications are sometimes related, and some do not belong to any specific category. You can design which one according to your specific requirements and needs. If you would like to learn more about rigid flex combined PCBs, Borui Circuit recommends that you refer to our complete guide on this topic.
Product Parameters
| Feature | AREX´s technical specification |
|---|---|
| Number of layers | 1 – 12 layers, with 1 – 2 conductive layers in bending area. |
| Technology highlights | The process uses controlled depth routing of the FR-4 to achieve a flexible / bending section within a traditionally rigid FR-4. Only suitable for static operations – bends typically just for installation. A lower cost solution for some very specific “flex-to-fit”applications. |
| Bending performance | 50 x bend cycles of 0° – 90° – 0° |
| Bend features | 5mm radius / max bending angle 90° |
| Materials | Specialized FR-4 for static flex applications |
| Copper weights (finished) | 35μm |
| Minimum track and gap | 0.075mm / 0.075mm |
| PCB thickness | 1.00mm – 2.00mm |
| PCB thickness in flex section | 0.25mm ± 0.05mm |
| Maximum dimensions | 538mm x 610mm |
| Surface finishes available | HASL (SnPb), LF HASL (SnNiCu), OSP, ENIG, Immersion tin, Immersion silver, Electrolytic gold, Gold fingers |
| Minimum mechanical drill | 0.20mm |
| Minimum laser drill | 0.10mm standard, 0.075mm advanced |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the main benefits of using semi-flexible PCBs in medical imaging instruments?
A1: Semi-flexible PCBs are ideal for medical devices like endoscopes because they can be bent to fit the device's specific shape. They offer excellent electrical performance and are highly cost-effective compared to standard flex options.
Q2: Can semi-flexible PCBs withstand harsh automotive environments?
A2: Yes, semi-flexible printed circuit boards are designed to withstand high temperatures (up to 150°C) and heavy mechanical vibrations, making them perfect for digital control units (DCUs) and electronic control modules (ECMs).
Q3: How do rigid-flex combination PCBs improve aerospace and aviation systems?
A3: By serving as interconnecting devices, rigid-flex PCBs reduce the overall size, weight, and power consumption of aerospace systems. They minimize the need for external connectors and cables, significantly increasing overall system reliability.
Q4: What is the difference between rigid-flex and semi-flexible PCBs in wearable devices?
A4: Rigid-flex PCBs are typically preferred in smartwatches because they withstand impact and multi-directional bending forces. Semi-flexible PCBs are more common in fitness trackers, where simple bending that aligns with the body is required.
Q5: Are semi-flexible PCBs suitable for dynamic, continuous bending applications?
A5: No, semi-flexible PCBs are primarily designed for static "flex-to-fit" operations (with a bending performance of 50 cycles of 0°–90°–0°). They are meant to be bent during installation rather than continuously during daily usage.
Q6: What surface finishes are available for AREX's semi-flexible PCBs?
A6: A wide variety of surface finishes are available, including HASL (SnPb), LF HASL (SnNiCu), OSP, ENIG, Immersion Tin, Immersion Silver, Electrolytic Gold, and Gold fingers.