Can rigid flex boards be used
Whether your project demands high-density component mounting or is confined to limited space, rigid flex boards can help. These PCBs are a combination of flexible and rigid layers permanently attached to each other, resulting in stability, connection reliability, and reduced connector components.
Rigid-flex PCBs are a popular choice for a wide range of industries. They provide better performance in harsh environments, offer design flexibility, and enable miniaturization of electronic products. They are used in medical equipment, industrial automation systems, aerospace and avionics devices, and telecommunications electronics.
A rigid flex board is composed of a single or double-sided conductive flex layer and one or more rigid layers. The flex layer is made from a material such as polyimide or polyester, and it is laminated to the rigid layers with adhesives. Then, copper is deposited and chemically etched in much the same way that rigid PCB cores are plated. This provides the foundation for the rest of the PCB fabrication process, which includes drilling and etching holes through both the flex layer and rigid layers.
Can rigid flex boards be used in aerospace applications?
The rigid layer(s) of a rigid-flex board can be either standard FR-4 or another rigid material, depending on the specific product application. In addition, the flex layer may contain a dielectric substrate to protect it from external agents and EMI interference. Finally, the entire PCB is covered in a protective coverlay to prevent moisture and debris from damaging the underlying layers.
The benefits of a rigid-flex board include better performance in harsh conditions, design flexibility, and the ability to eliminate components such as connectors and wires. These advantages can significantly reduce assembly time, improve reliability, and increase the functionality of a final product.
However, it is important to understand the limitations of this type of board before using it in your project. For example, it is essential to route the traces perpendicular to the bend line to avoid stress points that could break the copper. This is especially true when bending the board repeatedly.
To minimize these stresses, it is also important to use rounded bends and not abrupt angles when designing your flex-rigid board. It is also important to ensure that the traces are thick enough to withstand the mechanical stresses of the bending and folding processes.
Rigid flex circuits are a good choice for high-reliability applications such as aircraft and military devices. They are often used in situations where downtime cannot be tolerated and the equipment must continue to function on demand, such as life support items or flight control systems. This type of printed board is required to meet the highest inspection, testing, and performance standards.
Although rigid flex circuits have many advantages, they are not appropriate for all projects. If your design does not require the added stability of a rigid-flex circuit or if you are concerned about manufacturing costs, then a traditional rigid or fully flexible PCB will suffice. However, it is crucial to involve an experienced rigid-flex fabricator such as Rush PCB early in the design process to ensure that the flex and rigid portions of the board are coordinating well together.