Each part of rigid and flexible PCBs has its own limitations. The rigid materials used in PCB flexibility, rigid flexible printed circuit boards, impose different restrictions on them. For example, rigid circuit boards lack universality because they can only occupy limited space. Designers typically need to adjust the housing space to accommodate rigid circuit boards. For flexible circuits, they lack mechanical strength and stability.

Reducing weight: The flexible part of the printed circuit board combined with rigid flex helps to reduce the weight of the entire PCB. Compared to other types of PCBs, rigid flex PCBs are lighter in weight, making them ideal for portable devices that require insertion, carrying, holding, or wearing.

Better flexibility: Due to the combination of flexible and rigid circuit elements, rigid flex printed circuit boards can adapt well to complex and irregular geometric shapes. Rigid flex PCBs can fit into small spaces and follow contours or surfaces, allowing for different shapes and arrangements. The flexibility performance is usually measured by the radius at which the material can bend. Flexibility is also measured by the number of times a circuit board can be bent or rolled up, depending on the circuit design, number of layers, and overall structure.

Smaller devices: PCB designers do not need to use bulky connectors, cables, and wires, only need to use a single package with higher performance and reliability. The combination of rigid flex and PCB can fit into narrow spaces, thereby achieving smaller device geometries.

High reliability: The rigid flex combination printed circuit board combines the mechanical stability of a rigid board with the stress absorption ability of a flexible circuit, thereby improving interconnect reliability. They are durable and can withstand vibrations, mechanical and thermal stresses.

Medical products: pacemakers and medical implants are the main technologies that utilize rigid flex PCBs. This is because the rigid flex PCB occupies less space and has a smaller volume, making it the most suitable for implants.

Military application: Another important application of rigid flex joint plates is in the military field. The weapon system utilizes lightweight rigid flex plates to reduce fuel consumption.

Industrial sector: Rigid flex PCBs are widely used in industrial applications, such as CNC machines, stepper motors, and other equipment required for industry. This type of PCB is extremely useful for rotation and mechanical movement due to its flexibility.

Consumer electronics products: Rigid flex printed circuit boards are easy to integrate with consumer electronics products, especially wearable devices. Due to the fact that comfort, practicality, and portability are key attributes of everyday wearable devices, rigid flex combined with printed circuit boards is a very good choice for this technology. Examples of wearable devices include smartwatches, glasses, headphones, and sets. Smartphones, media players, game consoles, and other well-known devices also use rigid flex circuit boards.

After generating the design schematic and layout, send the Gerber file containing layer stacking information and other manufacturing instructions to the rigid flexible PCB manufacturer for rigid flexible PCB manufacturing. The following is an overview of different rigid flexible PCB manufacturing processes.

Layering: The flexible layer is laminated together with the rigid part through adhesive bonding, heating, and pressure. The flexible circuit is composed of polyimide core, adhesive, and copper film, while the rigid part is composed of FR4 substrate, copper, and solder mask layer. PCB flexible and rigid materials must be strictly bonded according to specifications.

Drilling: The drilling process can be completed by mechanical or laser drill bits. The received Gerber file is used as a reference for hole positions. Drilling is usually the slowest process in the entire rigid flexible PCB production line. It is very important to minimize drilling burrs during the drilling process. Clean burrs and debris using standard methods.

Copper plating: Drills (also known as "vias") are plated with copper to provide electrical connections across layers.

Etching: During the etching process, copper traces that do not belong to the circuit layout will be removed from the substrate. The etching process is completed through photolithography technology, in which a mask pattern is used to expose and develop photosensitive materials and etch away unwanted copper surfaces.

Solder mask: The green coating you typically see on a PCB is a product of the solder mask process. The solder mask layer on the PCB serves not only as a protective layer, but also as an isolation layer and insulation layer. It isolates conductive pads to avoid short circuits between adjacent pads.

Surface treatment: Apply a protective layer on the copper pad to provide a solderable contact pad and protect the copper from oxidation. The most common surface treatment techniques include electroless nickel immersion (ENIG), organic surface protection (OSP), and hot air solder leveling (HASL).

Screen printing: A layer of screen printing that displays reference marks, manufacturing and assembly instructions, traceability, and other information is printed on a rigid flexible printed circuit board. This can be achieved through photolithography, where photosensitive materials are used to create patterns, or through direct laser printing.

Electrical testing: Electrical testing is conducted in the later stages of the rigid flexible PCB manufacturing process to ensure that only defect free products can be delivered to customers. The latest testing technology makes it possible to automatically test the continuity of circuits using Pogo needle fixtures.

If pursuing cost-effective FPC manufacturing services, choosing a Chinese manufacturer is the best choice. As a manufacturing powerhouse, China has abundant resources, cheap labor, and a large number of technical personnel. We recommend Haibo, a Chinese FPC assembly service provider with over 10 years of experience, who has performed outstandingly in various aspects

Efficient and reasonable quotation:There is an efficient quotation process to assist you in making decisions, providing reasonable prices and highly competitive quotes in China.
High quality and reliable products:Produce high standard printed circuit boards, manufacture and test according to specifications, international standards, and internal controls, and conduct pre production inspections to ensure robust processes.
Quick and on-time delivery:The assembly equipment is in good condition, with high productivity, minimal downtime, short delivery time, and also provides urgent services.
Timely and effective response:Always respond to customer needs, provide accurate information, answer questions through multiple channels, and offer one-stop services.
Strong technical strength:China's FPC manufacturing technology is leading, and Haibo has a complete SMT solution that covers assembly, inspection, and other capabilities. It also provides prototype production and customization services.