Flexible printed circuits (FPC) are circuits created on flexible substrates such as plastic or polyimide films. They are used in a wide range of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and medical devices. FPCs are becoming more popular in modern electronic devices due to their flexibility and ability to be molded into any shape.
Types of FPCs:
1. Single sided flexible circuits: This type of FPC has conductive material on one side of the substrate and is the most basic type.
2. Double sided flexible circuits: This type of FPC has conductive material on both sides of the substrate and allows for more complex circuit designs.
3. Multi layer flexible circuits: This type of FPC consists of several layers of conductive material and substrate, allowing for highly complex designs.
Finish: The purpose of the finish is to protect the metal surface from oxidation. The final completion depends on the application of the circuit. Some common surface treatments include welding, tin, nickel immersion, or gold, silver, carbon, etc.
Advantages of flexible circuits：
Flexible circuits have many advantages that make them more useful than traditional cables and rigid boards.
Due to the accurate design and complete automation of production, assembly errors are greatly reduced.
They require less labor and reduce production errors. Assembly time and cost have also been reduced.
Flexible circuits can be freely designed to meet all complex configurations. This is because it is flexible. The elastic properties also allow placement at the edges and folds.
They reduce weight and take up less space. Flexible circuit boards contain the thinnest substrate material. They can be as thin as 0.004 inches. This also reduces the package size.
The flexible nature also helps to reduce and absorb the effects of any vibration.
They are suitable for use in harsh environments. Thinner flexible circuits can also increase heat dissipation. Similarly, streamlined flow allows cooling air to flow, thereby improving airflow.
The use of mechanical connectors is minimal. Interconnection points are also used less, so the system has proven to be more reliable.
Rigid circuit boards require fewer parts and interconnects. Rigid circuits can also be built on complex configurations and reduce interconnection.
It turns out that rigid-flexible circuits have higher density and lighter components, leaving extra space for more functions.
Application of flexible circuits：
There are two basic types of flexible circuit applications：
Static application: Install flexible circuits to adapt to the application of specific applications. It can be understood as a one-time bending. (Also known as flexible bonding)
Dynamic bending application: As part of the final product application, the flexible circuit is bent multiple times.
Bottom line, if you have flex circuit design or flex printed circuit board needs, we can help. contact us.