Contents
Flexibility
Unlike rigid printed circuit boards, flexible PCB remains a popular choice because they bend easily, fold, or even crease to fit or match the end application. The ability to effortlessly turn is an aspect that allows the designer to have circuitry that provides the device instead of having the end device built around electronics and the circuit board. Unlike rigid printed circuit boards that may not be suitable for wearable electronics, flexible printed circuit boards are ideal for wearable electronics and medical devices, foldable phones, sensors, and implants, among others.
Connectivity
Unlike rigid printed circuit boards, flexible printed circuit boards provide excellent connectivity between other circuit boards, the user interfaces in electronic packaging, and electronic components. These are some of the reasons why a lot of designers prefer them to rigid printed circuit boards. Additionally, flexible printed circuit boards provide excellent connectivity in applications where the circuit needs to flex over a device’s working life constantly. Thus, flexible printed circuit boards find substantial use in foldable electronics, laptop computers, and display connectivity.
A mobile phone from China’s Huawei has a folding screen. The flexible circuit’s excellent connectivity is adopted to make the entire mobile phone screen operation more flexible and the performance more comprehensive.
Weight
When it comes to matters to do with weight, rigid printed circuit boards are slightly heavier than flexible printed circuit boards. A circuit board with a lower pressure brings about a lighter end product, which is essential in the current electronic market, where electronic device designers and consumers prefer miniature/small, lightweight devices. Rigid printed circuit boards aren’t ideal for many applications based on the fact that they are a little bit heavy compared to flexible printed circuit boards. Flexible circuits are suitable for drones, several medical devices, and uncrewed vehicles based on the fact that they are light in weight.
Durability
Even though rigid printed circuit boards are generally thicker and somewhat sturdy compared to flexible printed circuit boards, flexible PCBs can withstand shocks and vibrations more effectively. In other words, when it comes to matters to do with durability, flex PCB is somewhat durable compared to rigid PCB. Flex PCB contributes to long-term reliability, functionality, and product life. Flexible PCB finds much use in weapons, missile guidance systems, medical electronics, satellites, and applications that demand superb environmental survivability.
Environmental conditions resistant
Another reason why designers prefer using flexible printed circuit boards compared to rigid PCBs is based on the fact that flex PCBs are highly resistant. Rigid printed circuit boards are highly at risk of warping or damage from chemicals, heat, and radiation, unlike flex PCBs. Flexible printed circuit boards are highly resistant to harmful environmental conditions such as extreme weather. The ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, radiation, or chemicals explains the heavy application or use of flexible printed circuit boards in many applications, such as automotive electronics.
Miniaturized Versions of Existing Technologies
In recent years, there’s been a proliferation of electronic applications that require small packages, lower power consumption, and increased functionality. Miniaturization, low volume, and low weight are also evident when it comes to printed circuit boards. By using flexible printed circuit board technology, engineers can create printed circuit boards with strict size constraints. With flexible printed circuit boards, it is now possible for manufacturers to create even smaller electronic and optical products and devices. Apt examples of such products and accessories include computers, mobile phones, and most medical devices. Unlike rigid printed circuit boards, flexible printed circuit boards meet the requirements of miniaturization.
Shock and Vibration Resistant
Compared to rigid printed circuit boards, flexible printed circuit boards can withstand vigorous shocks and vibrations. Flexible printed circuit boards are ideal in high-vibration and high-shock environments. Flexible printed circuit boards can easily survive across high-stress environments than rigid PCBs but may fail to function as desired and bring about equipment failure, especially when they get exposed to conditions where vibrations are vigorous and fast.
Those who work in industries that use high-vibration instruments will find flexible printed circuit boards ideal as they help offset any wear and tear that comes from constant high shocks and vibrations. If you are in search of a circuit board with the ability to offer some of the best capabilities in addition to being able to withstand vigorous vibrations, then you better go for flexible printed circuit boards.
High Temperature and High-Density
Apart from their ability to withstand shocks and vibrations, flexible printed circuit boards find substantial use in high-temperature and high-density applications. In many cases, a polyimide or similar polymer material is used for producing a flexible printed circuit board. Polyimide is one of those materials that dissipate heat way much better compared to rigid PCB board materials.
Flexible printed circuit boards can withstand extreme temperature conditions, a reason why they find a lot of use, especially in borehole measurements in the oil and gas industry. With the ability to withstand high-temperature conditions, flexible printed circuit boards offer plenty of benefits to manufacturers. Flexible printed circuit boards are the first choice for most engineers dealing with applications that require PCB.
Applications
Without a doubt, flexible printed circuit boards are handy. However, they will not wholly replace rigid printed circuit boards for every other application. Cost efficiency is a significant obstacle to implementing exclusive flexible circuit board designs in consumer products. Rigid printed circuit boards aren’t expensive to manufacture and install. Ideally, though, an innovative product is one that incorporates flexible circuitry where necessary while employing stable and reliable rigid circuit boards to keep assembly and manufacturing costs down.
Some manufacturers use hybrid rigid-flex PCBs to keep costs down. The use of rigid-flex PCB is widespread in medical devices and laptop computers, where rigid boards get connected by using ribbon-like flexible circuits. WellPCB creates both rigid and flexible printed circuit boards at very competitive rates.
Cost
When it comes to costs, flexible printed circuit boards are slightly more expensive to manufacture and install than rigid printed circuit boards. Unlike rigid printed circuit boards, flexible printed circuit boards require the creation of some additional engineering files. Some flexible PCB designs have Coverplays, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and stiffeners, among others. Such may require an engineer to manually review the flex design and create custom programs, which is why flexible printed circuit boards are expensive compared to rigid PCBs.
Even though rigid printed circuit boards are somewhat less costly to manufacture and install, it is hard to overlook the advantages of flexible printed circuit boards. Even though a flexible printed circuit board is expensive, plenty of engineers go for them since they are durable and bring about product functionality as desired. Of importance to note, though, is that the costs generally increase with the layer count. Many other factors will affect the value of the PCB. If you are interested, you can read more of our articles to understand.
Summary
The applications of flexible printed circuit boards are pervasive, with their implementation growing across several industries ranging from medical, military, automotive, and many more. You’ll notice that flex PCB comes with plenty of benefits. Are you in the market for either rigid or flexible printed circuit boards?
WELLPCB With more than a decade of manufacturing experience when it comes to advanced circuitry, we pride ourselves on the precision and quality of both our rigid and flexible printed circuit boards. Contact us for more information about rigid and flexible printed circuit boards. Regardless of whether you need industrial or commercial rigid or flex PCB, our team of experts is ready to assist you. We strongly advise you to first consult with your PCB and PCBA service provider to ensure that you get a product that functions as desired.
