Contents
Flexibility
Unlike rigid printed circuit boards, flexible PCB remains a popular choice because it can easily bend, fold, or even crease to match the requirements of the end application. This flexibility allows designers to integrate the circuitry into the device itself, rather than designing the device around the circuit board.
The ability to turn and adapt effortlessly makes flexible PCBs particularly suited for applications where traditional rigid boards fall short. For example, unlike rigid PCBs that may not work well in wearable electronics, flexible printed circuit boards are ideal for wearable devices, medical implants, foldable phones, sensors, and more.
With flexible PCB technology, designers can create innovative, compact, and adaptable products across various industries.
Connectivity
Unlike rigid printed circuit boards, flexible PCBs offer superior connectivity between other circuit boards, user interfaces, and electronic components within devices. This advantage makes them a popular choice among designers over rigid boards.
Flexible PCBs are particularly valuable in applications where the circuit must flex throughout a device’s lifespan, such as foldable electronics, laptops, and display connections. For example, the folding screen in Huawei’s mobile phone utilizes flexible circuitry to enable smooth screen operation and enhanced performance.
Weight
When it comes to weight, flexible PCBs are lighter than their rigid counterparts. This weight reduction results in lighter end products, meeting the demand for compact, lightweight devices in today’s electronics market. Unlike rigid boards, which are heavier and less suited for compact designs, flexible circuits are ideal for applications like drones, medical devices, and uncrewed vehicles, where lightweight construction is critical.
Durability
While rigid printed circuit boards are generally thicker and sturdier, flexible PCBs have a distinct advantage in their ability to withstand shocks and vibrations. This resilience makes flex PCBs notably more durable in many applications, contributing to long-term reliability, functionality, and extended product life.
Because of these qualities, flexible PCBs are widely used in applications requiring high environmental survivability, including weapons systems, missile guidance, medical electronics, satellites, and other demanding environments.
Environmental conditions resistant
Another reason designers often prefer flexible printed circuit boards over rigid PCBs is their high resistance to environmental stressors. Unlike rigid PCBs, which are susceptible to warping and damage from chemicals, heat, and radiation, flex PCBs are highly resistant to these hazards. They can withstand extreme weather, radiation, and chemical exposure, making them ideal for demanding applications.
This resilience explains the widespread use of flexible PCBs in fields like automotive electronics, where durability in harsh conditions is essential.
Miniaturized Versions of Existing Technologies
In recent years, electronic applications have increasingly demanded smaller packages, lower power consumption, and enhanced functionality. Miniaturization, reduced volume, and lightweight design are now key considerations for printed circuit boards.
With flexible PCB technology, engineers can design boards that meet strict size constraints, enabling the production of even smaller electronic and optical devices. This advancement has made it possible to develop compact products like computers, mobile phones, and many medical devices. Unlike rigid PCBs, flexible printed circuit boards are uniquely suited to meet the requirements of miniaturization in modern electronics.
Shock and Vibration Resistant
Flexible printed circuit boards outperform rigid PCBs when it comes to withstanding vigorous shocks and vibrations. This makes them ideal for high-vibration and high-shock environments, as they can survive in demanding conditions where rigid PCBs might fail and potentially lead to equipment breakdown.
Industries that rely on high-vibration instruments benefit from using flexible PCBs, which help mitigate the wear and tear caused by constant shocks and vibrations. If you need a circuit board that offers reliable performance under intense vibrations, flexible printed circuit boards are an excellent choice.
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.
