Your Reliable Flexible PCB Manufacturer Over 12 Years
PCBMay is a leading flexible PCB board manufacturer in China, that provides many different kinds of flexible PCBs for you.
- Over 12 years of PCB manufacturing experience
- Sufficient raw material in stock to support your orders
- 100% E-test and AOI inspection
- Certified with UL US and Canada
Flexible PCB Can Be Flexible for Your Project
As a rich experience flexible PCB manufacturer based in China, we have been in this industry for over 12 years and could help you to produce many types of PCBs.
PCBMay could manufacture different kinds of flexible PCB like single-sided PCB, double-sided flexible PCB, and multilayer flexible PCB. Just send us your detailed requirements and we will send you an instant quote.
There’re many different colors of solder masks of flexible PCB, PCBMay is an expert in most PCB manufacturing, mainly are overlayer(Yellow color), green, black, white, and so on.
PCBMay can provide many types of flexible PCB for you, such as 1-10 layers.
When you have any new inquiry, please send it to us.
Flexible PCB Series
A single-layer flex board is the most basic and consists of a flexible polyimide film laminated to a thin sheet of copper. The copper layer is then chemically etched to produce a circuit pattern specific to your specific design requirements.
PCBMay provides 2 layer flexible PCBs, which are becoming a regular choice for applications across various industries. These circuit boards comprise 2 conductive layers that are placed on a polyimide base and are also popular flexible PCBs.
A 3 Layer Flexible PCB is a patterned arrangement of 3 copper printed circuitry that connected with plated-through holes. A 3 Layer Flex PCB can be with or without stiffener since stiffener has no effect on flex circuits manufacturing.
Flexible printed circuit boards are now prominently used in the electronics industry. Being one of the leading manufacturers of these circuit boards, PCBMay provides 4 layer flex printed circuit boards.
PCBMay provides 5 layer flexible PCBs, which are becoming a regular choice for applications across various industries. These circuit boards comprise 5 conductive layers that are placed on a polyimide base.
PCBMay provides many flex circuits with different specifications. Our professional technical knowledge and comprehensive facility enable us to assure the shortest turnaround times on 6layer flexible PCB.
Flexible PCB By Types (5)
Flexible PCB By Materials (5)
Flexible PCB By Color (4)
Flexible PCB Advantages




PCBMay Flexible PCB Properties
Flexible PCBs are commonly used in Mobile, memory modules, SSD cards, wearable devices, 5G/6G communication equipment, and networks. PCBMay can match your requirement from quantity to quality. There’s no minimum order quantity even one piece and PCBMay can provide test reports, micro-section, and soldering samples with each shipment.
You will see the properties of flexible PCB as follows:
- Halogen-free
- Excellent flexibility
- Thermal resistance
- Dimensional
- Electrical properties.


PCBMay Flexible PCB Production
PCBMay can manufacture flexible PCB with quick-turn prototype to mass prodution in house. You will review our capabilities and send your requests to us. Our technology, engineering, sourcing and customer service give us a competitive advantage.
You will have a look at our flexible circuit board capabilities:
- Board thickness: 1mil- 16mil
- Copper thickness: 1/3oz-2oz
- Min.hole: 0.1mm
- Min. trace width/space: 2mil/2mil
- Large Size: 1800*250mm or 1000*500mm
PCBMay is an Expert for Your Flexible PCB
PCBMay flexible PCBs are widely used in different industries. You could use flexible PCBs for medical devices, aerospace, military, telecommunication, industrial control, consumer products, and so on.
As a leading PCB manufacturer, PCBMay has brought many high-tech machines from home and abroad.
Whether you are a flexible PCB distributor, trader, factory, PCB assembler, EMS, OEM, ODM, or end product customer, PCBMay is always your best choice.
Your Best Flexible PCB Manufacturer


As one of the best flexible PCB suppliers, PCBMay has passed a lot of certifications like ISO9001, ISO14001, SGS, UL USA, and Canada.
PCBMay is a great choice as your reliable flexible PCB manufacturer, we offer a fast process and reply service when you send one inquiry, our experienced sales team will reply to your email within 1h and also provide a quotation within 1-2h depending on the flexible PCB easy or complicated.
PCBMay takes a quick turn delivery time for flexible PCB, the fastest lead time is 24h for the prototype of flexible circuit board, the standard delivery time of prototype is 7-10 working days, the mass production of flexible PCB is 15working days.
Do you have heavy copper flex PCB demand? PCBMay can meet your requirement and provide a competitive price for you.
We guarantee the lead time of shipment according to customer need, the quick turn cost will be required.
Flexible PCB Fabrication
The gold fingers in the PCB design and production are to connect the devices such as computer memory, graphics card. Some flexible PCBs need to produce gold fingers which are requested for hard gold plating.
The information about gold fingers is as follows:
- Hard gold thickness: 3-50U”
- Bevelling angle: 30°, 45°, and 60°
- Long and short gold fingers together
- The gold finger needs to be treated with a whole block of solder mask opening, and the PIN does not need to open the steel mesh
Testing is one of the most important processes during flexible PCB production. In order to provide high quality to our customers, PCBMay strictly follows up these testing methods.
There’re 6 PCB testing methods as follows:
- Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)
- Flying Probe Testing
- In-Circuit Testing
- Fixture Testing
- X-Ray Inspection
- Micro-Sectioning Analysis
OEM & ODM Flexible PCB Applications
There are many kinds of medical applications for flexible PCB, such as Imaging equipment, drug delivery systems, pacemakers, cochlear implants, wireless controllers, handheld monitors, defibrillators.
The wearable applications for flexible PCB are smartwatches, fitness trackers, wearable ECG monitors, wearable blood pressure monitors, wearable biosensors, implanted pacemakers, closed-loop pancreas systems, insulin pumps.
In our daily life, we often use computers or laptops, you are familiar with them. Have you repaired the motherboard of them? You must see there are some flexible circuit boards to connect the different devices.
Mobile applications for flexible PCB are mobile phones, such as local brands Huawei, Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi, and oversea brands Apple, Samsung, Google, Sony. There’re also some mobile applications in the medical industry.
A flexible PCB for LED strip is normally a single-sided flex board, furthermore, the length is very long and PCBMay can produce 1.8 meters length. We can also help the clients with SMT LED lamps on the boards.
Flexible PCB Production Details As Following Up
- Production Facility
- PCB Capabilities
- PCB Materials
- Shipping Methods
- Payment Methods
- Send Us Inquiry
We can also work with you to produce a custom flex PCB prototype that will significantly improve your prospects of a successful project outcome.
For detailed capabilities, please refer to the following form.
Feature | Capability | |||||||
Number of Layers | 1 – 10layers | |||||||
Order Quantity | 1pc – 10000+pcs | |||||||
Board thickness(without stiffener) | 0.002-0.2inch | |||||||
Min. Board Size | 0.2*0.4inch | |||||||
Min. Board Size | 9*14 inch | |||||||
Build Time | 2days – 5weeks | |||||||
Material | FCCL (adhesive) | Shengyi SF305 | ||||||
FCCL (adhesiveness) | Panasonic R-F775 | |||||||
Taiflex MHK | ||||||||
Dupont Pyralux AP | ||||||||
Coverlay | Shengyi SF305C | |||||||
Taiflex FHK 1025&2035 | ||||||||
Adhesive | Taiflex BT | |||||||
PI stiffener | Taiflex MHK | |||||||
3M | 9077&6677&9058 | |||||||
Others | Tolerance of single layer | ±0.05mm | ||||||
Tolerance of double-layer (≤0.3mm) | ±0.05mm | |||||||
Tolerance of multi-layer(<0.3mm) | ±0.05mm | |||||||
Tolerance of multi-layer(0.3-0.8mm) | ±0.1mm | |||||||
Impedance control tolerance | Single ended:±5Ω(≤50Ω);±10%(>50Ω) | |||||||
Differential Pairs: ±5Ω (≤50Ω);±10%(>50Ω) | ||||||||
Min coverlay bridge | 8mil | |||||||
Min bend radius of single layer | 3-6 times of board thickness | |||||||
Min bend radius of double-layer | 6-10 times of board thickness | |||||||
Min bend radius of multilayer | 10-15 times of board thickness | |||||||
Min dynamic bend radius | 20-40 times of board thickness | |||||||
Inner layer | Min line width/spacing (12/18um copper) | 3.0/3.2mil (loop lines 6.0/6.2mil) | ||||||
Min line width/spacing (35um copper) | 4.0/4.0mil (loop lines 8.0/8.0mil) | |||||||
Min line width/spacing (70um copper) | 6.0/6.5mil (loop lines 10/10.5mil) | |||||||
Max copper thickness | 2oz | |||||||
Outer layer | Min line width/spacing (18um copper) | 3/3.2mil (loop lines 6/6mil) | ||||||
Min line width/spacing (35um copper) | 4/4.5mil (loop lines 6/6mil) | |||||||
Min line width/spacing (70um copper) | 6/7mil (loop lines 6/6mil) | |||||||
Min line width/spacing (105um copper) | 10/13mil (loop lines 6/6mil) | |||||||
Max finished copper thickness | 3OZ | |||||||
Drilling | Min distance between via and conductors | 6mil (<4 layers) | ||||||
8mil (4-6 layers) | ||||||||
12mil (7-8 layers) | ||||||||
Min mechanical drill hole | 6mil | |||||||
Solder mask | Solder mask color | Green/White/Black/Yellow | ||||||
and silkscreen | Coverlay | Yellow、Black | ||||||
Min solder dam (base copper ≤ 1OZ) | 4mil (green),8mil(solder dam on the large copper) | |||||||
Min clearance | 3mil (part for 2.5mil) | |||||||
Silk color | White, Yellow | |||||||
Surface treatment | Surface treatment | HASL, ENIG, ENEPIG, Electrolytic Nickel Gold, Soft gold, Hard gold, | ||||||
Immersion silver and OSP | ||||||||
Mixed surface treatment | ENIG+OSP, ENIG+G/F | |||||||
Gold thickness (ENIG) | 0.05-0.10um | |||||||
Nickel thickness (ENIG) | 3-6um | |||||||
Gold thickness (ENEPIG) | 0.05-0.10um | |||||||
Palladium thickness (ENEPIG) | 0.05-0.15um | |||||||
Nick thickness (ENEPIG) | 3-6um | |||||||
Electrolytic nickel thickness | 3-6um | |||||||
Electrolytic gold thickness | 0.05-0.10um | |||||||
Hard gold thickness (including lead) | 0.1-1.5um | |||||||
OSP thickness | 0.1-0.3um | |||||||
Immersion silver thickness | 0.2-0.4um | |||||||
Routing | Laser accuracy | ±0.05mm | ||||||
Punch accuracy | ±0.05mm–±0.15mm |
Here there’re many laminate material datasheets, they’re useful and helpful for you, please see them:
SUPPLIER | PCB LAMINATE | TYPE | MATERIAL DATASHEET | TG | TD | DK(1MHZ) | DK(1GHZ) | DK(10GHZ) |
KB | KB-6160 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 135 | 305 | 4.35 | – | – |
KB-6160A | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 135 | 305 | 4.35 | – | – | |
KB-6160C | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 135 | 314 | 4.7 | – | – | |
KB-6150 KB-6150C | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 132 | 305 | 4.6 | – | – | |
KB-6164 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 142 | 330 | 4.8 | – | – | |
KB-6164F | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 145 | 340 | 4.8 | – | – | |
KB-6165F | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 150 | 346 | 4.8 | – | – | |
KB-6167F | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 170 | 349 | 4.8 | – | – | |
SHENGYI | S1141 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 135 | 310 | 4.6 | – | – |
S1141KF | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 140 | 350 | 4.7 | – | – | |
S1000 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 155 | 335 | 4.9 | – | – | |
S1170 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 170 | 335 | 4.6 | – | – | |
S1000-2 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 170 | 335 | 4.8 | – | – | |
S1155 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 135 | 370 | 4.7 | – | – | |
ITEQ | IT-158 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 150 | 340 | 4.6-4.8 | – | – |
IT-180 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 180 | 350 | 4.5-4.7 | – | – | |
TUC | TU-768 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 180 | 350 | – | 4.3-4.4 | 4.3 |
TU-872 | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 200 | 340 | – | 3.8-4.0 | 3.8 | |
ROGERS | RO 3003 | Cer/PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | 500 | – | – | 3 |
RO 3010 | Cer/PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | 500 | – | – | 10.2 | |
RO 4003 | Hydrocarbon/Cer | DOWNLOAD | >280 | 425 | – | – | 3.38 | |
RO 4350B | Hydrocarbon/Cer | DOWNLOAD | >280 | 390 | – | – | 3.48 | |
RT/duroid 5880 | PTFE/Glass | DOWNLOAD | – | 500 | – | – | 2.2 | |
ISOLA | Polyclad 370HR | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 170 | 340 | 4.8-5.1 | – | – |
FR406-HR | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 190 | 325 | 3.91 | 3.86 | 3.81 | |
FR408-HR | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 200 | 360 | 3.72 | 3.69 | 3.65 | |
P96 | Polyimide | DOWNLOAD | 260 | 416 | – | 3.78 | 3.73 | |
Hitachi | MCL-BE- 67G | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 140 | 340 | 4.9 | 4.4 | – |
MCL-E-679F | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 170 | 350 | 4.2-4.4 | 4.3-4.5 | – | |
MCL-LX-67Y | Special Laminate | DOWNLOAD | 185-195 | 325-345 | – | 3.4-3.6 | – | |
Nelco | N4000-13 | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 210-240 | 365 | – | 3.7 | 3.6 |
N4000-13EP | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 210-240 | 350 | – | 3.4 | 3.2 | |
N4000-13SI | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 210-240 | 350 | – | 3.4 | 3.2 | |
N4000-13EP SI | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 210-240 | 350 | – | 3.4 | 3.2 | |
Taconic | TLX-6 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 2.65 |
TLX-7 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 2.6 | |
TLX-8 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 2.55 | |
TLX-9 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 2.45 | |
RF35 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | <315 | – | 3.5 | – | 3.5 | |
TLC-27 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 2.75 | |
TLC-30 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 3 | |
TLC-32 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 3.2 | |
Arlon | Arlon 25N | Cer | DOWNLOAD | 260 | – | – | – | 3.38 |
Arlon 25FR | Cer | DOWNLOAD | 260 | – | – | – | 3.58 | |
Arlon 33N | Polymide | DOWNLOAD | >250 | 353 | 4 | – | – | |
Arlon 35N | Polymide | DOWNLOAD | >250 | 363 | 4.2 | – | – | |
Arlon 85N | Polymide | DOWNLOAD | 250 | 387 | 4.2 | – | – | |
Stablcor | ST325 | – | DOWNLOAD | Thermal conductivity:75w/m.k(with 1oz copper) | ||||
ST10 | – | DOWNLOAD | Thermal conductivity:325w/m.k(with 1oz copper) | |||||
Panasonic | R-1566W | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 140 | 330 | 4.95 | 4.7 | 4.65 |
Ventec | VT-901 | Polymide | DOWNLOAD | 250 | 390 | 4.2-4.5 | 4.0-4.3 | – |
VT-90H | Polymide | DOWNLOAD | 250 | 390 | 4.2-4.5 | 4.0-4.3 | – | |
Bergquist | ht-04503 | – | DOWNLOAD | Thermal conductivity:2.2w/m.k(with 1oz copper) |
Delivery
PCBMay offers flexible shipping methods for our customers, you may choose from one of the methods below.
1. DHL
DHL offers international express services in over 220 countries.
DHL partners with PCBMay and offers very competitive rates to customers of PCBMay.
It normally takes 3-7 business days for the package to be delivered around the world.
2. UPS
UPS gets the facts and figures about the world’s largest package delivery company and one of the leading global providers of specialized transportation and logistics services.
It normally takes 3-7 business days to deliver a package to most of the addresses in the world.
3. TNT
TNT has 56,000 employees in 61 countries.
It takes 4-9 business days to deliver the packages to the hands
of our customers.
4. FedEx
FedEx offers delivery solutions for customers around the world.
It takes 4-7 business days to deliver the packages to the hands
of our customers.
5. Air, Sea/Air, and Sea
If your order is of large volume with PCBMay, you can also choose
to ship via air, sea/air combined, and sea when necessary.
Please contact your sales representative for shipping solutions.
Note: if you need others, please contact your sales representative for shipping solutions.
On our website you can use the following payment methods:
Telegraphic Transfer(TT): A telegraphic transfer (TT) is an electronic method of transferring funds utilized primarily for overseas wire transactions. It’s very convenient to transfer.
Bank/Wire transfer: To pay by wire transfer using your bank account, you need to visit your nearest bank branch with the wire transfer information. Your payment will be completed 3-5 business days after you have finished the money transfer.
Paypal: Pay easily, fast and secure with PayPal. many other credit and debit cards via PayPal.
Credit Card: You can pay with credit card: Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro.
Related Other PCBs
Flexible PCB: The Ultimate FAQ Guide
Are you worried about high-density component mounting in electric circuits?
Flexible PCB offers a high degree of flexibility that allows a designer to handle a compact design. This PCB improves the PCB assembly service and promotes reliability to a large extent.
PCBMay is a dependable PCB manufacturer in China. We have been providing trustworthy assembly services of flexible circuits for around 15 years. This FAQ guide will let you know the necessary details concerning flexible electronics. We hope it will help you upgrade your PCB experience to the next level.
Let’s make a move.
A flexible PCB is a unique form of PCB board that you can bend to the required shape. They are often employed in high-density and high-temperature operations.
Because of its excellent heat resistance, the flexible designs are ideal for solder mounting elements. The transparent polyester film used in constructing the flex designs serves as the substrate material.
Copper traces form the conducting layer of a flexible circuit, which is then wrapped in a polyimide dielectric substrate. You can adjust the copper layer thickness from 0.0001″ to 0.010″, while the dielectric material may be between 0.0005″ to 0.010″ in thickness.
There are fewer interconnections in the flexible designs. Hence there are fewer solder connections. Additionally, these circuits take up just 10% of the space of rigid circuit boards because of their flexible bendability.
Flexible PCB
There are four different types of flexible PCBs in the PCB industry. All four are used for different applications. The types are as follows.
Single Layer Flexible PCB
When the PCB contains only one conductive layer on the dielectric film of the flexible board, that is a single layer flexible PCB. We place the electric components on either side.
Double Layer Flexible PCB
There are conductive layers on both sides of this kind of PCB. We can place the electrical components on any side of the PCB.
Multilayer Flexible PCB
They’re more than three conductive layers for multilayer flexible PCB and also many applications for it.
Besides, rigid-flex PCB, HDI flexible circuit boards are worthwhile for different sectors.
Flexible HDI PCB
Flexible PCB has some unique features which make it stand out from others. These special features of this PCB make them extraordinary. The features are like:
Small
Flexible circuits are usually small in size which makes them compact. The product volume reduces as the circuit is small.
Thin
Flexible circuits are usually very thin. For the thickness, the PCBs are very soft. The three-dimensional assembly is also strengthened for this fact.
Thin Flexible Circuit Board
Lightweight
Flexible circuit boards are very light in weight. It helps to decrease the product weight which is great.
Short Lead Time
Lastly, the assembly time is very short. We can easily configure all the lines and get rid of the unnecessary cables.
Materials that are flexible and moveable are used to manufacture flexible PCBs. Its flexibility allows it to turn or move without causing irreversible harm to its components or connections.
Each component of the flexible PCB has to operate together to be effective. You will need a variety of materials to put together a flexible board.
Cover Layer and Substrate
The conductor carrier and insulating medium determine the substrate and film’s functionality. Additionally, the substrate must be able to flex and curl.
Polyimide and Polyester sheets are often used in flexible circuits. These are just a few of the many varieties of polymer films you may get, but there are many more to choose from. Because of the low cost and high substrate quality, it is the better choice.
PI polyimide is the most often used material by manufacturers. Thermostat resin of this type can resist extreme temperature. Thus, melting is not a concern.
After thermal polymerization, it retains its elasticity and flexibility. Besides that, it has excellent electrical properties as well.
Conductor Materials
You must choose conductor elements that will carry the electricity most effectively. Almost all flex circuits employ copper as the primary conductor.
In addition to being a highly excellent conductor, copper is also relatively easy to get. Copper is a bargain compared to the price of other conductor materials.
Electrical conductivity is not enough to dissipate heat effectively; it also has to be a good heat conductor. Flexible circuits may be made using materials that will reduce the amount of heat they generate.
Adhesives
Between the polyimide sheet and the copper on any flexible circuit boards are adhesives. Epoxy and acrylic are the two primary kinds of adhesives you have at your disposal.
A strong adhesive is needed to handle the high temperatures generated by the copper.
Insulators
Insulators prevent electric shocks from flowing through copper or other conductors and onto the user. The best insulator is polyimide film, which is made from polyimide polymers.
Flexible PCB Materials
A flexible PCB is a PCB with a wide range of functions. Here are a few examples:
- There are no restrictions on how it may be twisted, wrapped, or folded, so it can be organized in any way that best suits the needs of the particular space.
- It is simple to assemble and solder.
- It is small and light in weight,
- They can function in cold or high temperatures.
- They are a less expensive alternative to rigid PCBs.
Highly Functional Flexible Circuit Board
You can use flexible PCBs in a wide range of applications. The following are only a few examples:
Commercial Electronics
Computer technology accounts for a third of flexible printed circuit sales volume. This includes printers, intelligent devices, and much more. Flex PCBs are vital in keeping up with the market’s need for smaller, more sophisticated portable devices.
Automotive
Vehicles are the second-largest market for flex PCBs. Since the beginning of this decade, the ordinary automobile has seen a dramatic change in appearance and its technological capabilities.
To accommodate the increasing number of sensors and electronics in automobiles, flex PCBs provide both space allocations as well as thermal properties.
Aerospace
Due to its extraordinary capacity to withstand severe temperatures and vibration, flexible PCBs are ideal for space applications like satellites. As a result, they can take on a variety of forms that are ideal for spaceships and replace connections that are more susceptible to failure.
Health Care Equipment
Wearable medical gadgets have grown more important in recent decades as medical technology has advanced. Flexible boards are used in various products to provide excellent performance that can withstand daily usage. Because they may mimic the contour of the body, flexible PCBs improve the endurance of these devices.
Widely Used Flexible Printed Circuit Board
Flex PCBs provide these benefits, making them excellent for various sectors. This includes military, medical, transport, electronic goods, automotive, communications, aviation, and industrial.
Flexible PCBs can provide a variety of advantages, including:
Less Space
Compared to traditional circuit board assemblies, flexible PCBs take up around 10% of the area and weight, allowing for more flexibility in installation and packing. Due to the inherent flexibility, the bends may also be made more tightly.
Highest Reliability
There are fewer interconnects on flexible printed circuits, which means fewer solder joints and contact crimps. Flexible PCB boards are more reliable since they do not have as many possible causes of failure.
Enhanced Performance
Various connections and components may be attached to the flexible PCB, including ZIF connectors. They can also withstand high and low temperatures, radiation, and toxins with ease.
Reduced Prices
Flexible PCBs save money by reducing material and packaging needs, component replacement costs, and assembly faults that need repairs.
Flexible PCB Advantages
There are several kinds of flexible printed circuit boards available on the market. Each type has a particular layer responsible for carrying out its activity.
One layer is included on both the single-sided and double-sided flexible boards.
Flexible PCB Operating Principle
Multiple copper layers are sandwiched between dielectric layers on a multilayer flexible circuit board, which is generally joined via a plated through-hole connection. Depending on the application, multi-layer circuits may be manufactured with or without cover layers.
Single-layer flex PCB is used for light applications, whereas multilayer PCB is used for heavy applications that need greater power.
Multilayer Flexible Circuit Board
A single-layer flexible PCB consists of the following elements-
- Dielectric Materials
- Metallic coatings
- Conductors
- Epoxy resins
- Adhesives
Flexible PCB Structure
A well-manufactured flexible printed circuit promotes the device’s quality to a great extent. Its entire manufacturing is a lengthy work that is divided into various parts. You need to maintain supreme quality in each step of manufacturing for optimizing this circuit board.
Now, we are going to explain all the steps of a flexible PCB manufacturing process for your convenience.
PCB Layout Design
First, you need to draw a schematic of this PCB. It is the outline of your circuit board design. Then, design the PCB layout by using reliable design software. Nowadays, various design software is used in designing flexible circuit boards.
Flexible PCB Design
Then, you have to convert this design file into Gerber format. The Gerber file contains all the required information related to PCB manufacturing. Besides, it is important to conduct a design rule checking for finding faults in the design.
After completing the checking, send the file to the manufacturer to handle the further steps. KiCAD flexible PCBs are reliable in terms of design.
Printing
In this stage, the flexible circuit board laminate needs to wash. Then, it receives the photoresist that is composed of photoreactive chemicals. A UV-ray is dropped upon this board to perform the printing process.
After preparing, the circuit board should be washed with proper liquid.
Initial Etching
Etching means eliminating unwanted copper from the PCB laminate. Here, the flexible PCB board covered with photoresists goes through a copper solvent bath. Then, the unmasked coppers get washed.
Alignment of PCB Layer
After a successful primary etching, it is required to align the PCB layers. An automated optical inspection can be run for checking this layer alignment and other features of this PCB.
Laminating Of Layers
In this segment, you need to laminate PCB layers. The outer PCB layers should be connected to the substrate.
PCB Drilling
Now, it is time to drill holes on the stack PCB board. Here, maintaining the hole diameter and drilling speed concerning the shape of PCB components is essential. Usually, an X-ray is used in finding the proper placement of drilling.
Copper Coating
After drilling, a copper coating is applied to fill up the drilled holes. Besides, plating binds the layers together. Then, image the external PCB layers by applying photoresists once again.
Final Etching
Then, the board is placed in a toxic Ferric Chloride solution. It reduces unwanted coppers again. In this case, you must cover the necessary portions through a protective mask.
Watch this video to know more about etching:
Application Of Solder Mask
In this stage, cover the board with solder mask ink. Then, apply a solder mask on both sides of the flexible circuit board.
PCB Surface Finish
Surface finish is a reliable technique for improving solderability and protecting the PCB surface from corrosion. In this part, a suitable metal is coated on the copper layer according to the requirement of electronic devices.
Electrical Testing
In the end, an electrical test along with a functional test is conducted. It ensures an error-free flexible circuit board assembly. Then, the last thing is cutting the circuit board from the panel.
This is the basic manufacturing process of flexible PCB. You can find some variations concerning the consumer’s demand.
Flexible circuit board manufacturers utilize high-quality surface treatments to extend the service life of these critical components over time. In terms of surface finishing, ENIG is the most extensively employed procedure out of the many options.
Other surface finishes are used, such as immersion silver, immersion tin, hard gold, etc.
ENIG
A tiny coating of gold is electrolytically plated over nickel in electro gold flash plating.
This sort of plating is very tough and long-lasting. It has a prolonged shelf life, which may endure for many years. Despite this, its long shelf life and durability make it more costly.
Immersion Silver
Immersion silver has no adverse effect on copper. However, exposure to the elements will cause it to tarnish.
As a result, anti-tarnish packing is required.
It will remain solderable over 6-12 months if properly packaged. A day after unpacking, the PCB has to go through a process known as “solder reflow”.
Flexible Circuit Board With ENIG Plating
Well, there are some important facts to consider while building the flexible printed circuit board. The building concerns are something that we can not escape. The facts are as follows.
Ground Plane
If we make some ground planes on the circuit board, it will ultimately decrease the product weight. It also helps the board to have better flexibility.
We have to create some holes as we head to apply fileting on the board. It should be only applied where the pad area is increased to split up stress.
Routing
The routing process is simple. If we do the routing properly, then the circuit board stress decreases. The proper routing also enhances the folding and bending features.
Flexible PCB Building Concerns
Etching
We do etching for a PCB in order to make up for the isotropic losses. The thickness of the copper foil should behalf as the loss of the line width. several conductor types, etch marks, etc mainly causes the line width.
Conductor Size
As the conductive material on the PCB, we usually use thin copper. The light copper makes the circuit flexible and enables the circuit to be perfect for a wide range of applications.
From their names, flexible rigid PCBs vary. The main distinctions between rigid PCB vs flexible PCB are-
Flexibility
Flexible circuits can be shaped to match the eventual application by folding or creasing, allowing the designer to customize the circuitry. Wearable electronics benefit from flexible circuits. Rigid PCBs take up more space than flexible PCBs.
Reduced weight
Due to their low weight, flexible circuits are useful for unmanned vehicles.
Durability
Flexible PCBs absorb vibrations far better than rigid PCBs while being thicker and more robust. This improves product life, dependability, and functionality.
Resistant
Heat, chemicals, and radiation may damage or distort rigid PCBs, whereas flex PCBs are far more robust. This explains their widespread use in modern car electronics.
Rigid PCB
Yes, they are supportive of customization to a certain level. If you don’t get the desired output through standard PCB designs, you can customize the circuit board according to your requirement.
Usually, flexible printed circuits allow customization of the board thickness, design, layer count, copper thickness, etc.
Customized Flexible Circuit Board
Using a flex PCB is advantageous in several ways. However, there are also some drawbacks. Let us give them a little of the spotlight.
- A higher price for materials than rigid PCBs
- Assembly is a complex and time-consuming operation.
- Damaged by scratches and dents when not properly shielded
- Correct storage practices are needed
- Relatively hard to fix
Stable Flexible PCB Board
You must consider the following issues while designing a DIY flexible PCB.
- The Thickness
- Flexible PCB Connectors
- Bending Radius
- PCB Routing
- Bend Ratio
- Surface Mount Technology Access
- PCB Via Placement
- Aperture ratio
You can watch this video to know more about PCB designs:
A skilled expert is needed to produce high-quality flexible printed circuits that perform as intended. Before placing an order for a Flexible PCB from a manufacturer, you should consider the following:
Quality
Quality is essential, just like anything else. First and foremost, you should consider quality while purchasing flexible PCBs. Your flexible circuits should have superior quality products and services, a high-speed layout, and good conductivity.
Standards and Certifications
The best flexible board manufacturers meet UL, ISO, & IPC requirements. When looking for PCB manufacturers, ensure they are accredited and follow certain laws and regulations.
Cost
Before making purchases, you must establish a balance between quality and cost. Almost all PCBs have a cost that varies with quality and design. Conditions like solder masks and base material might vary. These will have a significant impact on the ultimate product pricing.
Test
Flexible boards must be tested to ensure their functioning and integrity.
Flexible PCB has brought out an amazing development in the electronic world. As modern electronic products tend to be smaller day by day, flexible printed circuits significantly improve the design quality.
Besides, their reliability and functional properties are beyond question. If you are looking for a flex PCB manufacturer, contact PCBMay immediately. We offer custom solutions of various flexible circuits that can meet your demands.
In this guide, we tried to explain all the concepts in a simple manner. If you have more queries, contact us any time. Get in touch with us for more updates about the PCB world.