Your Leading Stretchable PCB Manufacturer in China

Your Premier Stretchable PCB Supplier

PCBMay supplies and manufactures a wide range of stretchable PCBs. These are mainly Rigid PCBs, and you can use them in different applications. As a professional manufacturer, PCBMay gives you Stretchable PCBs to meet your demands.

Old or new customers are welcome here! We are your source of the latest Stretchable PCB innovations. Whether you need our Stretchable PCB for personal applications or business, PCBMay is your trusted partner.

PCBMay’s Stretchable PCB has various usages, in numerous sectors and industries. Any applications that requires stretchable PCB, we’ve got you covered. You can find this type of PCB useful in warped surfaces, including bendable interconnections, e.g. automotive applications. Any commercial applications requiring a PCB to stretch, bend, or twist, the Stretchable PCB is ideal for you.

Stretchable PCBs are one of PCBMay’s popular PCB products. These are manufactured either in double or single layers. We also use polyurethane as the standard stretchable substrate for your orders. The standard thickness also varies between 3.5 and 3.9 mils, with a copper weight of 0.5 Oz.

Choose PCBMay as your premier stretchable PCB source! This could be your best decision. We offer stretchable PCB with explicit design to save space while enhancing flexibility to meet mounting designs of high density.

More advantages of PCBMay stretchable PCB are:

• Helps in reducing the process of assembly while improving reliability at the same time
• Ensures the movement and miniaturization of electronic devices
• Can be twisted, moved, and bent without damaging the conductor
• Provides exceptional electrical performance
• Gives room for the thermal properties and electrical transmission of a signal that makes cooling very easy
• Can operate well under high temperatures
• Provides constant electrical properties for circuitry that demands high speeds
• Reduces the cost of production, on the overall

If you seek the best Stretchable PCB from a company with a good image and reputation, PCBMay’s Stretchable PCB is your best choice. We can provide all your needs when it comes to PCBs.

Learn more about PCBMay capabilities. We are 24/7 available to accommodate your needs!

Stretchable PCB| The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Do you want to increase the flexibility of your electronic devices?

Then, the Stretchable PCB is a dependable solution for you. This type of PCB allows you to make reliable dimensional changes to circuit boards. Its easy assembly process and high functionality make it an automatic choice for versatile electronic applications.

PCBMay supplies and manufactures a wide range of Stretchable PCBs. This FAQ guide will let you know the pros and cons of this multifunctional circuit board. We hope you will be briefed on the benefits of this guide. Let’s start.

What Is Stretchable PCB?

A Stretchable PCB is an effective circuit that allows bending and twisting. It is used in the bendable interconnections of electronic gadgets. This PCB offers easier assembling with low manufacturing costs.

The Stretchable PCB contains mainly polyurethane or polyimide as base materials. These substances make this PCB sufficiently flexible to cope with unorthodox designs. The PCB operates through stretch-rigid and stretch-flex technologies where stretchable laminate connects rigid boards by using embedded coppers.

Stretchable PCB

This valuable product renders optimum thermal management and resistance against electrical forces. That’s why you can use it to improve your project’s performance for a long time. Watch this video about this PCB:

What Are The Base Materials Of A Stretchable PCB?

The Stretchable PCB contains functionally useful materials. These PCB materials make the Stretchable PCB an ideal substitute for Rigid-flex circuit boards found in different electronic devices. Stretchable PCBs’ base material is Polyimide or Polyurethane.

Several types of stretchable circuit boards are constructed with different materials. For example, the RGB Stretchable PCB contains FR4, CEM-1 along with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). These materials ensure the consistency of thermal and electrical properties.

Stretchable PCB Base Materials

Polyimide offers impressive dielectric strength that is required for maintaining insulation in the PCB substrates. Again, its thermal conduction turns this circuit into a high Tg PCB.

Stretchable circuit board construction materials are so adaptive that almost every design is realizable. They offer around 5-25% dynamic stretchability concerning the design layout.

What Are The Major Types Of Stretchable PCB?

A Stretchable PCB is versatile. It can be classified based on its uses and features. The most significant types of Stretchable PCB includes:

• 3D stretchable PCB
• Wearable stretchable PCB
• Multilayer Stretchable PCB
• Stretchable Copper PCB
• Wireless stretchable PCB
• Stretchable electronics PCB
• RGB stretchable PCB
• Stretchable Ultra-thin PCB

Stretchable PCB Types

PCBMay supplies these different types of stretchable circuit boards. Contact us for getting top-quality Stretchable PCB and other PCB products at an affordable cost.

How Does A Stretchable PCB Function?

Stretchable PCBs usually function through stretch-rigid technology. The product contains thermoplastic polyurethane that permits the boards to stretch easily. But copper traces don’t allow PCBs to spread uniformly.

That is why copper traces are in a horseshoe shape. Triangular copper traces are less reliable in this case. So, manufacturers increasing the layer count and add copper foils to effectively achieve optimum stretchability.

Highly Functional Printed Circuit Board

It is in this process that components are mounted on the rigid portion through Surface Mount Technology. The rigid parts are not stretchable. But the PCB components are connected through conductive paper foils which are located on stretchable substrates.

Manufacturers use wet-etching technology to fabricate stretchable printed circuit boards. Watch this video to get a better idea:

What Are the Properties of a Stretchable PCB?

Stretchable PCBs are composed of thermoplastic polyurethane, FR4, etc. These PCB materials provide serviceable properties to the circuit board. Such as:

• Biocompatibility (to a certain extent)
• Resistance to hydrolysis, microbes, weathering, and wear effects.
• Transition temperature is more than 200⁰C.
• Free from chemical contamination like dilute acids, oils, etc.
• Decomposition temperature around 250⁰C.
• Dielectric constant of 4.4
• Fractural strain of 500% approximately
• Dielectric strength of 9 kV/100um.
• Elastic over a vast operating temperature
• Moisture absorption rate of 0.02%.

Stretchable Electronics PCB Features

Which Factors Influence the Stretchability of a PCB?

Stretchable PCBs have numerous applications because they are elastic to a certain level. This property enables a circuit board to be compatible with irregular-shaped electronic devices. But, do you know about the factors that affect stretchability?

Don’t worry. We outline them for your convenience:

Materials

Material components play the most significant role to improve the circuit board stretchability. Not all materials are suitable for this purpose. Thermoplastic polyurethane or polyimide provides stretchable properties to the PCB substrate. So, it is important to use the high-quality grades of these essentials.

Temperature Control

Proper control of operating temperatures promotes stretchability. If thermal conduction is not good in between the PCB layers, the stretchable substrate can’t be bend or twisted. Besides, excessive heat reduces the flexural strength, making the circuit unusable.

Copper Trace

Stretchability is obtained through the optimization of copper traces. Liner copper traces are not suitable for Stretchable PCBs. Horseshoe-shaped copper traces ensure better pliability in circuit boards.

Stretchable Copper PCB

Dielectric Constant

The dielectric constant (DK) affects most dielectric properties of a circuit board. It influences stretchability as well. Low DK is essential to maintain thermal and mechanical properties for a long period.

You should choose a trusted manufacturer to ensure standard stretchability in printed circuit boards. Contact us. We will take care of your problems related to stretchability.

What Are the Benefits of a Stretchable PCB?

Stretchable PCBs have bought a great change in the present electronic world. Its range of applications is increasing constantly because of outstanding benefits. The most noteworthy benefits are:

Flexibility in PCB design

Stretchable circuit board designs provide immense adaptability to the designers. Like Flexible PCBs, Stretchable OCBs allow designers to optimize space, yielding  high-density PCB applications.

Easy Assembly Process

The stretchable PCB assembly process is easier than that of other circuit boards. You can reduce the assembly steps because of its flexible designs. Here, the assembly is a one-way process. Furthermore, you can change the position of the stretchable circuit board when required. Additionally, a Stretchable PCB maintains its reliability even if stretched or bent.

Miniaturization

This PCB allows miniature designs in advanced electronic gadgets like smartphones, gaming consoles, and others. The Stretchable PCB maximizes allotted PCB space. The design includes Surface Mount Devices which are also suitable for designing movable and miniature applications.

Dimensional Stability

You can move, bend, and twist a stretchable PCB without damaging the components. The base materials are resistant to external stress. In addition, tensile strength is sufficiently high. That’s why this type of PCB shows impressive dimensional stability.

High Functionality

Stretchable PCBs render supreme functionality in high-speed circuitry. This becomes a possibility because the circuit board provides consistent electrical properties to the PCB components which deal with high-speed signal transmission.

Moreover, the Stretchable PCB is compatible with both single-layer and multilayer PCB designs. The Stretchable PCB never compromises its electrical performance due to factors related to PCB layer stack-up.

Thermal Management

This type of PCB ensures superior thermal management by making the cooling system easier. Effective via placement gives room for heat dissipation and electrical signal transmission.

Again, Stretchable PCBs can operate under a huge range of temperatures. Its components and construction materials are resistant to thermal stress, which makes it applicable for different conditions.

Stretchable PCB Advantages

Low Production Cost

Since the assembly process of this circuit board contains fewer steps, Stretchable PCB production cost becomes significantly lower. This feature improves its popularity among consumers to a large extent.

Long Shelf Life

Stretchable PCBs remains working for a long period. It is tolerant to external pressures caused by electrical and mechanical forces. Again, proper thermal management plays a vital role in increasing its longevity as an electronic product.

How to Compare between Flexible and Stretchable PCBs?

Flexible and Stretchable PCBs are reliable circuits to construct non-planar electronic devices. Both of these types of PCBs support bending, twisting, movement, etc. But Stretchable circuit boards render a new degree of mechanical freedom in applications.

Both these types of PCBs allow the designer to customize the layout for achieving the device’s required shape. However, Stretchable PCBs allow stretching up to a 60-70% range. Another bonus: it can be stretched multiple times, even in a reverse manner.

Flexible PCB

In contrast, the Flexible PCB does not allow so much stretchability in electronic modules. So in the end, a Stretch-rigid design is more durable, functional, and cost-effective than a Rigid-Flex design.

What Are the Significant Applications of Stretchable PCBs?

Stretchable PCBs have significant use in versatile electronic appliances, found in different industrial sectors. The Stretchable circuit board is typically used in devices that contain bent surfaces. Major applications of these PCBs are:

Consumer Clothing

Stretchable circuit boards are found in clothing and other textile products. People usually place these PCBs inside running shoes as integrated sensors. It is useful for measuring pressure during running, walking and other movements.

Medical Applications

Stretchable PCBs are used in biomedical equipment. In the case of open wounds, these PCBs contain pressure sensors placed inside bandages. It helps to determine contact pressure to reduce pressure ulcers.

3D stretchable PCB Applications

Home appliances

The Stretchable PCB is compatible with home appliances having irregular shapes. Examples of these are door sensors, bendable lighting, smart beds, etc.

Furthermore, consumers use Stretchable PCB in the following sectors:

• Communication devices
• Optoelectronics
• Sports instruments
• Robotics
• Safety equipment
• Smart clothing
• Stretchable batteries
• Conformable photovoltaics
• Digital cameras

Which Parameters Should You Consider While Designing a Stretchable PCB?

Stretchable PCB design rules are almost similar to Flexible PCB design rules. The Stretchable circuit board needs to be placed on meander lines in the device. This enables the elongation of the board when the device is stretched.

You need to consider some dimensional parameters to optimize the design layout of this PCB. Such as:

• Standard material thickness is 100 um.
• Solder mask is applied partially
• Minimum line spacing is ≥ 100 um.
• Standard copper thickness is 0.5 oz and 1 oz.
• Aperture width is around 40”
• Minimum radius is 125 um.

The last two parameters are applicable for horseshoes and wave-shaped copper traces. You should use design software like Altium Designer, KiCAD, etc. to achieve the best output of stretchable PCB design layout.

What Are the Limitations of a Stretchable PCB?

The Stretchable PCB is a highly functional circuit board. But, it also has some disadvantages. These negative aspects need to be considered during  manufacturing process for the intended device.

Notable limitations for the Stretchable PCB are:

• It can’t handle extreme external pressures in some cases.
• Its cost is a little bit high compared to Rigid PCBs in certain applications.
• This PCB is not applicable in some electronic devices where robustness is the primary requirement. Examples of these are military and aerospace equipment.

Stretchable PCB Limitations

These limitations can be minimized if you can properly handle the Stretchable circuit board. Stretch-rigid technology increases its application in applications where robustness is required. Ultimately, the Stretchable PCB is a cost-effective PCB, if you consider its easy processing and supreme performance.

How to Choose the Best Stretchable PCB Manufacturer in China?

PCB manufacturing is a time-consuming task. It requires precision to deliver PCB manufacturing services. So, it is important to choose a reliable manufacturer in order for you to achieve the best output for your business.

We show you some considerations for finding a dependable PCB service provider. We focus on China since they produce the best quality products at an affordable price.

PCB Assembly

A trustworthy manufacturer should have the capabilities of delivering PCB assembly service using top-class materials. Materials are a very important factor in PCB manufacturing. That’s why you need to look for a manufacturer with sufficient storage of raw materials.

Long Experience

Experience matters in PCB manufacturing when you are considering Stretchable PCBs. These boards need to be bendable and thermal-resistant for flexible applications. An experienced manufacturer has enough knowledge to solve minute problems and solve them quickly.

Affordable Cost

You should choose a manufacturer that provides PCB products at competitive prices. To get an idea about the price, you can compare with prices by competitor manufacturers in China.

High-Quality Product

Product quality is a vital issue in the electronics world. You should check the IPC standards of the manufacturer. Another certification to look out for is the RoHS certification for environmental safety.

Manufacturing Facility

A great stretchable PCB manufacturer should have a well-structured factory with well-built, quality-controlled facilities. The technicians and designers must be skilled and ISO certified to deliver one-stop OEM and ODM services.

Wearable Stretchable PCB Manufacturing

Custom Solution

Nowadays, PCBs need customization to be compatible with advanced electronic devices. You have to consider the ability of a manufacturer to deliver custom solutions as per consumers’ demand.

Customer Service

A worthwhile manufacturer needs to provide 24/7 sales and customer care service. You can check consumer review sites to get ideas about the company’s services.

It’s good to know that our company, PCBMay fulfills all these qualities. We provide one-stop custom solutions for different types of Stretchable PCBs at reasonable prices. Contact us immediately to achieve a premium PCB manufacturing service.

What Are the Effects of VIAs in a Multilayer Stretchable PCB?

VIA is the short form of Vertical Interconnect Access. In Stretchable PCBs, VIAs are applied in interconnecting different active circuit board layers. Usually, solid materials and liquid alloys are used to establish VIAs in these circuit boards.

VIAs play vital roles to ensure stable mechanical and electrical contacts between  PCB layers. This is important in electronic projects that deal with high-speed signal transmissions.

PI layers are arranged photolithographically to determine the placement of vertical interconnect access. These layers are electrodeposited with copper. This step is effective in making connections between metallic traces and the VIAs.

Multilayer Stretchable PCB VIA

Stretchable PCB VIAs act to dissipate heat to ensure proper cooling in different PCB layers. Proper VIA placement and standard drill hole size improve PCB performance in multilayer designs.

Is a Stretchable PCB Compatible with Rigid Applications?

Rigid applications demand robustness in their components and circuit boards. Stretchable PCB can’t deliver superior robustness in all rigid applications. Instead, Stretchable PCBs operates through stretch-rigid mechanisms in most electronic projects.

Rigid-stretchable circuit boards contain stretchable substrates inside rigid layers. These PCBs’ components are located on the rigid portions of the circuit boards. That’s why these stretchable circuit boards can provide sufficient strength to rigid electronic appliances.

Stretchable PCB Having Rigidity

Rigid PCBs are expensive and their processing is complicated. This is why some consumers support Stretch-rigid circuit boards in certain applications.

What Is the Resistance Transition of Stretchable PCBs?

Stretchable PCBs experience a transition of resistance due to stretching. The relationship between resistance and stretch is not linear. But resistance increases while you apply more stretching forces.

The average resistance of a PCB is around 7-8 ohms with 15 um thickness, 1 mm line spacing, and 80mm line length. Now, it is increased to 13.5 ohms, 24 ohms, 37 ohms by stretching 10%, 20%, 30% respectively.

Stretchable PCB Resistance Transition

Excessive resistance significantly declines PCB performance. That is why you need to apply sufficient stretching force to achieve proper resistance.

How Do Stretchable PCBs Affect Metamorphic Electronics?

Stretchable PCBs bring advanced development in metamorphic electronics. The usage of Stretch PCBs affect metamorphic appliances because:

• Stretchable single-layer PCBs helped develop the mounting process in assembling metamorphic electronics.
• Stretchable PCBs make metamorphic devices resistant to high temperatures due to proper processing.
• Reinforcing elements are used in stretchable circuit boards. These deliver sufficient relief to the contact pads of metamorphic electronics.
• Point of failure is delayed because of extreme elongation. This property promotes the stress tolerance of electronic devices.
• The use of stretchable circuits reduces the production cost of metamorphic electronics.
• Stretchable PCBs give dimensional stability to metamorphic applications.

These are the reasons why the Stretchable PCB is a sound option to improve the performance of metamorphic electronics.

What Is an RGB Stretchable PCB?

An RGB Stretchable PCB is very much sought after in the display-integrated automotive industry. Here, RGB LEDs are mounted on multilayer stretchable circuit boards. The meander interconnections of this PCB are controlled by different mechanical and electrical properties.

These connections render displays having sufficient pitch, along with impressive stretchability (around 10%). Stretchable PCBs ensure high brightness of RGB LED display when definite voltage is supplied.

The construction materials of this PCB are FR4 and polyimide. A thin sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane is applied on both sides of the PCB. This laminating acts as a protector of the device. The solder mask used can be different colors such as red, blue, black, etc.

RGB PCB

RGB Stretchable PCB usage provides an interesting look to the devices. Aside from the automotive industry, RGB stretchable circuit boards are used in textile-based electric circuits and lighting solutions.

Is a Stretchable PCB Hydrolysis-resistant?

Hydrolysis causes oxidation to the PCB components. Stretchable PCBs are resistant to hydrolysis to a certain extent. This circuit board is made of effective materials that resist water contamination to electronic gadgets.

Stretchable circuits support the use of conformal coatings on their surface. Different types of coatings like polyurethane resin (PR), parylene coating, silicon resin (SR) are applicable here.

Hydrolysis-Resistant Stretchable PCB

The conformal coatings are effective for keeping PCBs safe from dust, moisture, and chemical contamination. That’s why the PCBs become less vulnerable to oxidation which causes serious damage to PCB performance.

Hydrolytic contamination creates malfunctioning of the PCB materials and components. High resistance against hydrolysis improves the durability of Stretchable PCBs.

Which One Is Better Between SCB and SMI Technology in Electronic Circuits?

SCB (Stretchable Circuit  Board) and SMI (Stretchable Mould Interconnect) are two variants in modern electronics. Both of these technologies have multiple positive points. But, SCB technology has become more advantageous than SMI from certain angles. Such as:

Design

The design methodology used in stretchable circuit boards is more effective and easier to implement. But SMI technology deals with a complicated design layout.

Materials

SCB supports TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). SMI technology applies elastic materials and PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane). That’s the main difference causing variance of stretchability in electronic circuits.

Use

SCB technology is used in most stretchable electronic devices. It has higher stress resistance and thermal management, making the PCB compatible with basic and advanced circuit designs. On the other hand, SMI has limited applications in electronic.

Conclusion

Stretchable Printed Circuit Boards are a worthwhile solution for your electronic projects. These PCBs’ beneficial features make them compatible with countless devices.  PCBMay has Stretchable PCBs applicable in numerous fields of industry.

We’ve endeavoured to cover all the details as comprehensively as possible about Stretchable PCBs. Get in touch with PCBMay if you require further information. Call us now for your Stretchable PCB needs!