Flex- and rigidflex-PCB

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Flex-PCB

Flex-PCB are made of flexible base material – usually polyimid (PI) – and, in addition to their flexibility, have high temperature resistance and tensile strength. The tracks are insulated by means of coverlay foil or special flexible solder resist. It is also possible to stiffen individual areas by applying individual stiffeners.
Flex PCB are used as an alternative to conventional rigid PCB primarily where the PCB is exposed to dynamic loads in application. Furthermore, the technology offers space, weight and cost savings at the assembly level. These advantages are used, for example, in medical technology, telecommunications and industrial electronics.
At Becker & Mueller, a wide variety of base materials, insulation options and technologies are available to you, with which we manufacture double-layer Flex PCB up to 427 x 884 mm . Please contact us for your special requirements!

Rigid-flex PCB

Rigid-flex PCB are hybrids consisting of a combination of conventional (rigid) PCB and flexible polymide. They usually consist of severals rigid parts that are seamlessly connected to each other by using a flexible film – they form mechanically and electrically a unit. Rigid-flex PCB are used when the PCB in the operation is exposed mechanical movement or vibrations, also if spatial conditions do not allow any other solution. Becker & Müller is one of the specialized manufacturers of rigid-flex and semi-flex PCB and with this development competence we like to already be available for our customers in the development phase.

Advantages of Flex- and Rigidflex-PCB

Rigid-flex PCB have specific advantages that make them ideal for specific applications or developments. These are the most important:

simplified assembly
favoring the miniaturization of the assembly
increase of mechanical and dynamic load capacity
increase of reliability (by reducing potential sources of error)
cost reduction at the assembly level by saving additional components (e.g. connection components)

Note: Special storage and processing guidelines apply to rigid-flex PCB

Rigid-flex vs. semi-flex PCB

An addition to rigid-flex we also manufacture semi-flex PCB. The difference is that these are made only of FR4 material. Therefore, they are just suitable for a few bending cycles and also lower bending angles are provided. Semi-flex PCB are basically standard rigid PCB, which can be bent by depth milling into certain areas. These properties are often sufficient, if the requirement is based just on a simplified installation or the saving of additional connection technology. Semi-flex PCB are therefore a more cost-effective alternative to rigid- flex PCB.