Flexible PCB
The Perfect Solution

PI (Polyimide Kapton) is the most common raw material used for Flex PCB. They can be single-sided, double-sided, or multilayers with or without PTH and/or laser-defined micro-vias. Flex can both replace cables and hold components with low to high complexity.

Product Benefits

PI Flex material hold unique insulating ability for even very thin substrates, which makes the material excellent for low weight devices with limited space. Connectors and cables are considered a reliability risk in many applications. Flex PCBs can replace or reduce the use of connectors with improved reliability and signal performance as a side effect. They are easy to install and can both hold components and create interconnections in 3D solutions.

Cost Saving

The overall cost of the product can be reduced with flexible solutions by reducing assembly time and by replacing cables and connections.

Fast Assembly

Flex PCB eliminates the need for color code wrap bundles of wire and is much faster to install.

High Durability

Flex PCBs are durable and resistant to shock and vibrations making them suitable for both high-reliability devices and handheld products of everyday use.

Space and Weight Reduction

Cables, connectors, and in some instances rigid PCBs can be replaced by Flex PCBs creating lightweight and very dense interconnection in a reduced space.

What is Flexible PCB?

Definition

A semi-flex PCB is characterized by its ability to bend or flex to a certain degree while maintaining its structural integrity. This type of PCB is often used to save space in the final product and avoid the use of connectors between two circuit boards. Semi-flex PCBs are manufactured using a combination of traditional PCB fabrication processes such as photolithography, etching, and drilling, as well as specialized techniques for handling the flexible substrate. The final product is a PCB that can bend or flex to a certain degree while maintaining its electrical performance and durability.

Specifications

Base Material: The most common base material used to build a Flexible PCB is Polyimide (PI). It can be used with PTH and is available for the soldering process. PET and PEN can be used for Flexible PCB without soldering needs.

Lines and Spaces: The trace and spacing widths on a Flexible PCB are usually smaller than traditional PCBs to accommodate the limited space and maintain flexibility. A flexible PCB can also be an HDI PCB.

Layer Count: Flexible PCBs can have single-sided, double-sided, and up to 4 layers with a thickness from 25µm to 150µm.

Surface Finish: The surface finish used in Flexible PCBs is usually electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG)

Do you need Flexible PCB?

Flexible PCBs are used in almost every industry that needs space and weight reductions such as automotive, wearable devices, medical, military, instrumentation, avionics, sensors, or industrial controls.

Features

Copper Properties

Copper Properties1/4 oz (9 µm)1/2 oz (18 µm)1 oz (35 µm)2 oz (70 µm)1/2 oz (18 µm)1 oz (35 µm)2 oz (70 µm)
Tensile Strength (KPSI)15334040202228
Elongation (%)223381327
Vol Resistivity (MOHM CM)1,661,621,621,781,741,74
1/4 oz (9 µm)
Tensile Strength (KPSI)15
Elongation (%)2
Vol Resistivity (MOHM CM)
1/2 oz (18 µm)
Tensile Strength (KPSI)33
Elongation (%)2
Vol Resistivity (MOHM CM)1,66
1 oz (35 µm)
Tensile Strength (KPSI)40
Elongation (%)3
Vol Resistivity (MOHM CM)1,62
2 oz (70 µm)
Tensile Strength (KPSI)40
Elongation (%)3
Vol Resistivity (MOHM CM)1,62
1/2 oz (18 µm)
Tensile Strength (KPSI)20
Elongation (%)8
Vol Resistivity (MOHM CM)1,78
1 oz (35 µm)
Tensile Strength (KPSI)22
Elongation (%)13
Vol Resistivity (MOHM CM)1,74

PI Foil Thickness

PI Foil ThicknessThickness RangeCost Lead Times
Usual PI Thickness25 µm / 50 µmStandardStandard
Intermediate PI Thickness12 µm / 72 µm / 100 µm++
Unusual PI Thickness9 µm / 125 µm 150 µm2 to 3 times the cost of usual thickness2 to 4 months
Thickness Range
Usual PI Thickness25 µm / 50 µm
Intermediate PI Thickness 12 µm / 72 µm / 100 µm
Unusual PI Thickness9 µm / 125 µm 150 µm
Cost
Usual PI ThicknessStandard
Intermediate PI Thickness +
Unusual PI Thickness2 to 3 times the cost of usual thickness
Lead Times
Usual PI ThicknessStandard
Intermediate PI Thickness +
Unusual PI Thickness2 to 4 months

Technical Data

Flexible PCB Feature

Flexible PCB FeatureICAPE Group Flexible PCB technical specification
Layer countUp to 6 layers,
Technology highlightsReliable and cost effective solution for 3D interconnexion with HDI stack-up to 2 step (N+2) option. Dynamic application with multiple bendings.
MaterialsPEN and PET raw material (only for SS). Polyimide raw material (SS to ML6). Adhesive or adhesiveless with ED or RA copper. Stiffener (FR4 / PI / Al)
Base Copper ThicknessFrom 1/2 Oz base to 2 Oz
Minimum track & spacing0.075mm / 0.075mm, Advanced 0,060mm / 0,065mm
Surface finishes availableOSP, ENIG, ENEPIG
Minimum mechanical drill0.15mm
Minimal thickness0,2mm
Maxmimum dimensions425x590mm.

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Industries

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Technologies

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