Industries Commonly Utilize PCB Flex
PCB flex circuits are thin substrates that can be bent, rolled, or folded without losing their ability to conduct electricity. They replace wires and cables in many electronic products and are a valuable asset for companies that want to minimize weight, size, and cost while maintaining functionality. They are also a great way to meet impedance requirements, reduce crosstalk, and add shielding. These advantages have led to a number of industries commonly using them, with some of the most prominent examples including healthcare, mobile devices, and smart technology.
Most pcb flex are made of two or more layers that are separated by insulating spaces and plated with copper. They are then covered with a layer of PI or PET film that insulates the outer surface conductors. A layer of FR4 or another rigid material, such as glass fiber, is then added over the top.
Rigid PCBs have a base material that is typically woven fiberglass impregnated in epoxy resin. Despite their rigidity, these products are quite flexible because they have a high amount of elasticity when they are cured. A webinar by Epec Engineered Technologies shows that it takes 8 steps to make a rigid PCB, while the same process requires 17 for a flex board.
What Industries Commonly Utilize PCB Flex?
A common use of flex PCBs is in the medical industry, where they are used in devices such as electronic stethoscopes and remote patient monitoring systems. They are also used in assistive devices, smart prosthetics, and other types of portable health technology. Flex circuits are able to provide higher performance while saving space, making them an excellent option for these applications.
Another large industry that utilizes flex circuits is mobile technology, especially smartphones. The slim and lightweight design of smartphones often requires flex circuits to accommodate the necessary components. These flex circuits are also used in other handheld electronics, such as tablets and laptops.
Other industries that commonly utilize flex circuits include aerospace and defense, which require flexible electronics to adapt to different forms and sizes of hardware. These boards are also required to withstand extreme temperatures and vibrations. Using a flex circuit in a military vehicle, for instance, can increase its reliability while reducing its weight.
Lastly, flex circuits are also utilized in the Internet of Things (IoT) segment of the electronics industry. This is mainly because IoT is becoming increasingly popular, and there is a growing demand for smart sensors, actuators, and other electronics that are compatible with various IoT platforms.
As the IoT market continues to grow, more and more people are utilizing flex circuits. These flex circuits are perfect for connecting different devices and facilitating IoT communication. In addition, flex circuits can be customized to suit specific customer needs and are a great alternative to traditional rigid printed circuit boards. This is mainly because they are more versatile and can be easily adapted to the specific environment where they will be deployed. Furthermore, they can be designed with high-density interconnects to ensure that the device is as functional and efficient as possible.