Rigid flex printed circuit

Rigid flex printed circuit boards or simply rigid flex boards are selective attachments of multiple flexible circuit interlayers. It is a hybrid structure that combines the 'rigidity' of rigid boards and 'flexibility' of flex circuits. The structure is highly useful in devices where different portions are intended to perform different roles.

Like other flex boards, rigid flex boards are formed of multiple inner layers attached together via adhesives formed of epoxy pre-impregnated composite fibres. In place of flexible layers, flexible cables can also combine with a rigid layer to result in a rigid flex circuit.

Some of the many benefits of rigid flex printed circuit boards are listed below:

Lower component count – Compared to traditional rigid boards or the only-flex boards, rigid flex circuit combinations work with lesser electronic components and interconnections.

Flexible design options – A combination of rigid and flexible substrate imparts necessary strength as well as flexibility to a rigid flex printed circuit. They give variable design options to a component manufacturer.

High density applications – The rigidity of a rigid flex circuit is utilized in structuring a high density electronic component assembly.

Package size and weight reduction – Wiring and bulkier component assembly on rigid boards result in an increase in weight and unwanted crowding. In comparison, rigid flex boards allow dual sided design possibility; and when used with SMT, result in better space utilization.

Evidently, lightweight and efficient rigid flex printed boards rule the electronic device manufacturing industry.