Lifespan of Rigid Flex Circuits
Rigid flex circuits are ideal for applications that require a high degree of reliability and durability. These specialized circuit boards combine the best of rigid and flexible PCBs, providing a compact and efficient solution for complex electronic devices. They are widely used in critical applications like medical imaging equipment, military missile guidance systems and wearable electronics. These PCBs also feature excellent thermal stability and are able to withstand extreme vibration and shock applications. If you are considering using rigid-flex PCBs for your project, it is important to understand their lifespan in order to make an informed decision.
In general, flex PCBs are fabricated with copper. This copper may be deposited in the panel as an electrodeposited (ED) layer or by pressing it onto the pads and vias through button plating. ED copper is ideal for flex PCBs because it is much thinner than traditional copper and offers better etch yields in small traces. However, ED copper is a more expensive option than rolled annealed (RA) copper. Regardless of the type of copper used, it is imperative to maintain a drill-to-copper distance of at least 8 mil. This will prevent the copper from moving and contraction during manufacturing, which can lead to a number of issues such as voids and etch failures.
Another key factor to consider is the amount of conductor stress. The flex circuit’s ability to withstand mechanical stress and vibration contributes to its long lifespan. rigid flex circuits that follow the proper bend guidelines can provide hundreds of thousands of flex cycles without failure.
What is the Lifespan of Rigid Flex Circuits?
Flex PCBs also have fewer interconnections, which reduces the number of potential points of failure in a design. This can reduce the need for solder joints and contact crimps, while enhancing the overall reliability of the device. The reduced number of interconnects also helps improve the device’s shock and vibration performance.
Rigid-flex circuits can be manufactured with a wide range of adhesives, including acrylics, epoxy and pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA). These adhesives can be easily applied to the bare board during assembly, and they offer great bond strength. They can also help to reduce assembly costs, as they eliminate the need for installing a wire harness in the enclosure of the device. This significantly reduces the cost and time of assembly, and it can improve the speed of testing.
It is crucial to choose a quality rigid-flex PCB, as cheap alternatives often cut corners in the design, fabrication and testing process. This can result in thermal and electrical issues, flexibility problems and shortened lifespans. This can put your project at risk of safety hazards, customer complaints and product recalls. In addition, using a subpar PCB in a critical application can create significant financial and reputational damage for the manufacturer, designer or user.
