Brief Classification and Application of Flexible PCB

This Gold Phoenix PCB Knowledge Center article explains the classification and applications of flexible PCB, covering single-sided, double-sided, and multilayer types, plastic vs non-plastic construction, polyimide CCL materials, and common use cases in portable electronics.

Gold Phoenix PCB, a manufacturer located in China, specializes in Flex PCB & Rigid PCB prototyping, PCB manufacturing, and PCB assembling, and stencil. In addition to PCB board production, a PCB assembly line was also purchased to further expand the business to include PCB assembly service. As with PCB manufacture, the PCB assembly service is delivered on time and of high quality. Much more details can be found at https://www.goldphoenixpcb.com.

Flexible PCB is made of flexible insulating substrate with high wiring density, light weight and small thickness. The top is coated with a dielectric cover layer. Compared to traditional cabling and rigid boards, there are a lot of advantages with flexible PCB. Firstly, flexible PCB can be moved and stretched optionally in three-dimensional space. Secondly, it can reduce the size of the device with its perfect thermal performance. Thirdly, it’s a good hub for the integration of the component and the wires.

Commonly, flexible PCB is divided into single-sided flexible PCB, double-sided flexible PCB and multilayer flexible PCB. The mainly base material is polyimide CCL with high heat resistance and good stability. It is pressed with the coverlay that is featured for mechanical protection and good electrical insulation properties. The outer and inner conductor of double sided flexible PCB or multilayer flexible PCB achieve the electrical connection of the wiring in different layers by metallization.

According to the combination method of the substrate and the copper foil, flexible PCB can be divided into plastic flexible PCB and non-plastic flexible PCB. The copper foil and the substrate of plastic flexible PCB is connected together by glue which is widely used. The copper foil and the substrate of non-plastic flexible PCB is connected together by pressing machine. The latter is better in flexibility, combination of copper foil and substrate, flatness of pad and so on. As the cost is relatively higher, it’s generally used in the device with high demand, such as COF.

Due to the merits of the flexible PCB, such as space-saving, weight-reduction and flexibility, the global demand for flexible PCB is increasing year by year. The flexible PCB is used widely in everyday technology and electronics in addition to high-end, complex components. The unique characteristics of flexible PCB make it become one of the alternatives of rigid PCB and traditional wiring on many occasions. Two of the most prominent examples of flexible PCB usage is in modern portable electronics, devices, hard disk drives and desktop printers. In addition, a growing application for flexible PCB is the use as a connector in LED-based lighting systems.

Just like the other industrial technology, the development of flexible PCB experienced a long period of transformation and innovation and it has become substantially perfect today. But there are still some aspects for further improvement, such as high initial cost, the difficulty of modifying and mending, the restriction of the dimension and easy damage for improper operation. In order to meet the requirements of the market, Gold Phoenix will make great effort to offer high quality flexible PCB in the future. More information can be found at https://www.goldphoenixpcb.com.