PCBAStore :High Quality PCB Assembly Services for Rigid Flex Circuit Boards supplier

What is Rigid-Flex PCB (Printed Circuit Boards)

When these two realities of "rigid" and "flexible" meet in a printed circuit board, an RFPCB is born. It is a combination of the conventional rigid board (PCB) and the somewhat "more exotic" flexible circuit board (FPC) that allows for completely new things, for instance, miniaturization or radically enhanced reliability for applications involving plenty of movement. The Rigid-Flex PCB (RFPCB), also known as the rigid-flex circuit board, is a hybrid of conventional rigid boards and flexible circuit boards. In this design, the flexible circuit layers are incorporated into the rigid board, providing them to extend directly from the rigid part. As a result, a rigid-flex PCB is a rigid support structure and provides flexible connections for electronic components in three-dimensional or movable applications.

Advantages of Rigid-Flex Printed Circuit Boards

The advantages of rigid-flex PCBs are truly versatile: They offer 3D electronic interconnection capabilities and allow for direct connection between rigid and flexible boards. Reduction of connectors (cost and space savings) is another notable benefit. By eliminating connectors, these PCBs reduce potential points of failure, thereby improving overall system reliability. Integration of multiple boards into a single assembly simplifies assembly processes and reduces weight. Additionally, they enable miniaturization due to their compact design and support dynamic load capacity in flexible areas. The rigid sections offer structural integrity for mounting complex components.

Material & Properties of Rigid Flex PCB

Rigid-flex PCBs consist of rigid epoxy fiberglass boards and flexible polyimide circuitry. The stable and durable lamination of these significantly different materials requires strict adherence to process specifications in PCB manufacturing. When properly manufactured, these PCBs exhibit high solderability and are suitable for automated assembly processes. Moreover, they provide a sturdy platform for component mounting in their application.

The flexible segments allow installation within enclosures that require bending or even dynamic movement. The bending radii can be relatively tight, often just a few millimeters. However, care must be taken to avoid placing bends directly at the transition point between rigid and flex sections to prevent cracking. The temperature resistance of rigid-flex PCBs typically falls within the normal range of TG150°C, with a maximum operating temperature of approximately 130°C.

Applications of Rigid-Flex PCB

There are a range of application areas for rigid-flex PCBs. These include scenarios where high-density packaging or mobility is required. For example, integrating flex into the structure eliminates bulky connectors used to link separate boards via cables. By integrating the rigid-flex transitions directly into the board, it allows for a significant compression of the entire electronics.

They are particularly useful in wearable devices, aerospace systems, medical equipment like imaging devices or implantable electronics, automotive sensors and cameras, and industrial robotics where space constraints or mechanical stress are concerns. Another widely used application is to connect various electronic modules over longer distances while maintaining dynamic movability.

Types of Flexible Printed Circuit Boards (FPC)

Flexible printed circuits come in different configurations depending on complexity and use case:

Flexible printed circuits FPC: These are typically 1-2 layer designs made with bendable substrates like polyimide. They’re ideal for simple interconnections but not suited for dense routing or component placement without reinforcement.

Rigid-flexible printed circuit boards RFPCB: These combine multiple rigid sections interconnected by flex layers. They support higher component density and complex routing while maintaining flexibility where needed.

FPCs are further categorized based on layer placement:

· Outer flexible layers: e.g., 4LA2

· Inner flexible layers: e.g., 4LI2

This classification provides important insights into the complexity, effort, and pricing of the manufacturing process.

PCBAStore： high-quality pcb assembly services for rigid-flex circuit boards supplier

As the most popular PCB manufacturing and assembly company based in China ,we have been offering full spec electronic manufacturing solutions for 16 years to meeting the needs of our customers from different industries in terms of cost-effectiveness, quality , delivery and any other requests.

PCBAStore offers comprehensive solutions tailored to high-quality pcb assembly services for rigid flex circuit boards through its advanced production facilities located in Shenzhen. Their capabilities span from prototype development to full-scale production runs.

PCBAStore specialize in producing high-tech PCB prototype, fast delivery PCB and mass production PCB. Our products are cover with 2-40 layers Rigid PCB, 1-8 layers Flexible PCB and Rigid-Flex PCB. With state-of-the-art SMT lines equipped with Panasonic High-Speed Placement Machines and X-ray inspection systems, they ensure precision even on complex assemblies like BGA or QFN packages.

Their turnkey service includes component sourcing—We have thousands of capacitances & resistances in stock, layout design using tools like Altium Designer or Allegro, fabrication using materials such as FR-4/PI/PTFE/Ceramic substrates, all under ISO9001-certified quality control systems.

For customers seeking fast turnaround times with no minimum order quantity requirements—Our minimum is as low as 1 pieces—PCBAStore provides express options including 24-hour delivery on standard builds.

Their customer service model emphasizes transparency through online quoting tools that deliver accurate pricing instantly—Online quote over 95% accurate, making it easier than ever to manage project costs while ensuring top-tier quality.

FAQ

What is rigid-flex PCB?

It combines the classic rigid board (PCB) with the somewhat "more exotic" flexible circuit board (FPC), opening up entirely new possibilities such as miniaturization or increased reliability under mechanical stress.

What is the difference between rigid-flex and flex PCB?

Rigid-flex integrates both stiff sections for component mounting and bendable segments for movement; pure FPCs lack rigidity unless reinforced with stiffeners.

What are the advantages of using rigid-flex PCB?

Reduction of connectors (cost and space savings), enhanced durability under motion/vibration conditions,miniaturization through higher compactness, simplified system integration.

Where are rigid-flex PCBs used?

In general, they are used when either high assembly compactness (miniaturization) is required or when parts of the electronics need to be movable.

What are rigid-flex PCBs made of?

Rigid epoxy fiberglass boards combined with polyimide-based flexible circuitry, laminated together under controlled conditions.

How much does a rigid-flex PCB cost?

Costs vary based on layer count, materials used, complexity (e.g., inner vs outer flex layers), but savings on connectors/cabling often offset initial costs.

How long does production take?

Production timelines depend on complexity but can range from several days to weeks; express services may expedite this process significantly.

What is the bending radius of rigid-flex PCBs?

The bending radii can be relatively tight, often just a few millimeters. Avoid placing bends at transition points between flex/rigid areas to prevent damage.