PCB Boards More Expensive Than Rigid Ones
Whether or not you are considering a flexible printed circuit board for your next project, it is important to understand that there are many factors that affect the cost of a PCB. The most significant influence is the fabrication process. In order to minimize costs, it is crucial that the fabricator and designer work together during the design phase to ensure a successful first time build and account for any possible product variations. This allows the fabricator to make decisions that are most appropriate for the end application and will minimize rework, which in turn decreases overall production costs.
During the manufacturing process, human errors can happen that will increase production and shipping costs. To prevent this, it is essential to provide stricter supervision to the manufacturing team. This will help to reduce mistakes that could lead to a defective flexible pcb board. In addition, the insulator material used will also determine the final price of a PCB. Choosing a high-quality insulator will save you money in the long run.
Another important factor is the thickness of the insulator layer. Thicker insulators require more layers, which will ultimately increase the price of the board. However, a thicker insulator layer can protect the conductors from damage and bending during transport. Generally, the thickness of the insulator layer is proportional to the amount of copper in the board.
Are Flexible PCB Boards More Expensive Than Rigid Ones?
In general, a rigid-flex board will be more expensive than a traditional rigid PCB due to the materials used and the manufacturing processes required for it. This is because rigid-flex boards utilize a no flow prepreg, which is more expensive than FR4 and polyimide. In addition, rigid-flex circuits use two glass fabrics instead of one, which increases the overall cost of the board.
Rigid-flex circuits are able to withstand repeated bending, which makes them suitable for use in applications where the equipment can be bent or flexed. They are also able to survive various environmental conditions such as temperature changes, humidity levels and vibrations. Moreover, they can improve signal transmission quality by reducing the number of connections that are needed.
The main advantage of a flex PCB is the weight savings. These are achieved by using a polyester or polyimide substrate film that is as thin as 12 to 120 microns. This is then etched with the required conductive material, and a coverlay is applied to protect the layer from moisture or dirt.
Unlike rigid PCBs, which are made from a combination of materials including fiberglass and epoxy, flex circuits are made from a single layer of polyester or polyimide that is then etched with the necessary conductive material. A flex circuit can be made with as few or as many layers as required by the circuit’s design. However, adding additional layers will increase the assembly cost and complexity. Ultimately, if you’re designing a flex circuit, it is best to choose a simple, single-sided board to reduce assembly costs and keep the design simple. This will also help to improve the reliability of the flex circuit.