PCBWay stands as a prominent figure in the realm of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing and assembly services, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients worldwide. With a reputation built on quality, reliability, and innovation, PCBWay prides itself on delivering cutting-edge PCB solutions that exceed industry standards. From rapid prototyping to full-scale production runs, PCBWay caters to a wide spectrum of requirements, including rigid, flexible, and rigid-flex PCBs, as well as advanced PCB assembly services. With a commitment to excellence and a customer-centric approach, PCBWay remains at the forefront of PCB technology, empowering businesses and individuals alike to bring their ideas to life with precision and efficiency.
PCBWay has recently introduced several upgrades to their flexible PCB offerings. These enhancements encompass new parameters and special processes, enriching the versatility and customization options available to customers. Let’s delve into each of these new features to understand their significance in the realm of flexible PCB fabrication.
New Parameters:
Expanded Layer Support:
PCBWay now supports flexible PCBs with up to 16 layers, providing customers with increased design flexibility and complexity.
High-Frequency Polyimide Option:
The addition of “High Frequency (DKs3.6)” for polyimide base material enables the fabrication of flexible PCBs optimized for high-frequency applications, such as wireless communication systems.
Transparent/Translucent PET Option:
Introducing “Transparent/Translucent” as an option for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) in the polyimide base material column offers aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing flexible PCB solutions.
Variable FPC Thickness:
Customers can now select from a range of thickness options for one-layer (0.025/0.05mm) and two-layer (0.08mm) flexible PCBs, catering to diverse application requirements.
Versatile Stiffener Choices:
The inclusion of “TOP Black FR4/BOT Black FR4” stiffeners, along with various thickness options (0.2mm/0.4mm/0.5mm/0.6mm/0.8mm/1.0mm/1.2mm/1.5mm), facilitates enhanced mechanical support and rigidity for flexible PCB designs.
Conductive Double-Sided Tape Options:
With the introduction of new drop-down options such as “HT-A1134/HDF-600/without,” customers can select the most suitable conductive double-sided tape for their specific application needs, ensuring reliable adhesion and electrical connectivity.
Increased Order Quantity Limit:
The updated order quantity limit of 3000 for flexible PCBs allows for larger production runs, enabling scalability and cost-effectiveness for mass production projects.
New Special Processes:
Stiffener Between Top and Bottom Edge Connector: This special process enhances the structural integrity and durability of flexible PCBs, particularly in applications where edge connectors are subjected to mechanical stress or handling.
- Single-Side Double Access: Offering access from both sides of the flexible PCB on a single layer provides greater flexibility in routing and connecting components, optimizing layout efficiency and minimizing space constraints.
- Peelable Soldermask: Peelable soldermask allows for easy removal or rework of solder mask material, enabling modifications or repairs to be carried out with precision and ease.
- Via Filled with Copper: Filling vias with copper enhances conductivity and thermal dissipation, improving the overall performance and reliability of flexible PCBs, especially in high-current or high-frequency applications.
- Edge Plating: Edge plating reinforces the edges of flexible PCBs with additional copper layers, enhancing structural integrity, EMI shielding, and solder joint reliability.
- Half-Cut: The half-cut process involves partially cutting through the flexible PCB substrate, allowing for precise bending or folding of the board without compromising electrical connectivity or mechanical strength.
The stack-up of FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit)
The stack-up of FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) with an air gap refers to the arrangement of layers within a flexible PCB where intentional gaps or spaces are introduced between certain layers. These gaps are filled with air, creating a void or airspace within the PCB structure.
The purpose of incorporating air gaps in the FPC stack-up is to achieve specific design objectives such as:
Reduced Dielectric Constant:
By introducing air as a dielectric material between layers, the overall dielectric constant of the PCB can be lowered. This can be advantageous in high-frequency applications where minimizing signal loss and maintaining signal integrity are critical.
Controlled Impedance:
Air gaps can help in controlling the impedance of transmission lines within the flexible PCB. By adjusting the dimensions and placement of air gaps, designers can achieve precise impedance matching for signals traveling through the PCB.
Improved Thermal Management:
Air has lower thermal conductivity compared to solid dielectric materials used in PCBs. Introducing air gaps can help in thermal isolation, reducing heat transfer between adjacent layers and improving thermal management within the flexible PCB.
Flexibility Enhancement:
In some cases, air gaps can enhance the flexibility and bendability of the flexible PCB. By strategically placing air gaps in areas where bending or folding is expected, designers can prevent stress concentrations and potential damage to the PCB during flexing.
Overall, the incorporation of air gaps in the FPC stack-up offers designers a versatile tool to optimize the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of flexible printed circuits for a wide range of applications.
In conclusion, PCBWay’s upgraded flexible PCB features empower customers with a comprehensive suite of options to tailor their designs according to specific performance, aesthetic, and production requirements. PCBWay provides comprehensive support for FPC manufacturing, including custom stack-up options, specialized processes like peelable solder mask, and a variety of material choices to meet the unique requirements of each project. Additionally, PCBWay offers services for rigid-flex PCBs, which combine the benefits of both rigid and flexible PCBs into a single design. These enhancements underscore PCBWay’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional quality in the realm of flexible PCB fabrication.
