Flexible PCB Boards From Mechanical Damage
As flexible PCBs become more common, the need for a sturdy design is critical. They are often subject to repeated bending and flexing and can be impacted by temperature and other environmental factors. This can lead to mechanical damage that leads to failure or malfunctions. The good news is that there are several steps that can be taken to protect a flexible PCB from mechanical damage.
One way to prevent mechanical damage is to use a rigid-flex circuit board. This type of board is more durable than standard flex circuits and offers improved electrical performance due to the rigid layer structure. This makes it suitable for more demanding applications and environments. In addition, the rigid layer structure also helps to reduce the stress on components and reduce bending damage.
Another way to protect a flexible pcb board from mechanical damage is to use stiffeners. Stiffeners are a rigid material that can be added to specific areas on a flex PCB to increase its durability and flexibility. These stiffeners are attached to the flex PCB using either thermal bonding or pressure-sensitive adhesives. Both methods have their advantages, and the choice will depend on specific application requirements and material characteristics.
Protecting Flexible PCB Boards From Mechanical Damage
Adding a stiffener can help to improve the mechanical integrity of a flex PCB, but it can also add to its cost. However, in some cases it may be necessary to do so. In this case, it is important to follow strict design guidelines and standards to ensure that the flex PCB will be able to withstand the desired level of bending or flexing.
Stiffeners can be used to protect sensitive or delicate components such as integrated circuits or connectors. They can also be used to maintain a specified shape or form for a flex PCB that is required to be in a certain position. This can be particularly useful in the case of a flex PCB that must be bent to a particular angle or for a specific length of time.
When a flex PCB is subjected to an extreme amount of bending, it can cause copper traces to crack and break. This can lead to a loss of conductivity and a loss of signal integrity. To avoid this, it is important to route traces perpendicular to the bend area, which will minimize I-beaming and stress on the copper traces. It is also a good idea to avoid discontinuities like vias, cut-outs or slits in the bend area of the flex PCB.
It is also important to use a high-quality flexible PCB manufacturer. This will help to ensure that the flex PCB is made with the best possible materials and processes. It will also be inspected for defects during and after manufacturing to ensure that the final product is of the highest quality. Additionally, it is recommended that a flex PCB undergoes a full electrical test to ensure that it is functional after assembly and installation. This will help to identify any issues that can be fixed before they cause any mechanical damage or malfunctions.
