Rigid-Flex PCB Manufacturer - Flex Rigid PCB Supplier

Need rigid-flex PCBs?

We at OurPCB are here to assist you with your rigid-flex PCB needs. As a leading circuit board manufacturer with lots of happy customers all around the world, especially in the USA, we offer top-notch PCB assembly, including the design and production of rigid-flex PCBs. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable solutions to meet all your electronic needs.

What are Rigid-Flex PCBs?

Rigid-flex PCBs are a hybrid circuit board combining components of rigid and flexible PCBs, and are used to connect electronic components in a variety of both consumer and non-consumer devices. This board type can be folded or flexed continuously on the flexible section, which usually joins two rigid parts.

What is the Cost of Rigid-flex PCB?

The cost of rigid-flex PCBs varies widely depending on the complexity and number of layers. Here is a detailed cost comparison based on complexity and layers:

1. Rigid-Flex PCB (4-Layer):
   • Low Complexity: $20 – $50
   • Medium Complexity: $50 – $200
   • High Complexity: $200 – $1,000+
2. Rigid-Flex PCB (6-Layer):
   • Low Complexity: $50 – $100
   • Medium Complexity: $100 – $500
   • High Complexity: $500 – $2,000+

These prices are influenced by factors such as the number of layers, the complexity of the design, the materials used, and the specific manufacturing processes required. For example, military and aerospace applications often use more advanced materials and designs, which can increase costs significantly.

Rigid-flex PCBs are generally more expensive than standard rigid or flexible PCBs due to their complex manufacturing process, which involves combining rigid and flexible materials to create a single integrated board. This integration helps in reducing the overall size and weight of the device while improving reliability and performance in demanding environments.

For precise pricing tailored to your specific project requirements, please request a free quote by filling out our form.

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Flex PCBs vs. Rigid-Flex PCBs

Flexible PCBs have a bendable core material that can withstand vibrations and folding, and are made using an overlay process to protect the bendable annealed copper circuits.

Rigid-flex PCBs have both rigid and flexible PCB sections with the respective substrates and materials. The circuits in the rigid part can be inflexible etched or electro-deposited copper.

What are the Advantages of Rigid-Flex PCBs?

Enhanced Durability

The flexible part of the circuit is vibration-and shock-resistant, meaning it can hold heavier components without cracking. These boards are also more resistant to high temperatures, radiation, and other harsh environments, making them suitable for rugged applications.

Space and Weight Reduction

Rigid-flex PCB designs are more challenging to create because you have to use a 3D development space to have better spatial efficiency. But the result is a lightweight and space-optimized design that fits in compact electronics like wearables.

Improved Reliability

Compared to regular PCBs, the rigid-flex type has fewer connectors and interfacing materials. Interconnections are potential sources of failure, so this design makes the PCBs more reliable.

Rigid-Flex PCB Cost Efficiency in Production

Manufacturing rigid-flex PCBs is more expensive than building their rigid counterparts, but the cost savings come during PCB assembly. Since they replace wired interconnects (harnesses and connectors) with conductive copper layers inside the board, the assembly costs and error risks are lower.

Rigid-Flex PCB Design Freedom

The ability of rigid-flex circuits to adopt complex shapes and compact sizes gives you the freedom to experiment with different device designs because the PCB will fit inside more easily.

Reduced Assembly Time and Costs

With fewer interconnections and parts, assembling rigid-flex PCBs takes less time, minimizes wiring errors, and reduces costs because you won’t need manual labor to insert the connector wiring joints.

Our Rigid-Flex PCB Manufacturing Capabilities

Multiple Layers

We can build 2 to 30-layer rigid-flex circuit boards with a lead time of up to 2 weeks. The solder mask and silkscreen color are the same as those in regular rigid PCBs, and the surface finish will vary depending on your requirements.

High Quality Rigid-Flex PCB Material

We build these PCBs using industry-standard materials like polyimide, Rogers, and FR4. FR4 is the most popular material for building rigid boards, while polyimide makes high-quality flexible circuits. Rogers is a premium material that’s ideal for high-frequency circuit boards.

Expert-Level Precision

All PCBs must have precise circuit wiring, so we use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the traces have tight tolerances and controlled impedances to match the specific application. We have the expertise to build all kinds of PCBs, and precision is our forte.

SMT and THT Components

The assembly lines in our factories in Shijiazhuang and Shenzhen have the equipment to mount SMT and THT devices, including in a mixed assembly, in the rigid-flex PCB. The SMT components include chips with packages like BGA, QFN, SOP, leaded, and leadless carriers.

Advanced Features

It’s challenging to manufacture advanced features like buried vias into rigid-flex PCBs, but we can do that, as well as include microvias and high-density components, especially on the rigid part.

Our Shijiazhuang factory can also handle IPC 6012 Class 3/A assembly, which is crucial when making sophisticated rigid-flex PCBs for military, medical, or aerospace applications.

Quality Control

Quality control is a significant aspect of the rigid-flex PCB production process. It includes methods like ICT, FPT, AOI, automated X-ray, solderability, and burn-in testing.

PCB Customization Options

Your requirements dictate what we can build. The variables at your disposal include the layer count (provided it’s below 30), materials (FR4, Polyimide, Rogers, Aluminum), and configurations like dimensions, thickness, and surface finish. We can laminate the board or leave it unlaminated if you prefer.