Your Trusted Rigid Flex PCB Manufacturer
Global Circuit Solutions Inc. and its trusted partners in the manufacturing of flexible and rigid-flex circuit boards and with decades of experience in the electronics industry, we have honed our expertise in creating high-quality, customized solutions for a diverse range of applications. Our state-of-the-art facilities and skilled team ensure that we can meet the most demanding requirements.
We take pride in delivering flexible and rigid-flex PCBs that offer outstanding performance, durability, and space-saving advantages, all backed by our commitment to precision and reliability. At GCS , we blend innovation and experience that meet the evolving needs of the electronics industry.
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Flex & Rigid Flex Capabilities
| FEATURE | Flex | Rigid-flex |
| Min Layer Count | 1 | 1 |
| Max Layer Count | 12 | ≤ 16 |
| Laminates | Thinflex Polyimide, Isola, Iteq, Panasonic, Nelco, Hybrid Constructions. | Thinflex Polyimide, Isola, Iteq, Panasonic, Nelco, Hybrid Constructions |
| Min Core thickness | .001″ (.025 mm) | .002″ (.051 mm) |
| Max Finished Copper Weight (I/L) | 2 oz (59 ml) | 3 oz (89 ml) |
| Max Finished Copper thickness (O/L) | 12 micron (.012 mm) | 9 micron (.009 mm) (only for O/L) |
| Max Panel Size | 12×18 | 12×18 |
| Smallest Mechanical Drill Diameter | .0079″ (.201 mm) | .0071″ (.180 mm) |
| Smallest Laser Drill Diameter | No | .005″ (.127 mm) |
| Min Finished Hole Size | .006″ (.152 mm) | .006″ (.152 mm) |
| Max through Hole Aspect Ratio | 10:01 | 10:01 |
| Max Blind Via Aspect Ratio | .75:1 | .75:1 |
| Min Trace and Space | ≥ .0035”(.089 mm) | ≥ .0035”(.089 mm)(rigid) |
| Min Pad Size for Test | .016″ (.406 mm) | .005” (.127 mm) (rigid) |
| Stacked Vias | No | No |
| Min Wire Bond Pad Size | > .006″ (.152 mm) | > .006″ (.152 mm) |
| Controlled Impedance Tolerance | 10% | 5% |
| Solder Mask Registration | Within .002″ (.051 mm) | Within .002″ (.051 mm) |
| Solder Mask Feature Tolerance | .001″ (.025 mm) | .001″ (.025 mm) |
| Solder Mask Min Dam Size | .004″ (.102 mm) | .001″ (.025 mm) |
| Min Diameter Route Cutter Available | .019″ (.483 mm) | .024″ (.610 mm) |
| Mechanical Routed Part Size Tolerance | .003″ (.076 mm) | .010″ (.254 mm) |
| Bow and Twist Tolerance | N/A | As per spec |
| Thickness Tolerance | +/- .002″ (.051 mm) | 10% |
| Sequential Laminations | N/A | 2 |
| Buried Vias | Yes | Yes |
| Blind Vias | Yes | Yes |
| Conductive Filled Vias | No | Yes |
| Electrical Test | 10 Volt, 40 Volt, 250 Volt, 500 Volt | 10 Volt, 40 Volt, 250 Volt, 500 Volt |
| Non Conductive Filled Vias | No | Yes |
| Routing/Fabrication | Routed Array, V-Score, Countersink, Counterbore, Bevel, Milling, Edge Castellation, Edge Plating. | Routed Array, V-Score, V-Score angles, Countersink, Counterbore, Bevel, Milling, Edge Castellation, Edge Plating. |
| Surface Finishes | ENIG, Electrolytic Soft Gold, Electrolytic Hard Gold, Selective Gold. | ENIG, LF HASL, OSP, Immersion Silver, Electrolytic Hard Gold, Selective Gold, Selective Gold. |
| Soldermask Colors | Amber, Green | Amber, Green, Black, Red, Blue,White, Clear, White. |
| Silkscreen Color | White, Yellow, Black | White, Yellow, Black |
| Industry Standards | IPC 6012, Class 1, 2, 3 | IPC 6012, Class 1, 2, 3 |
Flex & Rigid Flex Applications
Flex and rigid-flex circuit boards are highly versatile and find applications in various industries where flexibility, compactness, and reliability are crucial.
- Consumer Electronics: Flex PCBs are used in devices like smartphones, digital cameras, and wearable technology, where space constraints and the need for flexibility are paramount.
- Medical Devices: Flexible circuits are found in medical equipment such as catheters, pacemakers, and endoscopes, where the ability to conform to tight spaces is essential.
- Automotive: In the automotive industry, flex PCBs are used in airbag systems, dashboard controls, and sensors, where they need to withstand vibrations and fit into tight spaces.
- Aerospace and Defense: In aerospace and defense applications, flex circuits are used in radar systems, satellites, and missile guidance systems due to their lightweight and reliable performance.
- Industrial and Manufacturing: Industrial equipment, including robotics and automated machinery, often use flex circuits for their compact design and ability to operate in harsh environments.
- Wearable Technology: Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wearable devices utilize flexible PCBs to conform to the shape of the wearer's body.
- Audio Devices: High-end headphones and earphones may use flex PCBs in their drivers and circuitry for flexibility and lightweight construction.
- Cameras: Compact digital cameras and high-quality DSLRs incorporate flex PCBs for interconnecting various components within a confined space.
Rigid-Flex Circuit Boards:
- Mobile Devices: Rigid-flex PCBs are common in smartphones and tablets, as they offer the best of both worlds by combining the flexibility of a flex PCB with the structural stability of a rigid PCB.
- Aerospace: In complex avionics systems, rigid-flex PCBs are used to save space, reduce weight, and maintain reliable connections in extreme conditions.
- Medical Devices: Medical imaging equipment, like X-ray machines, and surgical devices, often rely on rigid-flex PCBs to ensure precision and durability.
- Automotive: Rigid-flex PCBs are used in automotive control modules, infotainment systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for their robustness and compact design.
- Wearable Technology: Some wearable devices use rigid-flex PCBs to provide structural support and reliable connections while retaining flexibility in specific areas.
- Communication Systems: Rigid-flex PCBs are employed in data centers, networking equipment, and telecommunications systems to achieve high signal integrity and reduce space requirements.
- Drones and UAVs: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones often incorporate rigid-flex PCBs to save space and accommodate complex electronics.
- Consumer Electronics: Compact and high-performance devices like laptops and gaming consoles use rigid-flex PCBs to optimize internal layout and enhance durability.
Both flex and rigid-flex PCBs offer unique advantages that make them suitable for specialized applications. Their ability to conform to complex shapes, reduce weight, and enhance reliability is a driving factor in their use across a wide range of industries.
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