One of the vital aspects to consider before purchasing a Rigid-Flex PCB or other Circuit Boards is the reputation of the manufacturer. In that way, one can guarantee that the product they’ve ordered will arrive in exceptional quality and performs flawlessly.
Also, it is crucial to have an idea about the various capabilities of a Rigid-Flex PCB before deciding to acquire it; hence, all of its vital details of it will be comprehensively discussed.
Consequently, we’d like to further tackle the ten (10) Rigid-Flex PCB Manufacturers that dominate the industry. Additionally, we broach topics including Rigid-Flex PCB’s capabilities, surface finishes, reports, applications, and its benefits.
Top 10 Rigid-Flex PCB Manufacturers
The term Rigid-Flex PCB refers to a particular sort of PCB that blends unyielding and versatile board technology solutions into a unified platform. Rigid-Flex PCBs are used when a Flexible Board with the ability to bend or deform is needed for an endeavor because they maintain their fundamental structure and shape even when curved or distorted.
Rigid-Flex PCBs are produced by a wide variety of PCB makers. The leading producers of Rigid-Flex PCBs are mentioned underneath.
Basista Leiterplatten GmbH
One of the most well-known names for PCBs made in Germany is Basisra Leiterplatten GmbH. In addition to the automobile, aircraft, medical, and telecommunications sectors, they also excel in creating high-quality, complicated Circuits.
Including PCB design, testing, and bulk manufacturing, Basista Leiterplatten GmbH provides a broad variety of PCB solutions. To guarantee that their Boards satisfy the greatest requirements for excellence and dependability, they use cutting-edge production tools and qualified experts.
Basista Leiterplatten GmbH further manufactures High-Frequency PCBs, Rigid-Flex PCBs, and Flexible PCBs alongside traditional PCBs. They provide an assortment of surface treatments, including ENIG, OSP, and dipping tin, and can operate on an array of substrates, including FR4, Rogers, and Polyimide.
Basista Leiterplatten GmbH might be a decent choice to take into consideration if you require high-quality boards for your endeavor. They have a solid name for creating dependable, high-performance circuits and have had the pleasure of working with numerous pleased clients over the years.
RayMing Technology
In essence, PCB design, development, and bulk manufacturing are just a few of the PCB services provided by RayMing Technology. In order to guarantee that their boards satisfy the greatest levels of quality and dependability, they utilize cutting-edge production technology and qualified experts.
In order to assist clients through the planning and production processes, RayMing Technology provides outstanding customer service and technical assistance. They are an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality, reasonably priced Boards because they also have a quick response time and reasonable pricing.
It’s crucial to remember that working with PCB makers located in China may present some difficulties, such as extended shipment periods, contact difficulties, and uneven levels of quality standards. In order to guarantee they can satisfy your unique needs and standards, it’s crucial to fully investigate and assess any PCB maker before dealing with them.
PCBMay
One of the most well-known names for PCBs made in China is PCBMay. Several PCB makers, including PCBMay, are based in Shenzhen, a significant center for electronics production.
Due to its affordable labor prices, cutting-edge production technology, and effective supply network, China has grown to be a common location for PCB making. One of many PCB producers in China, PCBMay provides clients from all over the globe with high-quality, affordable PCBs.
While there are some benefits to partnering with a PCB maker located in China, such as reduced costs and proximity to cutting-edge technology, there are also some possible drawbacks, such as extended delivery delays, contact difficulties, and different levels of quality assurance. In order to make sure that a PCB maker can meet your unique needs and expectations, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive study and evaluation of them before working with them.
However, with PCBMay, they have provided solutions to these drawbacks by addressing them effectively. Hence, all of these concerns are no longer present with PCBMay.
IEC Electronics Corporation
A PCB maker located in the US is called IEC Electronics Company. A multitude of sectors, along with the military, aerospace, medical, and manufacturing, concentrate on the creation and production of complicated PCB components.
In addition to PCB design, planning, manufacturing, assembly, and testing, IEC Electronics Company also provides other PCB assistance. Further, to guarantee that their Boards satisfy the greatest levels of quality and dependability, they utilize cutting-edge production technology and qualified experts.
IEC Electronics is known for its staunch dedication to client happiness and provides top-notch client service and technical assistance to assist clients during the planning and production processes. They are an excellent choice for those seeking for high-quality, locally-made PCBs because of their quick response time and affordable prices.
It’s crucial to remember, though, that American PCB production can be more costly when compared to that of other nations, like China. To make sure a PCB maker can satisfy your unique needs and finances, it’s crucial to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Sun & Lynn Circuits
A PCB maker with its headquarters in China, Sun & Lynn Circuits is dedicated to manufacturing rigid-flex Boards at affordable prices. In order to create complicated designs that can endure the challenges of dynamic settings, Rigid-Flex PCBs blend the benefits of Rigid and Flexible PCBs. In several sectors, including aircraft, military, and medical, Sun & Lynn Circuits has vast expertise in manufacturing Rigid-Flex Boards.
A broad variety of PCB amenities, including PCB design, testing, and bulk manufacturing, are available from Sun & Lynn Circuits. To guarantee that their boards satisfy the greatest levels of quality and dependability, they use cutting-edge production technology and qualified experts.
Even so, as with any Chinese Board maker, there are risks involved, including delays in shipment, difficulties in communicating with the factory, and inconsistent quality. If you want to be confident that your PCB maker can deliver exactly what you need, you must do some background checking on them first.
Murrietta Circuits
PCBs are produced by Murrietta Circuits, a company headquartered in California, USA. They focus on producing high-reliability PCBs for the military, defense, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.
Murrietta Circuits is a one-stop shop for PCB needs, providing services like design, planning, manufacturing, construction, and inspection. In order to guarantee that every one of their boards is of the greatest quality and dependability, they use cutting-edge production technology and staff their company with seasoned experts.
In order to assist clients through the creation and production procedures, Murrietta Circuits provides first-rate service quality and technical assistance. They are an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality, locally-made PCBs because they also have a quick response time and affordable pricing.
Murrietta Circuits’ ITAR (International Traffic in Weapons Regulations) registration, which entitles them to work on defense-related initiatives involving the sale of military goods and services, is one benefit of collaborating with them. To make sure that Murrietta Circuits can fulfill its unique needs and goals, do extensive research on and evaluation of the company before interacting with them, as you should with any board maker.
MV Flex Circuit
Among all of the other well-known manufacturers worldwide, MV Flex Circuit dominates the Chinese Market. Around the world, they have been manufacturing high-performance Rigid-Flex PCB as well as other circuit boards for a range of uses.
Moreover, the MV Flex Circuit has been in the industry for over 15 years, and they are composed of over 500 skilled and experienced workers in their facility. Even though they are a Chinese Manufacturer, there is no need to worry about the language barrier since its personnel are trained to communicate in various languages; hence, there’s no communication gap.
Ultimately, MV Flex Circuit abides by countless of accreditations and certifications required in the industry. Thus, one can guarantee that all of their products are quality made, and flawlessly functioning. All of the customer’s worries can be washed off with MV Flex Circuit’s excellence, both in their services and product quality.
Richter Elektronik GmbH
A maker of electrical devices and parts with its headquarters in Germany is Richter Elektronik GmbH. They are experts in developing specialized products for a range of markets, including the automobile, medicinal, and aircraft sectors. Furthermore, customized connections, wire components, EMI/RFI shielding, circuit assembly, and system integration are a few of their primary services and goods.
Since its founding more than 50 years ago, Richter Elektronik GmbH has built a solid name for creating dependable and high-quality electrical solutions. They have a group of skilled architects and techs who collaborate closely with their clients to create solutions that are specifically tailored to their requirements.
SigmaTron International
A multinational supplier of electronic manufacturing services (EMS) and products are SigmaTron International. Over a multitude of sectors, including aircraft, automotive, medical, and industrial machinery, the business excels in the manufacturing of electrical components, Rigid-Flex Boards, and full systems.
SigmaTron International provides a variety of goods and services, such as PCB assembly, supply chain management, system integration, engineering and development, and verification.
Altogether, SigmaTron International is a trusted and knowledgeable producer of electrical systems and components. They have a foothold all over the world and provide a broad variety of services that can assist their clients in effectively and swiftly bringing their electrical goods to market.
Unimicron Technology Corporation
Situated in Taiwan, Unimicron Technology Company is a producer of hybrid composites and circuits. Since it began operating in 1990, the business has grown to be considered among the top producers in its sector. Unimicron Technology Company provides a variety of goods and services, such as HDI PCBs, IC Substrates, Rigid-Flex PCBs, Backplane PCBs, and Innovative Production Processes.
Generally speaking, Unimicron Technology Company is a leading producer of superior Boards and base components. They are a dependable and trustworthy collaborator for clients in a variety of sectors thanks to their cutting-edge production methods and emphasis on quality assurance.
Rigid-Flex PCB Capabilities
In essence, there are countless capabilities a Rigid-Flex PCB can offer. We have compiled all of them in the table below.
Ways to Design Rigid-Flex PCB in Altium Designer
Specifications | Capabilities |
Minimum Layer Count | 1 |
| Maximum Layer Count | ≤ 16 |
Maximum Finished Copper Weight (I/L) | 0.051 mm |
| Maximum Finished Copper thickness (O/L) | 89 mil |
Maximum Panel Size | 9 microns |
| Smallest Mechanical Drill Diameter | 12 by 18 |
Smallest Laser Drill Diameter | 0.180 mm |
| Minimum Finished Hole Size | 0.127 mm |
Maximum Through-Hole Aspect Ratio | 0.152 mm |
| Maximum Blind Via Aspect Ratio | 10:1 |
Minimum Trace and Space | 0.75:1 |
| Minimum Pad Size for Test | ≥ 0.089 mm (rigid) |
Process Pad Diameter | 0.127 mm (rigid) |
| Stacked Vias | D + 0.356 mm (1-mil (.025 mm) annular ring) |
Minimum Wire Bond Pad Size | No |
| Controlled Impedance Tolerance | > 0.152 mm |
Solder Mask Registration | 5% |
| Solder Mask Feature Tolerance | Within 0.051 mm |
Solder Mask Minimum Dam Size | 0.025 mm |
| Minimum Diameter Route Cutter Available | 0.610 mm |
Mechanical Routed Part Size Tolerance | 0.254 mm |
| Bow and Twist Tolerance | As per Specification |
Thickness Tolerance | 10% |
| Sequential Laminations | 2 |
Buried Vias | Yes |
| Blind Vias | Yes |
Conductive Filled Vias | Yes |
| Non-Conductive Filled Vias | Yes |
Different Suitable Surface Finish for Rigid-Flex PCB
Almost every Surface Finish there exists is appropriate for Rigid-Flex PCB; however, for a detailed guideline, we have compiled them in a table. All of the Surface Treatments we have are mentioned underneath. Further, it will indicate whether that particular finish is suitable for a Rigid-Flex PCB.
Surface Finish | Rigid-Flex PCB |
| HASL | Yes |
Lead-Free HASL | Yes |
| Shikoku F2 OSP | Yes |
Entek OSP | Yes |
| ENIG | Yes |
Immersion Silver | Yes |
Immersion White Tin | No |
Tin Nickel | No |
| Electrolytic Soft Gold | Yes |
Electrolytic Hard Gold | Yes |
| Selective Gold | Yes |
Fabrication Capabilities of Rigid-Flex PCB
Rigid-flex PCB manufacturing capabilities refer to the methods, procedures, and tools used to produce Rigid-Flex PCBs. A blend of Rigid and Flexible PCBs, Rigid-Flex PCBs have several advantages over conventional Rigid PCBs, including greater design freedom, decreased weight, and better dependability.
A further discussion about this will be explained in the table below.
Fabrication | Rigid-Flex PCB |
Routed Array | Yes |
| V Score, Edge to Copper | 0.254 mm |
V Score Angles | Yes |
| Countersink | Yes |
Counterbore | Yes |
| Bevel | Yes |
Milling | Yes |
| Edge Castellation | Yes |
Edge Plating | Yes |
| Heatsinks | No |
Available Reports for Rigid-Flex PCB
In order to comprehend whether a Rigid-Flex PCB is ideal for countless applications, one must know the different reports it can provide to further solidify the argument of whether this board is ideal for the desired application or not.
Hence, we would like to mention the various reports in the circuit board field, and determine whether the Rigid-Flex PCB complies with them.
Reports | Rigid-Flex PCB |
| Microsection | Yes |
Solderability | Yes |
| X-Ray Fluorescence | Yes |
Ionic Contamination | Yes |
| Time Domain Reflectometry Test (TDR) | Yes |
FAI | Yes |
| Certificate of Compliance (CoC) | Yes |
Applications of Rigid-Flex Circuits
Due to their distinct qualities and advantages, Rigid-Flex PCBs are utilized in a wide range of uses across numerous sectors.
The following are some typical uses for Rigid-Flex PCBs:
- Aerospace and Defense: Due to their high dependability and longevity, Rigid-Flex Boards are frequently used in aerospace and military uses. They can operate in difficult settings because of their ability to endure high temps, shocks, and stress.
- Healthcare: Due to their compact size, lightweight, and elasticity, Rigid-Flex PCBs are used in medical devices like pacemakers, hearing aids, and imaging equipment. They can be tailored to satisfy the particular requirements of various medicinal uses.
- Automotive: Since Rigid-Flex Boards can endure high temps and shocks, they are used in the car uses like control systems, panel screens, and safety systems. Due to their increased dependability and high-power efficiency, they are also utilized in electric cars.
- Consumer Electronics: Due to their small size, lightweight, and elasticity, Rigid-Flex PCBs are used in a broad variety of consumer electronics devices, including cellphones, laptops, and smartwatches. They can also boost an electrical device’s general efficiency.
- Industrial Automation: Due to their high dependability and longevity, Rigid-Flex Boards are used in industrial automation applications, including bots, sensors, and control systems. Additionally, they can be modified to suit the particular needs of various commercial uses.
All things considered, Rigid-Flex Boards are appropriate for uses that call for a composition of Rigid and Flexible Circuitry, a small design, increased dependability, and longevity. They are a favored option for a variety of uses across various sectors because they provide several advantages over conventional Rigid PCBs and Flexible PCBs.
Benefits of Rigid-Flex Production
Rigid-flex PCBs are a common option for many uses because they have several advantages over conventional Rigid PCBs and Flexible PCBs.
The following are some of the main advantages of Rigid-Flex Fabrication:
- Increased Reliability: Due to their fewer interconnects and higher resilience to tremor, impact, and temperature stress, Rigid-Flex PCBs are more dependable than conventional Rigid PCBs and Flexible PCBs. This qualifies them for use in demanding settings and crucial industries like aircraft and the military.
- Decreased Assembly Time and Cost: By doing away with the need for connections and wires, which can be time-consuming and costly to install, Rigid-Flex Boards can reduce assembly time and costs. This may lead to significant cost reductions and increased manufacturing process effectiveness.
- Increased Design Flexibility: In comparison to traditional Rigid PCBs and Flexible PCBs, Rigid-Flex PCBs give better design freedom. They can be altered to fit into unusual arrangements and forms, enabling the creation of more minimal and lightweight designs. This may lead to increased efficiency and less need for the room.
- Improved Functionality: By combining Rigid and Flexible Circuitry into a single container, Rigid-Flex Boards can enhance usefulness. This can streamline the general design and decrease the number of components required, improving efficiency and requiring less room.
- Increased Signal Integrity: By decreasing the number of interconnects and doing away with the need for connections and wires, Rigid-Flex Boards provide better signal integrity. In turn, this may lead to better transmission clarity and less radio disturbance.
Ultimately, Rigid-Flex Production has several advantages that can lead to better performance, lower costs and more effective manufacturing. In light of these advantages, Rigid-Flex PCBs are a wise option for diverse fields across different sectors.
Summary
In summary, Rigid-Flex Manufacturer has a significant contribution to the production of excellent quality of Rigid-Flex PCBs. Therefore, it would be beneficial to always conduct research about the chosen fabricator before doing business with them. In that way, you’ll have peace of mind during the construction of your Rigid-Flex PCB. Also, this will ensure that there will be no issues that may alarm the customer during the Rigid-Flex PCB production.
If you want your Rigid-Flex PCB to be made by an experienced manufacturer with sophisticated technologies, and seasoned staff; then, look no further as MV Flex Circuit possesses all of these characteristics. Further, we always guarantee our consumers that they will not receive mediocre outputs from us; all of our products are made with passion and dedication. Hence, all of the outputs are quality and flawlessly performed during operations.
Do not hesitate to reach out! We have a set of personnel that can communicate multilingually; thus, there’s no need to worry about the communication gap. Send us your requirements today! We’ll be sure to produce them regardless of their complexity at a premium quality. We can’t wait to see you at MV Flex Circuit!
