One of the crucial phases to consider in producing a Flexible PCB is FPC Stiffener Material; thus, further understanding the various materials in-depth would be beneficial. We have FR4, Polyimide, and Metal as the principal substances in line with this.
These materials have capabilities, purposes, advantages, drawbacks, and preferred applications. All of this will be thoroughly tackled in this post.
Consequently, to achieve a flawlessly functioning Flexible PCB, we will dissect the differences between FR4, Polyimide, and Metal, including Aluminum and Stainless Steel FPC Stiffener. We will also tackle the purpose, thicknesses, pros, and cons of the FPC Stiffener.
What is a Flexible PCB Stiffener?
A Flexible PCB Stiffener is a substance or element that gives a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPC) more mechanical support and stiffness. Although Flexible PCBs are intended to be pliable and malleable, there may be times when they need extra help, such as when mounting connections or other components or when the board requires keeping a specific structure.
Many substances, such as FR4, Polyimide, or Metal, can create Flexible PCB Stiffeners. They can be stiff, or semi-rigid based on the application needs and are usually affixed to the FPC via glue or through-hole welding.
Flexible PCB Stiffeners are crucial to guarantee that the FPC can keep its original form and contours under various circumstances, such as shaking, flexing, or twisting. By dispersing mechanical tension across the board and decreasing the possibility of copper traces and other components on the board fracturing or warping, they also aid in protecting the FPC from harm.
A Flexible PCB’s longevity and dependability can be improved by using a Flexible PCB Stiffener, making it more appropriate for a wider variety of services.
What is the Purpose of a Flexible PCB Stiffener?
Flexible PCB Stiffeners are slender, hard surfaces of FR-4, Polyimide, or Aluminum. They are referred to as stiffener plates or stiffener boards. They are employed to give Flexible PCB, which is naturally malleable and may need extra support in some uses, mechanical help, and steadiness.
To enhance a Flexible PCB’s structural stability and safeguard it from harm caused by stretching, twisting, or shaking, Flexible PCB Stiffeners are typically attached to one or both of its edges. They aid in preventing the Flexible PCB from trying excessively or frequently, which could cause the circuit to fail before it is supposed to.
Additionally, Flexible PCB Stiffeners enhance the precision of component location during construction and raise the overall system dependability. They can also make it easier for heat sinks or other heat management techniques to dissipate heat by giving them more surface area.
Apart from that, it has different additional purposes.
- Rigidizing the junction region in extensive connections or multiple connector insertions will help relieve tension.
- Specifications for ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) width.
- Regional curve restriction(s).
- Creating a smooth area for the attachment of SMT components and modules.
- Reduce component tension.
- Stiffeners made of Metal and stainless steel are used to control heat dispersion.
- Building the surface stiff enough to travel through the SMT assembly to replace the SMT carriage.
Generally, Flexible PCB Stiffeners improve the performance, dependability, and longevity of Flexible PCBs, making them ideal for various uses, including consumer electronics, aircraft, industrial equipment, medical devices, and even more.
Kinds of Materials Used as Flexible PCB Stiffener
As the topic states, we have three (3) primary Flexible PCB Stiffener Materials; FR4, Polyimide, and Metal. These are dissected into segments to quickly understand their capabilities, concepts, advantages, disadvantages, and applications.
FR4 Stiffener
An epoxy composite with fiberglass reinforcement is a popular stiff base for PCBs, the FR4 FPC Stiffener. It is constructed from layers of braided fiberglass fabric filled with epoxy glue and then heated and compressed to solidify them. The end product is a powerful, light, chemical, heat, and damp-proof substance. Furthermore, applications that call for the PCB to be rigidized, like those involving high-density connectors, frequently use FR-4 stiffeners.
Polyimide Stiffener
Another popular bendable base for PCBs made of high-temperature material is Polyimide FPC Stiffener. It can endure temps of up to 400°C and is lightweight and robust. In addition, Polyimide FPC Stiffeners are frequently used in PCB uses where flexibility is required, such as in aircraft or medical equipment.
Metal Stiffener
In Metal Stiffener, it can be divided into two (2) categories; we have Aluminum and Stainless Steel.
- Aluminum: Aluminum, a robust, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant alloy, is frequently used to strengthen Flexible PCBs. Moreover, in an Aluminum FPC Stiffener, excellent thermal transmission is offered, and it can aid in cooling the system by providing thermal conductivity. In terms of applications, it can be used where heat escape is a worry, like in LED lighting uses, frequently use Aluminum FPC Stiffener.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless Steel is a robust, long-lasting, and corrosion-resistant alloy frequently used as a stiffener for Flexible PCBs. It is beneficial when the PCB is subjected to challenging weather circumstances, like industrial or automotive settings.
Overall, the selection of the FPC Stiffener material will be influenced by several variables, including the mechanical and temperature needs of the implementation, the sort of Flexible PCB being used, and the project’s budgetary restrictions.
Several Thickness Options for Flexible PCB Stiffener
Flexible PCB stiffeners have various diameter choices to accommodate multiple uses and needs. Depending on the purpose, the stiffener’s width is usually expressed in millimeters (mm) or mils (thousandths of an inch). It can be extremely thin or moderately thick.
In FPC Stiffeners, a few of the most popular width choices are as follows:
- 1 mm to 0.2 mm (4 mils to 8 mils): These are incredibly thin stiffeners frequently used in PCB situations requiring flexibility and lightness. In line with this, wearables, medical equipment, and other movable gadgets frequently use them.
- 2 mm to 0.4 mm (8 mils to 16 mils): These thin to medium-thick stiffeners, which range in thickness from 8 mils to 16 mils, are frequently used when the PCB needs to be bendable but also require some extra support. They often appear in aircraft, commercial, and automobile uses.
- 4 mm to 0.8 mm (16 mils to 32 mils): These medium to thick stiffeners, which range in thickness from 16 mils to 32 mils, are frequently used in PCB situations where greater rigidity and durability are required. They are commonly used in apps involving high-density connectors and other cases in which the PCB must be able to endure some tension or pressure.
- 8 mm to 1.2 mm (32 mils to 48 mils): These thick stiffeners, which range in thickness from 32 mils to 48 mils, are frequently used when the PCB must be excellent and durable. They are commonly utilized in high-power applications and other situations where the PCB must endure high levels of stress or pressure.
Overall, choosing the FPC Stiffener’s width will be influenced by the application’s mechanical and temperature requirements, the kind of Flexible PCB used, and the project’s budgetary restrictions.
Pros and Cons of Flexible PCB Stiffener Usage
Generally, FPC Stiffeners have several advantages as well as disadvantages.
Some benefits and drawbacks of using FPC Stiffeners are as follows:
Pros
- Enhanced Mechanical Reliability: By adding more support and stiffness and lowering the likelihood of twisting or stretching, FPC Stiffeners can increase the structural integrity of the PCB.
- Increased Thermal Control: FPC Stiffeners can aid in the circuit’s heat dissipation, enhancing the PCB’s thermal performance and lowering the risk of burning.
- Increased Longevity: By offering extra defense against mechanical strain, temperature stress, and other external variables, FPC Stiffeners may boost the PCB’s lifespan.
- Versatility in Design: FPC Stiffeners can suit particular uses, giving the designer more freedom.
Cons
- Cost Raise: Employing FPC Stiffeners may increase PCB construction costs due to the potential need for extra components and production processes.
- Size and Weight Gain: FPC Stiffeners can make the PCB component heavier and more significant, which might be problematic in some situations.
- Decreased Versatility: The PCB’s flexibility may be diminished, restricting its capacity to curve or twist, depending on the width and composition of the stiffener.
- Potential Dependability Problems: Utilizing FPC Stiffener in some circumstances might add more stress spots to the PCB assemblage, raising the risk of problems like splitting or delamination.
In terms of mechanical stability, heat control, longevity, and design freedom, using FPC Stiffener can offer several advantages. Nevertheless, when choosing whether to use stiffeners in a particular application, one should consider disadvantages like enhanced expense, weight, decreased elasticity, and possible dependability problems.
Summary
In summary, FR4, Polyimide, and Metal FPC Stiffeners are far different but have the same objective. Although they can be used depending on the application, one must consider their capabilities as an FPC Stiffener before installing them in the Flexible PCB. Hence, it is essential to thoroughly assess them before incorporating one.
If you plan to install an FPC Stiffener in your Flexible PCB, we recommend MV Flex Circuit; we have specialized in Flexible Circuitry for over 15 years. Therefore, you can guarantee that your products will be produced with high quality and efficient performance.
Please send us your specifications immediately; we have personnel on standby to answer your questions directly. After reaching out, we guarantee complete satisfaction to our beloved consumers. Ultimately, we have ongoing special discounts you can enjoy depending on your purchases. Contact us straight away!
