Since we’re living in a fast-paced industry, it is essential to have the option to speed up the process of turnaround services, especially in Rigid-Flex PCB. Thus, we have developed the Quick-Turn Alternative to overcome targets and limited timeframes.
MV Flex Circuit can quickly provide Quick-Turn Services since we are fully equipped with remarkable facilities, sophisticated technologies, and highly skilled personnel.
We also have a streamlined process to produce a Quick-Turn Service for the Rigid-Flex PCB to deliver at a particular timeframe. Consequently, we’d like to tackle further the definition of Quick-Turn, Rigid-Flex Features, Several Production Phases, Different Component Assembly Technologies, and the Benefits of the Quick-Turn Option.
What is Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB in PCB Fabrication?
Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB is a PCB production procedure that produces Rigid-Flex PCB with a reduced timetable than conventional techniques. Rigid-Flex PCBs are circuit boards that incorporate unyielding and pliable compounds, enabling a unique layout and implementation versatility.
On average, creating Rigid-Flex PCBs with a quick turnaround requires using sophisticated production technologies and techniques that enable improved effectiveness and seamless Assembly. It may involve, among other things, automated installation, sophisticated design programs, and swift prototyping techniques.
In general, the advantages of Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB production include quicker turnover times, increased versatility in design, reduced expenses, enhanced quality control, and a competitive edge. These benefits render Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB construction an appealing option for businesses seeking to design and manufacture high-quality PCBs swiftly and efficiently. Ultimately, they are ideal for sophisticated and dense circuitry, such as those in the aerospace, medical, and military industries.
Rigid-Flex PCB Capabilities
At MV Flex Circuit, we offer countless Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB options. Some of the selections we can provide are stated in the table below.
Specifications | Capabilities |
Standard Panel Size | 18 inches by 24 inches |
Copper Thickness | 0.5 ounces to 6.0 ounces |
Board Thickness | 0.02 inches to 0.12 inches |
Minimum Height | 0.64 millimeters |
Minimum Width | 0.15 millimeters |
Solder Mask | White, Black, Blue, Green, Red |
Legend/Silkscreen Color | Black, White |
Surface Finishing | Immersion Gold, HASL, OSP |
Layer | 1 to 20 Layers |
Standards | MIL-PRF-55110, MIL-PRF-50884, MIL-PRF-31032 UL94V.0, IPC-6012,6013, ISO-9001, AS910 |
Turnaround Times | Multilayers: 1 to 5 days |
Minimum Drill (Mechanical) Hole Diameter | 0.15 millimeters |
Minimum Micro Via (Laser) Size | 0.025 millimeters |
Minimum Via (Laser) Size | 0.025 millimeters |
Shielding Material | Copper, Silver Ink, Tatsuta, Carbon |
Various Production Stages
In essence, there are three (3) fundamental phases before the completion of Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB; we have the Prototype, Pre-Production, and Full Production.
Techniques in Designing a Rigid-Flex PCB
Prototype Phase: Why is it the Foundation of Rigid-Flex Manufacture?
Before large-scale production, a Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB must first go through the prototype stage, which entails the original conceptualization and production of a limited number of boards for testing and design validation.
The initial phase in creating a prototype is applying specialized programs, such as Altium or Eagle, to build the PCB. The arrangement of the fixed and bendable board parts, the passage of footprints, and the positioning of components are all included in the schematic.
After the schematic is finished, making a tiny batch of test boards is the following stage. Quick prototyping is usually used for this, which entails using sophisticated instruments and supplies to make the boards swiftly and effectively. In particular, some PCB producers provide a quick-turn solution that enables the delivery of sample boards in a matter of hours.
To ensure the design fits the specs and criteria of the planned application, it is crucial to try and verify it during the prototype stage. Various tests must be conducted to ensure the PCB performs as designed, including electrical, temperature, and mechanical evaluations.
According to the findings of these evaluations, the design needs to be changed, and more samples must be produced and evaluated. Following design completion and validation, the PCB can enter large-scale manufacturing, where more boards are made using identical layouts and assembly procedures.
Overall, it has become the fundamental phase in manufacturing a Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB because it can reduce the possibility of failure repair costs and conserve time for probable maintenance if defects may arise in the product.
Pre-Production Phase
A Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB’s preliminary production step includes:
- Preparing the circuits for large-scale production by completing the design.
- Choosing the raw materials and their components.
- Evaluating and optimizing the production procedure.
In the pre-production stage, the PCB’s design must be completed as the first process. As a result, the method may need to be optimized for manufacturability or undergo minor revisions based on input from the sample stage. The finished design is transformed into a collection of production data that can be used to create the PCB.
Afterward, the PCB’s elements and parts are chosen. In addition to picking the pieces that will be used to fill the board, this also involves choosing appropriate supplies for the board’s stiff and malleable components. A trustworthy provider is essential to ensuring uniformity and excellence in the stores and elements, which must satisfy the standards for the intended purpose.
During the pre-production stage, the manufacturing method is also evaluated and improved. Further, establishing thorough manufacturing directions and procedures, preparing and testing the production machinery, and streamlining the process to increase productivity are all part of this. With a backup plan, you’re better protected.
The bulk manufacturing of the Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB can start after the pre-production stage is finished. Moreover, materials and components have been obtained, and testing and validation of the design and production processes have occurred. The end product is a high-quality PCB that can be manufactured in large numbers with efficiency and reliability and satisfies the necessary standards.
Full Production Phase
As its term indicates, a Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB’s complete production phase entails the massive production of the PCBs using the finalized layout, a streamlined fabrication method, and choosing components and supplies.
In the complete production process, setting up an assembly system for making is the initial stage. This entails putting up the machinery, preparing the raw materials and parts, and ensuring everything are ready for manufacturing. The manufacturing machine must consistently and effectively produce a significant volume of high-quality PCBs.
After the assembly line is built up, the production operation starts. Also, surface preparation, substance bonding, piercing, coating, imaging, etching, and final examination are some of the stages that the procedure usually entails. Each step is meticulously regulated and watched to ensure the PCBs satisfy the requirements and quality regulations.
The usefulness and quality of the PCBs are checked as they are being made through several tests and examinations. In that case, visual inspection, temperature testing, and electrical testing are included. To reduce wastage and guarantee that only high-quality PCBs are made, any discovered flaws or problems are immediately fixed.
After passing all tests and checks, the PCBs are ready to be shipped to the client. This usually involves marking the boards, placing them in anti-static sacks or cases, and organizing them for shipment to the specified location.
Generally speaking, the entire production portion of a Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB entails the bulk creation of high-quality PCBs using an extremely streamlined manufacturing process, premium materials and components, and stringent testing and inspection protocols. As a result, a PCB that satisfies the requirements, is robust, long-lasting, performs well, and can be applied in numerous situations.
Different Component Assembly Technologies in Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB
As we all know, Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB’s primary objective is to reduce the lead time of the fabrication; however, it is only possible with the various technologies there exist to support this goal. Thus, we have decided to cover the different mounting techniques used to produce a quality Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB.
Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is a way of electrical component construction that mounts pieces straight onto a PCB instead of through perforations. SMT components are cheaper, thinner, and more compact than through-hole aspects, and automatic machinery can build them faster. The method includes:
- Adding solder paste to the surface.
- Setting the pieces on the paste.
- Melting the paste to secure the features of the substrate.
SMT’s benefits over Through-Hole Assembly have made it the preferred way of electrical component building in many sectors.
Through-Hole Assembly
In Through-Hole Assembly, bits are inserted into pre-drilled holes on a PCB and soldered to the opposite surface. This technique is employed for features that demand a better dynamic connection or a higher electrical current or voltage than surface-mounted elements. Surface Attachment Technology requires less human labor, whereas Through-Hole Assembly requires additional ones.
Single-Sided or Double-Sided Placement
A PCB’s quantity of surfaces on which components are attached during construction is called Single-Sided or Double-Sided Positioning.
When using Single-Sided Positioning, all individual parts are placed on a single side of the PCB, leaving the other side blank or with only Through-Holes for connectors. This is usually used for electrical products with simplified circuits and less hardware.
On the contrary, Double-Sided Positioning allows for more complicated circuits and additional parts in a lesser area because components are placed on either side of the PCB. This technique is used in these intricate electrical gadgets with more wiring or componentry.
Depending on the intricacy of the gadget is made and the intended utility, Single-Sided or Double-Sided positioning is determined. Further, Double-Sided Placement permits intricate configurations and an increased aspect density. Still, it may additionally raise production expenses and complications.
Mixed Assembly
As the term suggests, Mixed Assembly in PCB refers to building PCBs via an assortment of through-hole and surface-mount components. This technique is used when the architecture of the electrical device necessitates a mix of component kinds, such as more significant or high-power sections that need Through-Hole Positioning and lesser, low-power portions that can be interface installed.
Typically, Mixed Assembly entails joining the Surface Mount Components using a reflow soldering method after the Through-Hole Components have been assembled using wave or hand soldering. To ensure that all the pieces are positioned correctly and that the construction process is quick and easy, meticulous preparation and collaboration are needed.
As it enables the mixture of component kinds that may offer the necessary utility while keeping production costs and intricacy in check, mixed Assembly is a popular technique used in many electrical products.
Benefits of Employing Quick-Turn Option for Rigid-Flex PCB
Several advantages of Quick-Turn PCBs for Rigid-Flexible Boards can be found; some are mentioned below.
- Swift Turnaround Time: One of the primary benefits of using a Quick-Turn choice for Rigid-Flex PCBs is that it can drastically reduce the time needed to make and distribute them. This can be especially crucial for time-sensitive tasks or requests where a delay could have serious repercussions.
- Enhanced Versatility: Quick-turn choices can enable greater adaptability concerning architectural adjustments or alterations. This is so that any required changes can be made swiftly and without delaying the project’s schedule.
- Reduced Expenses: Applying a Quick-Turn choice for Rigid-Flex PCBs can occasionally lead to total cost savings. This is because shorter wait periods lessen the time and workforce needed for making, which may result in cheaper manufacturing costs.
- Enhanced Quality Control: Since Quick-Turn alternatives frequently entail more efficient production procedures, they occasionally present more testing and quality control chances. This can assist in guaranteeing that the finished product complies with all required criteria and standards.
- Competitive Advantage: Finally, using a Quick-Turn choice for Rigid-Flex PCBs can help a business gain an edge over its rivals. Quicker response times and more freedom may improve efficiency and effectiveness in manufacturing operations, which may help increase client happiness and devotion.
Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB offers countless benefits, especially in reducing production lead time.
Summary of the Article
Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB is an excellent option for a lesser lead time. Furthermore, suppose you’re on a tight budget and want to reduce the overall expense in the long run. In that case, we recommend selecting a Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB, particularly for intricate application areas.
If you want a Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB with exceptional quality and performance, do not hesitate to contact MV Flex Circuit. We have adequate facilities and staff to accommodate every requirement you may have. Additionally, we only use sophisticated equipment in producing your boards. In that way, we can guarantee that the Quick-Turn Rigid-Flex PCB will function at its optimum performance.
Please don’t be shy about getting in touch with us. Since we have staff fluent in multiple languages, you won’t have trouble conversing with us. Get in touch with us promptly regarding your needs. It doesn’t matter how complicated they are; we’ll ensure they’re adequately produced. MV Flex Circuit is eagerly awaiting your inquiry.