Rigid-flex circuit boards

Rigid-flex PCBs are the perfect solution if multiple rigid PCBs need to be electrically connected in various installation positions and orientations. 

Graphic of a rigid-flex PCB stack

Your advantages

  • From prototype to large-scale production from a single source
  • Printed circuit board samples produced in series quality
  • Increased reliability thanks to elimination of fragile connectors
  • Miniaturisation of assemblies
  • Reduction in processing steps for the further processing of assemblies
  • Cost savings and minimisation of errors through the replacement of plug and soldered connections
  • Optimised parts and logistics management
  • Reduced assembly and testing effort

We are happy to support your rigid-flex project at every step along the way. 
Contact our expert team here.

Inquiry

Rigid-flex PCBs are the perfect solution if multiple rigid PCBs need to be electrically connected in various installation positions and orientations. With our rigid-flex PCBs, we can offer cost-effective, high-quality, flexible products that can withstand bending stresses.

When multiple bends are required Rigid-flex PCBs are the optimal solution if several rigid PCBs are to be electrically connected in different mounting positions and orientations. The rigid-flex technology is extremely versatile with regard to layout options and geometries. As a result it has become an indispensable part of modern connection solutions:

  • Symmetrical and asymmetrical stack-ups
  • Total thicknesses from 0.6 mm to 3.2 mm
  • Multiple flexible layers possible
  • Bending radius of at least 1 mm
  • Maximum bending angle of 180°

The manufacturing process is characterised by the pressing of two different layers of material. The first stage is to produce the FR4 cores in the same way as a multilayer. In parallel, the single or double layer flex circuit is produced on polyimide material. Then these semi-finished products are pressed into a rigid-flexible composite in a separate pressing process, using low flow or no flow prepregs as the composite material. 

These composite layers are mechanically structured prior to the pressing process. The subsequent flexible areas are milled out so that the FR4 cores are not bonded to the polyimide material. The panels are then further processed in standard production processes. During contour processing, the transitions from the rigid to the flexible areas are finally deep milled with a groove, so that the non-bonded rigid material is removed above the flexible areas.

3D PCB Technology portfolio KSG

MaterialsPolyimide / FR4
Number of layers2 – 18
PCB thickness0.6 – 3.2 mm
Final copper18, 35, 70 µm
Conductor structuresDepending on final copper according to design compass
Minimum drilling diameter0.20 mm
Solder masksSee general technical specifications
SurfacesSee general technical specifications No HAL
Contour productionMilling Scoring / breakaway tabs Laser cutting
Bending radii≥ 1mm
Bending angle≤ 180°

The values specified represent the maximum performance spectrum and may be restricted in certain combinations.

  • Chemical nickel/gold
  • Chemical tin
  • Electroplated nickel/gold
  • OSP 
  • others on request

Solder resist masks 

  • Photosensitive solder mask systems
  • UV solder mask system: Screen printing
  • Colours: green, red, blue, glossy black, matt black, white, yellow, 
  • Flexlack: green

Additional printing 

  • Identification/assembly 
  • Hole filler/through hole filler 
  • Peelable solder mask  
  • Heatsink 
  • Carbon

Edge plating 

The end faces of the PCB contour can be plated in order to improve the EMC protection of a PCB, make electrical contact with the housing of the module or meet increased cleanliness requirements. 

Edge plating

Milled plated through-holes 

It is possible to produce application-specific components with so-called milled plated through holes. Due to the possibility of contact on the front side, the resulting PCBs can be soldered as components to another board (interposer).

Milled plated through holes

Contour machining

  • Contour production: milling and scoring

Asymmetrical 1-layer

Graphic of a single layer stack of a rigid-flex PCB

Asymmetrical 2-layer

Graphic of a single layer stack of a rigid-flex PCB

Symmetrical 2-layer

Graphic of a two-layer structure of a rigid-flex PCB
KSG PCB Design Compass for download

Design guidelines for PCBs

 

Which important parameters do you need to successfully create a layout for a project? We’ve combined all of the parameters for you in our PCB Design Compass

  • Conductor pattern criteria
  • Design rules for all technologies
  • Practical tips and examples

Contact partner

Porträt von Georgi Georgiev

Georgi Georgiev
Project Engineer
Phone+49 3721 266-204
Jetzt kontaktieren

Portrait of Martin Leeb

Martin Leeb
Technical Order Processing
Phone+43 2985 2141-573
Jetzt kontaktieren

Miniaturisation of complex installation options

Reliable multidimensional PCB technology

Cost savings and minimisation of errors through the replacement of plug and soldered connections

Detail view of a rigid-flex PCB