Semi-flex PCBs

The semiflex-technology is suitable for double-sided and multilayer PCBs. The semiflexible design also offers significant cost advantages over classic rigid-flex PCBs and is ideally suited for static bending stress during assembly and installation.

Graphic of a semi-flex PCB stack

Your advantages

  • Cost-effective 3D PCB technology
  • 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 semi-flex project at every step along the way. 
Contact our expert team here.

Inquiry

The semi-flex printed circuit board belongs to the 3D printed circuit board product group. This technology is suitable for double-sided and multilayer PCBs. The semiflexible design also offers significant cost advantages over classic rigid-flex PCBs and is ideally suited for static bending stress during assembly and installation.

In addition to the appealing price and the good static bending load during assembly and installation, semi-flex PCBs are characterized by the following parameters:

  • Bending radius of at least 3 mm (semi-flex2 - rigid-flex technology) and at least 5 mm (semi-flex1 - deep-milled)
  • Maximum bending angle of 180°

The manufacturing process for a semi-flex PCB is simple and based on the production process of a standard rigid FR4 PCB. A flexible cover layer is then applied over the desired bending area, instead of the standard solder mask ink. At the end of the manufacturing process the area below this flexible cover layer is deep-milled. This means that the thickness of the PCB in the bending area is reduced until the material can be easily bent.

3D PCB Technology portfolio KSG

MaterialsPolyimide / FR4
Number of layers2-10
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
Contour productionMilling Scoring / breakaway tabs
Bending radii≥ 5 mm
Bending angle≤ 180°

The values specified represent the maximum performance spectrum andmay 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 with a Cu layer in the flex area (deep-milled) 

Graphic of an asymmetrical semi-flex PCB stack with one Cu layer

Asymmetrical with two Cu layers in the flex area (deep-milled) 

Graphic of an asymmetrical semi-flex PCB stack with two Cu layers

Asymmetrical with one Cu layer in the flex area (SF technology)

Grafik eines asymmetrischen Semiflex- Leiterplatten-Aufbaus mit zwei Cu-Lagen (SF-Technologie)

   

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With a workshop at our company or at your office, we give you the opportunity to discuss the crucial technical aspects and features of your project in detail.

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From design & layout checks to various calculations and thermal analysis - the experienced, competent Technical Support team will be happy to help you.

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Cost-effective 3D PCB technology

Reduced assembly and testing effort

Miniaturisation of complex installation geometries

Detail view of a semiflexible printed circuit board