Do you know what PCB stiffeners are? They are widely used in flex and rigid-flex circuit boards. Though flexible PCBs have remarkable adaptability and can be bent, folded, and twisted to meet complex design requirements, their flexibility creates challenges when assembling components on the board, making interconnect integration more difficult. This is where PCB stiffeners come into play, providing targeted structural support and enhancing the board’s functionality.
Premier, we need to understand that PCB stiffener is not an inherent part of the circuit board, au lieu, it is a layer of material added to reinforce or strengthen the PCB. Généralement, it is used to the areas that require rigidity or structural support. Surtout, it helps resolve manufacturing and operational issues faced by flexible circuits, and finally leads to the improvement of their entire performance and reliability.
According to the different materials of stiffeners, they can be divided into 3 les types:
Polyimide stiffeners are a specialized solution for flexible circuit design, widely used in applications demanding precise thickness and lightweight properties, tel que ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) connector applications. Their major advantage is that they provide targeted reinforcement while maintaining the flexibility of the circuit. en outre, PI flex PCB stiffeners ensure reliable connector engagement and optimal electrical performance, which are critical for precision and adaptable applications.
For flexible circuits with complex component configurations, FR-4 stiffeners are the standard reinforcement method. Their primary purpose is to avoid circuit bending near sensitive areas, to protect delicate solder joints from mechanical stress. FR-4 stiffeners possess a broader thickness range and a more versatile application, which mainly used for consumer electronics and industrial equipment.
Aluminum stiffeners are excellent heat dissipation materials, suitable for applications where efficient thermal management is important. And stainless steel stiffeners are particularly useful in space constrained designs, providing superior component area support beyond traditional FR-4 options. These metal stiffeners are more expensive, and take more time to make, but have terrific benefits for electronic specialized applications that need extraordinary mechanical strength and thermal performance.
PCB board stiffeners serve multiple essential purposes in flexible circuit design:
Il y a 2 primary methods to attach stiffeners to flexible printed circuit boards: Thermal Bonding and Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA). Each of them has distinct features and applications as the below chart shows:
| Caractéristique | Thermal Bonding | Adhésifs sensibles à la pression (PSA) |
| Bonding Method | Utilizes a combination of heat and pressure to create a permanent bond | Relies exclusively on pressure application |
| Bond Strength | Produces the most secure and durable connection between stiffener and flexible circuit | Provides a functional but less robust connection compared to thermal bonding |
| Coût | Coût plus élevé | Moindre coût |
| Processing Time | Longer | Shorter |
| Applications | · Military equipment · Aerospace systems · Critical medical devices · Telecommunications infrastructure | · Television manufacturing · Computer and laptop production · Consumer electronic devices · General commercial electronics |
| Les avantages | · Maximum structural integrity ·Exceptional resistance to environmental stressors · Ideal for applications requiring extreme durability | · Lower implementation costs · Faster attachment process · Easier stiffener removal with minimal circuit damage · More adaptable to various design requirements |
| Limites | · Higher implementation costs · More time-consuming process · Potential for significant circuit damage during stiffener removal · Requires specialized equipment and precise temperature control | · Less permanent bond ·Reduced long-term reliability · May not withstand extreme environmental conditions |
Are you confused about the difference between rigid-flex and rigidized flex PCBs? Many people wonder if they are the same, but the answer is NO. They have different designs and functionalities:
Rigidized flex circuits are basically flex PCBs strengthened by FR4 stiffener to support mechanics assembly but with no electrical trace on the rigid parts. En revanche, rigid-flex PCBs are sophisticated hybrid circuits, which a combination of a rigid and a flexible substrates to form a single laminated structure. And there are electrical traces and interconnections in both a rigid and flexible piece.
Rigidized flex PCBs are primarily intended for mechanical reinforcement, and rigid-flex PCBs deliver total electrical connectivity and structural integration, thus suitable for more complicated electronic applications involving both electrical performance and structural adaptability.
Recommend reading: PCB Flex rigide vs. PCB flexible
Selecting the right stiffener thickness is crucial as it affects board flexibility, performance and reliability. Stiffener thicknesses in PCBs vary depending on the application and the type of material used:
PCB stiffeners represent a sophisticated solution in modern flexible circuit design, helping to enhance overall functionality, streamline the assembly process, and create a more reliable product. If you’re walking the gauntlet of flexible circuit design, consulting with experienced PCB manufacturers like MOKO Technology can assist in selecting and implementing the most suitable stiffener option. If you are interested to hear more or would like a quote for flex PCB with stiffeners, contact us now!
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