Rigid Flex Boards Handle Vibrations
Compared to traditional rigid PCBs, which can break easily in vibration or shock environments, rigid flex boards are more durable and resistant. They can be used in a variety of industries, including military and aerospace equipment and medical devices. They also have advantages in consumer electronics that require small form factors and space efficiency, such as laptops and smartphones.
Rigid flex boards are made from alternating layers of flexible and rigid PCB material. The hybrid design of rigid flex circuit boards allows them to withstand a wide range of vibrations and shocks without damage. They also have higher component density than rigid PCBs, making them ideal for compact electronic devices where space is at a premium.
The flexibility of rigid flex board makes them ideal for high-vibration applications. They can accommodate a large amount of additional circuitry without increasing the overall size of the device, which is important for miniaturized electronic devices. Rigid flex PCBs can also bend and fold to fit into tight spaces and other awkward shapes, which is useful in many mobile devices and wearable tech.
How Do Rigid Flex Boards Handle Vibrations and Shocks?
In addition, the hybrid design of rigid flex PCBs eliminates the need for extra connectors and cables to interconnect individual printed circuit boards together, which increases the reliability of the device and saves on cost. This is especially true in high-shock and high-vibration applications, where extra connections can be prone to failure.
When choosing a rigid flex board, it is essential to choose a materials and fabrication process that can handle the environment in which it will be used. For example, choosing copper with low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), implementing effective thermal management techniques, and using adequate trace widths and thicknesses to avoid stress on the conductors are all important considerations.
The flexible areas of a rigid flex board should also be designed with a large enough bend radius to prevent stress or damage. A minimum of six times the thickness of the flex area is recommended for one- and two-layer flexible components, while 12 times the thickness is suggested for three- and four-layer flex areas. In addition, the rigid areas of a rigid flex board should be designed with an air gap and strain relief filets to reduce stress on the conductors.
To ensure your rigid flex board can withstand a dynamic bend, you should also use anchors to strengthen the flex areas and a teardrop to connect to any traces on the flex section. Ideally, you should avoid placing plated holes or vias on the flex sections to minimize bending stresses on these parts of the circuit board.
Choosing the right rigid-flex board for your application is a complex process that requires extensive research and planning. To ensure you get the best results, it is helpful to work with a rigid-flex PCB manufacturer with experience in designing and fabricating these unique and innovative products. Contact All Flex Solutions today to learn more about our high-performance rigid-flex PCBs and request a quote for your next project.
