What Role Do Flex Circuit Boards Play in Industrial Automation?
Flex Circuit Boards
The most important role flex circuit boards play in industrial automation is as the foundation for interconnecting the various components and sensors that make up a complex system of robots, CNC machines, bar code scanners, and other equipment. Flex PCBs provide the electrical conductivity needed to transfer signals and power, as well as protect against environmental stresses that could damage or degrade the circuitry. They can be designed to meet specific physical and mechanical requirements, including bending or rigid-flex construction, which offers more durability than standard flexible printed circuits.
Rigid-flex PCBs combine standard flex circuit board construction with flexible design to accommodate a variety of mechanical and physical requirements, such as the need to withstand high temperature fluctuations or torsional stress. Rigid-flex circuits are commonly used in computer components, digital cameras and scanners, LCD televisions, printers and other electronics devices that require a combination of form, fit and function. They can also be used in the medical field for heart monitors and pacemakers, and in the manufacturing industry for robot arms, processing machines, and other equipment.
A flexible pcb’s structure can be made from different materials, but copper foil is the most common choice. It provides the primary physical and electrical properties for a laminate, and can be used in either dynamic or static applications. Static applications requiring the circuit to be bent once for assembly usually use Electro Deposited (ED) copper, while those that will need to flex repeatedly during product usage generally require Rolled Annealed (RA) copper.
What Role Do Flex Circuit Boards Play in Industrial Automation?
The underlying substrate for a flex circuit is the core of the circuit, and can be either PI or a thin flexible-epoxy-and-glass-fiber film. PI films are more common, because they do not soften or change shape when heated and are highly tolerant of product assembly processes like solder reflow and expansion and contraction. They are also very durable, with a tear resistance that approaches that of glass.
Additional layers of conductive material are added to the base layer, and in some cases can be separated by a coverlay layer. This layer insulates the outer surface conductors from corrosion and damage, and can be plated with tin or soft gold for enhanced aesthetics. The underlying conductive layer may be etched or blind-holed.
Other choices to consider when designing a flex circuit include thickness options and stiffeners, which are rigid materials that can be laminated to the flex to add additional structural strength. In addition, the number of layers can impact manufacturing cost. With the right tools and support, it is possible to optimize a flex circuit design for your application needs, while meeting all of the industry’s quality standards. For expert guidance and tailored solutions, talk with a team member at Epec Engineered Technologies today. We can help you identify the best technology to optimize your industrial applications, and provide support throughout the design, production, and verification process.