Ep. 89: Flex & Rigid-Flex PCB Assembly
Flexible PCBs can solve some incredible mechanical design challenges—but they also introduce a whole new set of manufacturing considerations.
In this episode, we answer a listener's question about flex and rigid-flex circuit assembly, covering what actually changes on the manufacturing floor when a board bends instead of staying rigid. Chris shares lessons learned from developing Worthington and CircuitHub's flex PCB assembly process, including the custom fixtures, dummy boards, baking requirements, and reflow considerations that make these jobs very different from traditional FR-4 assemblies.
If you're designing a flex or rigid-flex PCB—or thinking about it—this episode offers practical advice that can save both time and money before your design reaches manufacturing.
f you're designing flex or rigid-flex PCBs, Chris recommends these Global Electronics Association resources:
IPC-2223: Sectional Design Standard for Flexible/Rigid-Flexible Printed Boards – The primary design standard for flex and rigid-flex PCBs. Covers bend regions, stackups, conductor routing, fabrication drawings, ZIF connectors, dielectric thicknesses, and many other design considerations. Used alongside IPC-2221.
https://shop.electronics.org/ipc-2223/ipc-2223-standard-onlyIPC PCB Design for Flex & Rigid-Flex Boards Course – An in-depth instructor-led training course covering flex PCB design, manufacturing, assembly, documentation, and industry best practices.
https://www.electronicsu.org/product/pcb-design-flex-rigid-flex-boards