Rigid-Flex PCBs combine rigid and flexible substrates into a single board, enabling high-density, space-saving designs with excellent reliability. Widely used in consumer electronics, medical, automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.
Rigid-Flex PCBs combine rigid and flexible substrates into a single board, enabling high-density, space-saving designs with excellent reliability. Widely used in consumer electronics, medical, automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) come in three main types: Rigid, Flexible (FPC), and Rigid-Flex. Each has unique advantages in terms of durability, flexibility, and design density. This comparison highlights the key differences to help engineers and buyers select the right PCB solution for consumer electronics, automotive, medical, aerospace, and industrial applications.
Key Features:
Applications:
| Feature | Rigid PCB | Flexible PCB (FPC) | Rigid-Flex PCB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Material | FR4, epoxy | Polyimide (PI) / PET | Combination of FR4 and PI |
| Flexibility | Rigid, cannot bend | Fully bendable, foldable | Partial flexibility: rigid parts + flexible connections |
| Thickness | 0.8–3.2 mm | 0.10–0.50 mm (ultra-thin) | Mixed: rigid area 0.8–3.2 mm + flexible area 0.10–0.30 mm |
| Weight | Heavier | Lightweight | Medium (lighter than all-rigid, stronger than all-flex) |
| Design Density | Moderate | Very high, space-saving | High density, compact, optimized interconnect |
| Durability | Strong structure | Vibration-resistant, flexible | Highly reliable, fewer connectors, reduced failure points |
| Cost | Lower for standard boards | Higher for flex designs | Highest (complex manufacturing process) |
| Applications | Industrial control, power supply, automotive electronics | Smartphones, wearables, medical devices | Aerospace, automotive, medical, industrial control, advanced consumer electronics |