FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about flex PCB manufacturing and ordering

General Questions

A flexible PCB (flex circuit) is a type of printed circuit board built on a flexible substrate material, typically polyimide. Unlike rigid PCBs, flex circuits can bend, fold, and flex during use, making them ideal for applications where space is limited or dynamic movement is required.

Flex PCB consists entirely of flexible material and can bend throughout its entire length. Rigid-flex PCB combines both rigid and flexible sections in a single board - the rigid areas house components while the flexible sections allow bending and connection between rigid areas. Rigid-flex eliminates the need for connectors and cables between boards.

Flex PCBs are widely used in medical devices (pacemakers, hearing aids), automotive electronics (sensors, LED lighting), aerospace (avionics, satellites), consumer electronics (smartphones, wearables), and industrial automation (robotics, sensors). Any application requiring space savings, weight reduction, or dynamic flexing benefits from flex circuits.

Design & Specifications

The minimum bend radius depends on the number of layers and copper thickness. For single-layer flex, the minimum bend radius is typically 6x the total thickness for dynamic applications and 3x for static bends. For multi-layer flex, it's typically 12x the thickness for dynamic use. Our engineering team can help determine the optimal design for your specific application.

We accept Gerber files (RS-274X), ODB++, and IPC-2581 formats. We also accept design files from major CAD software including Altium Designer, KiCad, Eagle, OrCAD, and PADS. Please include drill files, layer stackup, and any special requirements in your submission.

Yes, we offer free Design for Manufacturing (DFM) review for all orders. Our engineers will check your design for potential issues including bend radius violations, trace routing in flex areas, stiffener placement, and coverlay openings. We provide detailed feedback and recommendations before production.

We offer various polyimide (PI) materials including DuPont Pyralux, Panasonic Felios, and Shengyi SF series. For specific applications, we also offer high-frequency laminates, halogen-free materials, and specialty adhesive systems. Our team can recommend the best material based on your application requirements.

Ordering & Pricing

Standard lead time is 10-15 business days for flex PCB and 15-20 business days for rigid-flex PCB. We offer expedited options: Quick-turn (5-7 days), Rush (3-5 days), and Super Rush (24-72 hours) for urgent projects. Lead times begin after design approval and may vary based on complexity.

Our MOQ is 1 piece for prototypes. For production orders, there's no strict MOQ, but pricing becomes more economical at higher volumes. We offer competitive pricing for both prototype quantities (1-50 pieces) and production volumes (100+ pieces).

Flex PCB pricing is based on several factors: board dimensions, layer count, material type, surface finish, quantity, and lead time. Complex features like blind/buried vias, fine pitch, or special materials may affect pricing. Request an instant quote through our online system for accurate pricing.

Yes, we offer full turnkey assembly services including SMT placement, through-hole assembly, and mixed-technology assembly. We can source components or use customer-supplied parts. Our assembly capabilities include fine-pitch components down to 0201 and BGA packages.

Quality & Certification

We are certified to ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO 13485 (Medical Devices), and IATF 16949 (Automotive). Our products are UL listed and comply with RoHS and REACH regulations. We can provide all necessary documentation including certificates of conformance, material certifications, and test reports.

All flex PCBs undergo 100% electrical testing (flying probe or fixture), automated optical inspection (AOI), and visual inspection. Additional testing options include impedance testing, microsection analysis, solderability testing, thermal stress testing, and flex life testing for dynamic applications.

Yes, we provide full lot traceability for all orders. This includes material certificates, process traveler records, inspection reports, and test data. For medical and aerospace applications, we offer enhanced documentation packages meeting specific industry requirements.

Shipping & Support

Yes, we ship worldwide via DHL, FedEx, UPS, and other major carriers. Shipping costs are calculated based on package weight, dimensions, and destination. We handle all export documentation and can ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) for hassle-free delivery.

We stand behind our quality with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you receive boards that don't meet specifications, we'll remake them at no charge with expedited delivery. Please report any issues within 30 days of receipt with photos and description of the defect.

Once your order enters production, you'll receive access to our online tracking portal. You can monitor progress through each production stage, view expected completion dates, and receive automatic notifications. Our customer service team is also available for status updates.

Still Have Questions?

Our technical team is ready to help with any questions about your specific project requirements.

Contact Our Team