Polyimide (commonly known by the DuPont trade name Kapton) is the gold standard material for flexible printed circuits. Its exceptional combination of thermal stability, mechanical properties, and chemical resistance makes it the material of choice for applications ranging from consumer electronics to aerospace systems.
What sets polyimide apart is its ability to maintain stable properties across an extraordinarily wide temperature range. From cryogenic temperatures in space applications to the extreme heat near jet engines, polyimide flex circuits perform reliably where other materials would fail.
For applications requiring dynamic flexing - repeated bending in operation - polyimide's fatigue resistance is unmatched. Combined with rolled annealed copper, polyimide flex circuits can withstand millions of flex cycles without degradation.
Continuous operation from -200°C to +400°C. The widest operating range of any flex circuit material. Essential for aerospace and automotive engine applications.
Unmatched fatigue resistance for dynamic flex applications. Millions of flex cycles without failure when properly designed. The only choice for continuous flexing.
Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, solvents, and most chemicals. Maintains integrity in harsh industrial and automotive environments.
Low coefficient of thermal expansion maintains registration and reliability through thermal cycling. Critical for fine-pitch component assembly.
Polyimide has earned its position as the premier flex circuit material through decades of proven performance.
Polyimide maintains its mechanical and electrical properties across an extreme temperature range. It won't melt, soften, or become brittle even in the most demanding thermal environments. This makes it essential for applications near heat sources or in variable temperature conditions.
For applications where the circuit must bend repeatedly during operation - hinges, rotating mechanisms, wearables - polyimide's flex fatigue resistance is unmatched. With appropriate design, polyimide circuits last the lifetime of the product.
Decades of use in aerospace, military, and medical applications have proven polyimide's long-term reliability. When failure is not an option, polyimide is the trusted choice.
Polyimide works with all standard flex circuit processing: single and multilayer construction, fine lines, controlled impedance, and all surface finishes. It's compatible with both adhesive-based and adhesiveless constructions.
Several polyimide types are available, each optimized for specific requirements.
The workhorse material for most applications. Excellent all-around properties at competitive cost. Suitable for temperature ranges up to 150°C continuous.
Modified polyimides for extended temperature performance. Recommended for continuous operation above 150°C or short-term exposure to higher temperatures.
Modified dielectric constant for controlled impedance and high-frequency applications. Lower loss at high frequencies compared to standard polyimide.
Direct copper-to-polyimide bonding without adhesive layer. Thinner construction, improved flexibility, and better thermal performance. Premium option for demanding applications.
Our engineering team helps select the optimal polyimide type based on your application requirements. We balance performance needs with cost considerations.
Polyimide flex circuits serve the full spectrum of demanding applications.
Flight control systems, avionics, missile guidance, and satellite electronics all rely on polyimide's proven reliability in extreme conditions.
Implantables, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment use polyimide for biocompatibility, sterilization resistance, and long-term reliability.
Engine sensors, transmission controls, and under-hood electronics require polyimide's temperature and chemical resistance.
Factory automation, robotics, and process control equipment use polyimide for reliability in harsh industrial environments.
Premium smartphones, laptops, and wearables use polyimide for dynamic flex applications like hinges and foldable displays.
High-temperature polyimide flex rated for 200°C continuous operation. Routes sensor signals through the extreme environment near jet engine turbines.
Dynamic flex polyimide circuit for foldable smartphone. Rated for 200,000+ fold cycles with ultra-thin construction for tight bend radius.
Biocompatible polyimide flex for implantable cardiac device. Long-term reliability with full sterilization compatibility.
Standard polyimide operates continuously to 150°C with short-term exposure to higher temperatures. High-temperature grades extend this to 200°C+ continuous. Peak soldering temperatures during assembly can reach 260°C.
With proper design (appropriate bend radius, rolled annealed copper, I-beam trace routing), polyimide flex circuits can withstand millions of flex cycles. We provide design guidance to optimize flex life for your application.
Standard polyimide works well to several GHz. For higher frequencies, low-Dk polyimide or hybrid constructions with Rogers materials provide better performance. We help select materials based on your frequency requirements.
Polyimide typically costs 2-3x more than PET due to material and processing differences. The cost is justified for applications requiring temperature resistance, dynamic flex, or long-term reliability.
Yes, we offer adhesiveless (2-layer and 3-layer) polyimide constructions. These provide thinner profiles, better flexibility, and improved thermal performance compared to adhesive-based alternatives.
