Flexible PCB Manufacturer Possess
When choosing a partner to create flex PCBs for your electronics products, you’ll want to find one that is qualified and has the right experience. In addition to their expertise and skills, they should be certified to meet relevant industry standards to guarantee quality. Whether it’s ISO, UL, or IPC certification, you should do your research to ensure that the manufacturer has the credentials you need to produce high-quality printed circuit boards for your customers.
Choosing the right rigid flex PCB manufacturer requires an in-depth assessment of each option’s capabilities, pricing, and lead times to determine which meets your needs best. To narrow down your selection, send each of your shortlisted manufacturers a detailed RFQ outlining your specifications, quantity, and timeline requirements. Then, evaluate the responses based on pricing, production capacity, and quality expectations.
Rigid flex PCBs require different design and fabrication processes than standard rigid PCBs, so you’ll want to select a company that has extensive experience with the technology and can deliver the results you need. Look for a provider that has designed and manufactured rigid flex PCBs for several years, and ask to see examples of their work.
The ISO or International Organization for Standardization publishes industry-specific standards and certifies companies that comply with them. A reputable manufacturer should hold an ISO 9001 certification, and have procedures in place for first-article inspection, in-process checks, and end-product testing to ensure consistency. The IPC, or Institute of Printed Circuits, also produces industry standards for a variety of disciplines and manufacturing methods. For rigid flex PCBs, it’s important to choose a supplier that possesses IPC-A-600 and IPC-J-STD-001 certification.
To verify the integrity of your flexible pcb manufacturer, consider working with a manufacturer that offers X-ray inspection services. This technology is useful for detecting solder joint failures and other defects that may not be visible to the naked eye. Ask your potential suppliers if they have X-ray inspection equipment and if their operators are certified to operate it.
What Certifications Should a Flexible PCB Manufacturer Possess?
UL, or Underwriters Laboratories, is an international safety agency that tests and certifies electrical products to estimate their risk of injury or fire. UL certification is necessary for any product that will come into contact with a source of electricity, including electronic devices like printed circuit boards. Look for a supplier that holds UL 796 and UL 94 standards for rigid, flex, and HDI PCBs.
Functional testing is a crucial step in the manufacturing process and is required for all PCBs, regardless of their use case. Inquire about the manufacturer’s ability to perform a variety of functional tests, such as in-circuit testing (ICT), flying probe testing, and boundary scan testing. You should also make sure that they can test your PCBs for environmental hazards, such as vibration or temperature extremes. The ability to do so will help you avoid unforeseen problems and save on production costs.
Manufacturing volume and economies of scale are crucial considerations. Bulk orders often result in discounted pricing per unit, incentivizing larger purchases. Conversely, smaller orders or prototypes may incur higher costs due to setup fees and lower production efficiency. Additionally, expedited manufacturing services usually come with premium pricing to prioritize quick turnaround times.