Flexible PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) Fabrication is widely used in diversified industry sectors and its application is still increasing. According to Allied Market Research report, the Flexible PCB sector's value could reach $27 billion by 2022. For PCBs to be flexible, manufacturers use conductive materials like Copper which are considered as the nervous system of the PCB and flexible base material to change PCB physical property from rigid to flexible.

So how are Flexible PCBs Fabricated?

These steps involved are not the only way to fabricate PCBs. The following steps are the typical processes involved in Flexible PCB fabrication.

Flexible PCB 

The first step in fabricating PCBs is planning the design and output depending on the PCB requirements. Using an Industry Standard Design Software which usually uses a program called Extended Gerber, the designer will create the layout. The designer will then forward the output to the fabrication house.

The design is now ready to print on a special printer called Plotter. The finished product will result into a plastic sheet containing a photo negative of the design in black ink which will be the conductive copper parts of the PCB.

The next step is making the substrate. Holes are then drilled and plated according to the design. The printed circuit pattern will then be created via the Addictive or Subtractive Process. In the Subtractive Process, the entire surface is plated first. The areas that are not part of the original design are discarded or subtracted. In the Addictive Process, Copper is plated on the surface following the desired pattern.

Using epoxy, the panel will be sealed, the components are attached and stenciled for any markings or instructions. The components are now installed in their proper location and lastly, the finished product is packaged.

What are the advantages of a Flexible PCB?

· Reliable

· Adaptable

· Fair Temperature Resistance

· Effective for rapid movement and high-stress conditions

· Flexibility in design to match up with the electronic device

· Efficient interconnectivity solution

· Reduced System Maintenance

· Designed to save space

Flexible PCBs are made for a wide variety of products like:

· Mobile Phones

· GPS

· Industrial Equipment

· LED Display

· Cashier Terminal Medical Instruments