Flexible printed circuits known as flex PCB for short, are a vital piece of technology that sees use in a wider set of applications. As a result, these circuit boards are an attractive investment for any electronics manufacturer that would like to integrate these circuit boards to power up their devices. However, it is advised not to impulsively settle with a PCB manufacturer without proper research as it may bring unforeseen consequences to your devices.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the top qualities that you need to look for in a flex PCB manufacturer to ensure the best quality and outcomes once you’ve sealed the deal with them.
Flex PCBs: An Introduction
Before we delve deeper into this discussion, let’s familiarize ourselves with what is a flex PCB. Flexible printed circuit boards are PCBs that exhibit tensile traits that are absent in their rigid counterparts. These circuit boards can be bent and adjusted giving them better resistance against damage caused by slight movements or vibrations.
Flexible circuit boards are also capable of lessening connection points which reduces the chances of defects caused by poor linkages which are prevalent with solder joints. Due to their tensile nature, they can also be modified into forms that a rigid PCB cannot pull off which can contribute to device miniaturization.
What qualities to look for in a Flex PCB manufacturer?
Now that we have understood what a flex PCB is, let’s discover the qualities and traits that you need to see in a flexible printed circuit board manufacturer. By identifying these qualities, you can narrow your choices and find a manufacturer that can benefit you the most when working with various electronic projects.
Here are some of the top traits that you’ll need to observe in a potential manufacturer that you’ll collaborate with.
1. Has a wealth of manufacturing experience
When choosing a flex PCB manufacturer to work with, you would want to settle with a company that has a long and storied history of working in the industry. These veteran manufacturers are likely to have variations in their circuit board designs which opens plenty of possibilities for your organization. In addition to design variations, experienced manufacturers know the ins and outs of the niche that they serve.
Experienced manufacturers also offer a ton of knowledge to their clients and you will know well that working with them will be smooth and have little to no obstacles.
2. Certified for the job
The second quality you need to check on a flex PCB manufacturer is whether they have industrial certifications. These certificates are proof that the manufacturer you intend to collaborate with follows industry standards and can provide quality services to your organization.
You would want to check with the manufacturer whether they have the following certifications such as the below:
● ISO 9001 – this is the certificate that shows that the manufacturer can consistently deliver quality circuit boards and services that follow the mandated industry standards.
● UL – this certification shows that the manufacturer can meet the standards for flame-retardant printed circuit boards; in this case, flex PCBs.
● Niche-specific certifications – certain industries or niches may require the manufacturer to have a specialized certificate such as ISO13485 for medical products, TS16949 for automotive production, and AS9100 for PCB manufacturers operating within the aerospace industry.
3. High-tech equipment for manufacturing
To ensure that your collaboration with your manufacturer will go smoothly, you would want to be sure that the potential company that creates flex PCBs has the tools and equipment for the task. Check or inquire with your manufacturer whether their facilities operate high-tech equipment that is made to create flexible PCBs. However, if you live close to the manufacturer’s factory; you can try visiting them and looking at their equipment in person.
Don’t hesitate to ask your manufacturer about the technology that they utilize in creating new flex PCBs. This should give you a clue whether their workflow in manufacturer works well with the niche of your organization.
4. Multiple assembly or manufacturing lines
Keep in mind that high-tech equipment alone doesn’t make the ideal manufacturer. In conjunction with high-tech tools to ensure the production of flex PCBs, you would also want a manufacturer that has multiple assembly or manufacturing lines to facilitate bulk production of the flex circuit boards.
Multiple assembly or manufacturing lines can allow your chosen flex PCB Manufacturer to provide the right amount of PCBs for your project, and if needed can speed up production to meet the desired quota.
5. Dedicated facilities or services for testing
Access to dedicated facilities or if not, services for flex PCB testing and repairs are a hallmark of the ideal manufacturer to work with. That’s because testing flexible PCB designs before mass production can ease the transitions between the creation of a concept, manufacturing the PCBs, and using it in various devices and applications.
Testing services or facilities from your flex PCB Manufacturer are also handy in detecting defects early into the manufacturing process. This will ensure the end products that your company will receive aren’t defective and are working as intended.
6. Strong communication skills
Communication can make or break a deal with the manufacturer of flex PCBs. Communication skills come in the form of being open to feedback and excellent customer service. The ideal flex PCB manufacturer that you would want to work with must be receptive to feedback and suggestions coming from your side.
Should concerns arise during the usage of the flex printed circuit boards, their customer service must be knowledgeable and can provide answers to the concerns you’ve forwarded to them.
Top manufacturer qualities make a perfect deal
Finding the right flex PCB manufacturer requires you to take note of the qualities and traits we’ve covered in this article. You’d want to inquire whether they are experienced, certified and have the skills, tools, and equipment for the job. Keep on narrowing down your choices until you are left with the best manufacturers and weigh their benefits against each other to see which one gives the most out of the value you will invest in them.
After all, your goal is to find the manufacturer with whom you can collaborate to create flexible printed circuit boards that can seamlessly integrate into the electronic tools and merchandise of your company.