RIGID PCB
What is rigid PCB?
Rigid PCBs are Printed Circuit Boards that have a set shape after it has
been made, it cannot be bent, folded, distorted or compressed to
another shape, they are non-flexible, inextensible and inelastic. Because
these boards are composed of solid base materials, which give them
strength and stiffness, they retain their original shape after fabrication.
In the industry, they are the most widely utilized kind of PCB.
Depending on the design specifications, these PCBs can be
manufactured as single-layer, two-layer, or multi-layer PCBs.
In order to understand the differences between rigid and flexible PCBs,
we will examine the features of stiff PCBs.
Features of Rigid PCBs
● Structure and Flexibility:
Instead of being able to bend, twist, or fold into different forms like
flexible PCBs, rigid PCBs are conventional circuit boards that keep
a set, inflexible shape because of their FR4 reinforcement, which
gives mechanical strength and stability.
Flex PCB comparison - With their ability to be shaped and folded
to fit into dynamic or small electronic assemblies, flexible PCBs are
made of polyimide or other bendable materials that offer greater
flexibility.
● Composition and Connectivity:
A rigid PCB connects several electrical components by use of
conductive channels and copper traces on a solid board. The hard
substrate upon which its foundation is constructed gives the
board strength and stability.
Flex PCB comparison - Although copper traces are also used in
flex PCBs, their lamination onto a flexible substrate compromises
some strength in favor of flexibility and a space-saving design.
● Typical Uses:
The computer motherboard, which houses several important
components on a sturdy, solid foundation, is one of the most
well-known instances of a rigid PCB.
Flex PCB comparison - Compact electronics where bending and
shape-fitting are necessary, such as cameras, wearables, or folding
phones, are more likely to use flex PCBs.
● Permanence of Shape:
A rigid PCB cannot be folded or reshaped once it has been
produced. It must be designed with the final form factor in mind
because its structure is set in stone.
Flex PCB comparison - Flexible PCBs are best preferred to rigid
PCBs for confined spaces and moving parts since they can
change shape even after manufacture.
● Comparing Prices:
For many common electrical devices, rigid PCBs are the preferred
option since they are typically less expensive than flexible PCBs,
particularly when produced in large quantities.
Flex PCB comparison - Despite its advantages in size and
flexibility, flexible PCBs are typically more costly due to their
intricate production process and unique materials.
● Suitability of Use Cases:
Depending on the application, rigid and flexible PCBs each offer
special benefits and drawbacks. Flexible PCBs excel in dynamic or
space-constrained applications, while rigid PCBs are best suited
for static, durable designs.
Flex PCB comparison - The needs of the project will determine
which option is best, flexible PCB for adaptability and
compactness, rigid PCB for cost and strength.
Benefits of rigid PCBs
● Adaptability:
Rigid PCB can be used in different applications for various
purposes hence it adapts and it is versatile in the world of
electronics.
Additionally, they provide single, double, and multi-layer
fabrication, enabling engineers and innovators to create both
simple and intricate circuit designs.
Their adaptability also extends to the component that may be
fixed on it; they accept both surface mount and through hole
components, meaning that both surface mount and through hole
solder can be utilized. Because of these features, engineers can
choose it.
● Production cost-effectiveness:
Due to its versatility and large volume production, economics of
scale comes into play here, reducing the cost per unit greatly.
Rigid PCBs are common in consumer electronics, appliances, and
communication devices because they provide an affordable
solution without sacrificing functionality in areas where design
flexibility is not necessary.
They are therefore appealing for low-budget projects.
● Placement:
Rigid PCBs are simple to install and secure in enclosures because
of their rigid nature. This improves manufacturability and
simplifies and streamlines a number of manufacturing processes
in large-scale production.
● Exceptional Dependability in Tough Conditions:
Rigid PCBs are appropriate for demanding or hostile situations
because of their exceptional resistance to heat, moisture, and
impurities. The rigid design lowers the possibility of bending or
movement-induced wear and tear, which lowers the danger of
circuit failure. Because steady performance and extensive life
cycles are essential in industrial machinery, automotive systems,
and aircraft, this high reliability is particularly significant.
● Mechanical Strength:
Strong and durable substrates like FR4 are used to construct rigid
PCBs, giving them exceptional mechanical strength and longevity.
They are more resilient to mechanical impact, vibration, and
physical stress than flexible substitutes because of their rigidity.
Because they guarantee that parts stay firmly in place, they are
perfect for gadgets that need to maintain structural integrity over
time, like desktop computers, industrial machinery, and
automotive systems.
Limitations of rigid PCB
The difficulty of rigid PCBs to be or become flexible is one of their
primary drawbacks. They cannot bend or flex like other kinds of circuit
boards because they are composed of a rigid substrate material (FR4).
This restricts their applicability in several applications, such flexible
displays or wearable electronics. Furthermore, rigid PCB fabrication can
be a labor-intensive and complicated process, which raises production
costs.
Rigid PCB Manufacturing Process
Using software such as KiCad, EasyEDA, Proteus, Altuim, Eagle, and
many others, engineers design the PCB as the first step in the
manufacturing process. The design is then exported as a gerber file and
sent to the manufacturer, the next step is material selection. FR4, a
flame-retardant, glass-fiber-reinforced laminate, is the most often used
base material due to its good mix of mechanical strength and electrical
insulation.
Following substrate selection, a thin coating of copper is applied to the
board, followed by a photoresist. A mask that shows the intended
circuit pattern is used to expose this photoresist to UV light during
photolithography. To leave the exact copper traces of the circuit, the
exposed copper is etched away during etching and the regions not
hardened by UV exposure are washed away.
CNC machines are used to drill holes, sometimes known as vias, to
allow connections between layers. Lamination is the next step in
multilayer boards, where several layers are stacked and fused together
under intense heat and pressure. To improve conductivity, particularly
for the drilled holes and traces, a second coat of copper plating may be
applied afterwards.
Lastly, a solder mask is used to define the solder placement for
component mounting and to insulate the board. In addition to
preventing solder bridging during assembly, this shields the copper
traces from oxidation. In order to identify the components and ensure
quality, the board is then labeled, frequently using silkscreen printing.
After completion, the PCB undergoes testing and inspection before
being made usable.
Why Choose FS CIRCUITS for Rigid PCB Manufacturing?
At FS CIRCUITS, we manufacture rigid PCBs with accuracy,
dependability, and efficiency. Every board is made to the highest
performance and durability standards thanks to our dedication to
quality production capabilities, and customer-focused approach.
Whether you require single or multilayer rigid PCBs, we can customize
our solutions to meet your exact requirements by using premium
materials like FR4 and specialty substrates for particular uses.
FS CIRCUITS is your reliable partner from prototyping to full-scale
production.
