Cost Impact of Rigid-Flex PCB or Flex PCB

Rigid-flex PCBs are the advanced version of rigid and flex PCBs. You can find them in every advanced electronic item, from mobile phones to trackers. Rigid-flex board cost is less for manufacturers as it eliminates the use of connectors in advanced electronic circuits and gives them the benefits of both rigid and Flex boards.

Compared to the rigid board, Rigid-Flex PCB cost is higher as it uses expensive flex board material and advanced material. However, the Rigid-Flex PCB cost is less than flex boards as it is a hybrid of rigid and flex and uses rigid substrates in its construction compared to pure flex substrates, which are expensive.

Rigid-Flex PCB uses innovative technology that combines rigid and Flex boards in a single multilayer board of different layers. Thus, Rigid-Flex PCB cost is higher than ordinary multilayer PCB boards, which use older technology and fabrication methods.

Whether you are looking for a double-layer Rigid-Flex PCB or twenty layers Rigid-Flex PCB, Rigid-Flex PCB cost will vary and impact the final cost of your electronic device. If you want to know which factors impact flex PCB or Rigid-Flex PCB cost, and how to regulate Rigid-Flex PCB cost, keep reading this article.

Factors that Impact the Flex PCB or Rigid-Flex PCB Cost:

Many major factors impact these multilayer Flex PCB or Rigid-Flex PCB Cost, such as the use of high-quality materials, the board size, the type of vias used, aspect ratio, custom design requirements, etc. To control Flex PCB or Rigid-Flex PCB Cost, we must first understand how it impacts Flex or Rigid-Flex PCB Cost.

Use of High-Quality Rigid and Flex Material

The first primary factor that impacts Rigid-Flex PCB Cost is the use of material used in its fabrication. As both FR4, flexible epoxy-based laminates, epoxy adhesives, and other high-quality materials are used in them, it results in greater Rigid-Flex PCB Cost.

Rigid-Flex PCB Cost is high because it contains both flexibility and strength materials, and they do not use inexpensive traditional PCB board materials, so manufacturing and designing Rigid-Flex PCB costs is high. 

Rigid-flex PCBs have better mechanical strength, temperature endurance, and signal transmission due to these high-quality, expensive materials. If you want to reduce the Rigid-Flex PCB Cost, get Rigid-Flex PCB manufacture from a reliable PCB manufacturer.

Size of Flex PCB or Rigid-Flex PCB boards 

Another that majorly impacts Rigid-Flex PCB is the dimensions of Rigid-Flex PCB. The greater the size, the greater Cost Rigid-Flex PCB. The reason behind this high-Cost Rigid-Flex PCB Cost is that more technology will be incorporated to add flexibility and rigidity to the same board.

Similarly, when more time is utilized to fabricate large-size Rigid-Flex PCB, it will further enhance the Rigid-Flex PCB Cost. Common Rigid-Flex PCB dimensions include 18 X 21, 18 X 24, and 21 X 24 up to 20X 80 inches; thus, select your board size per your device requirement to reduce Rigid-Flex PCB Cost.  

Flex and Rigid PCB layers

The number of layers present in Flex and rigid-flex PCBs greatly impacts Rigid-Flex PCB Cost. More layers mean more Flex and rigid materials, which will increase Rigid-Flex PCB Cost per layer. If we roughly estimate this factor per layer, 10-20 % percent Rigid-Flex PCB Cost will increase.

As advancements require more rigid-flex PCB layers, and with each additional layer, more flex copper laminates, thick PI films, rigid substrates, adhesives, and other high-quality materials are added, which enhances the Rigid-Flex PCB Cost. Thus select layers as per design requirements to reduce Rigid-Flex PCB Cost.

Finish impact on Rigid-Flex PCB Cost

The finish gives long-lasting impact and protection from corrosion, but it increases Rigid-Flex PCB Cost. Various types of finish are used to protect multilayer Rigid-Flex PCB. However, each finish has a different impact on Rigid-Flex PCB Cost.

You can choose the type of finish and cost-friendly process to reduce the Rigid-Flex PCB Cost. Some common Rigid-Flex PCB finishes are

OSP

This finish process separates and removes copper traces on Rigid-Flex PCB. This finish is effective and environment friendly but increases the Rigid-Flex PCB Cost.

HASL

This is the best finish used to improve the texture of Rigid-Flex PCBs, yet it impacts Rigid-Flex PCB Cost.

ENIG

ENIG is the second most common finish used in rigid-flex PCBs; this has the least impact on Rigid-Flex PCB Cost and enhances its characteristics. Its other variation, ENEPIG, is also used similarly in the finishing process of Rigid-flex PCB.

SAP

This finish also improves Rigid-Flex PCB heat-sinking properties. In multiple lamination high flex PCB, this finish increases Rigid-Flex PCB Cost. Thus, use them carefully.

Aspect Ratio Effect on Rigid-Flex PCB Cost

The aspect ratio is another essential factor that impacts Rigid-Flex PCB Cost. It is the ratio between the width and thickness of Rigid-Flex PCB. Thus Rigid-Flex PCB Cost is high for the thicker board as more materials are used in it. Such boards are more reliable but expensive.

However, when it comes to thinner Rigid-Flex PCB the Rigid-Flex PCB Cost is low. The board thickness maintains the signal quality; thus, the best aspect ratio is 16:1 with 4 mills drilled vias. In order to reduce Rigid-Flex PCB Cost, carefully select the thickness and aspect ratio of your board when placing an order.

Custom Design Requirement impact on Rigid-Flex PCB Cost

Lastly, the customized requirement in Rigid-Flex PCB design majorly impacts Rigid-Flex PCB Cost. If clients require additional components such as capacitors, connectors, resistors, etc., it will increase Rigid-Flex PCB Cost.

It is impossible to avoid the necessary components and design requirements from a Rigid-Flex PCB to reduce its cost; however, smaller Rigid-Flex PCB boards with SMT mounting are cost-friendly options for your electronics.

Final Words:

In this article, we have discussed the factors that impact Flex and Rigid-Flex PCB Cost. In order to reduce Rigid-Flex PCB cost, we have to pay special attention to these factors. The selection of a reliable manufacturer will play a key role in decreasing Rigid-Flex PCB cost.

If you are searching for the finest Flex and Rigid-Flex PCBs manufacturer, contact Hemeixin PCB for the best Flex and Rigid-Flex PCB cost and manufacturing services. With years of experience and a reliable name in the PCB market, they are leading suppliers of Flex, Rigid-Flex, and other advanced PCBs.