Count the Cost with Rigid-Flex PCB Cost Comparison
Rigid-flex circuits are an essential part of modern electronic devices. Due to their agility and robustness, they are the most popular circuit used in compact electronic devices. However, when purchasing Rigid-flex circuits, always compare different PCB manufacturers' Rigid-Flex PCB cost.
Rigid-Flex PCB cost is less than flex circuits as they are flex circuit hybrid with rigid circuits. Rigid-Flex PCB cost is more than the simple rigid circuit. Rigid circuits are the most common circuit found in simple devices, but they are not a good option for advanced devices as rigid-flex circuits due to bendability issues.
Compared to their counterparts, Rigid and Flex circuits, Rigid-Flex PCB are the first choice of advanced electronic manufacturers due to greater uses, stability, and lesser Rigid Flex PCB cost. In this article, we will compare the Rigid-Flex PCB cost of various count layers and factors that optimize Rigid-Flex PCB cost.
Rigid-Flex PCB Cost of Various Count Layers
Majorly the Rigid-Flex PCB cost is high as compared to simple PCBs, which are only made of one type of laminate. When rigid-flex circuits are fabricated, the rigid boards are added to external layers, while flex laminates are added to internal layers. The Rigid-Flex PCB cost is naturally high as rigid, and flex materials are added to its multiple layers.
Thus with the addition of each layer count, Rigid-Flex PCB cost becomes extra, almost 20-30 percent high with additional layers. The reason behind this increase in Rigid-Flex PCB cost is the treatment of flexible material on which manufacturers have to spend much time to process, which increases the process cost.
Another reason for the high Rigid-Flex PCB cost per layer is the use of specialized drilled microvias, as when layers increase, it is necessary to use microvias that increase the Rigid-Flex PCB cost. This Rigid-Flex PCB cost per layer varies from vendor to vendor for multiple reasons.
Why Rigid-Flex PCB Cost of Various Count Layers Vary From Vendor to Vendor?
As previously stated, Rigid-Flex PCB cost increases with each layer, and this multilayer Rigid-Flex PCB cost varies from vendor to vendor because vendors use multiple steps, different technology, and different materials, all of which affect multilayer Rigid-Flex PCB cost.
As the material availability for rigid-flex PCB is different for the different manufacturers, they use different stiffeners, laminates, adhesives, finishes, methods of drilling, and different electroplating materials, which changes the multilayer Rigid-flex PCB cost and makes the Rigid-flex PCB cost different from different vendors.
Rigid-Flex PCB Cost also varies according to Rigid-Flexible circuit construction. Suppose you are ordering a less complicated structure. In that case, it will naturally cost less, while in the case of the HDI effect and multilayer construction, the manufacturer will charge the cost of Rigid-Flex PCB more.
While selecting a Rigid-flex PCB manufacturer, always compare their Rigid-Flex PCB cost by acquiring their quotes and fabrication practices. No matter how much Rigid-Flex PCB cost varies, always select the fabricator providing reliable Rigid-Flex PCBs with quality materials.
Factors that optimize Rigid-Flex PCB Cost
The major way to optimize Rigid-Flex PCB cost is to manufacture them in small with fewer layers, as most advanced electronics require compact circuits. The smaller Rigid-Flex PCB cost is less as it requires less materials to fabricate.
Secondly, we can optimize the Rigid-Flex PCB cost by properly designing it by hiring a reliable PCB designer or manufacturer capable of efficient Rigid-Flex PCB designing. While designing, they can properly utilize the circuit panel and place alternate rigid and flex layers to control Rigid-Flex PCB cost.
Another key consideration that can optimize Rigid-Flex PCB cost is the selection of rigid and flex material based on the mechanical strength required by Rigid-Flex PCB. Use tough, rigid material more if strength is required, naturally reducing Rigid-Flex PCB cost as the rigid boards are inexpensive.
To reduce Rigid-Flex PCB cost, it is advised to use surface mounting while adding electrical components to Rigid-Flex PCBs rather than plate-through mounting as it is more cost-friendly. Use ENIG and HASL finishes to optimize your Rigid-Flex PCB cost and increase its reliability.
Use high-quality material flex material in the center to improve Rigid-Flex PCB cost and its design reliability. Always use flex material less and rigid material more in Rigid-Flex PCB to optimize Rigid-Flex PCB cost.
Lastly, to reduce Rigid-Flex PCB cost, Remove unneeded pieces from the rigid-flex board while designing it to customize the design that suits the electronic device. As a more effective and simple Rigid-Flex PCB design is easier to operate, and this step also lowers Rigid-Flex PCB cost.
Rigid-Flex PCB Cost Comparison with Traditional Multilayer PCBs
No doubt, Rigid-flex PCB cost is higher than traditional multilayer PCBs, but the advantages of Rigid-flex PCB are more. There are many factors that make Rigid-flex PCB more cost-effective in the longer run. Some of them are as follows
A rigid-flex circuit eliminates the need for multiple circuits in a device, and a singular Rigid-flex circuit can fully fill their need in an advanced device. For the electronic manufacturer, Rigid-Flex PCBs cost less as they can use them in an advanced electronic device instead of using multiple traditional multilayer PCBs.
Rigid-flex does not require multiple testing as compared to traditional PCBs to determine their functionality in compact devices, which makes Rigid-Flex PCB cost-friendly to use in compact devices.
Rigid-flex does not need multiple connectors, making them a better option than traditional multilayer PCB. So we can say that in advanced device applications, Rigid-Flex PCBs cost less than traditional multilayer PCBs due to their unique design, features, and reliability.
Final Words:
In this post, we have discussed how the Rigid-Flex PCB cost varies per layer count, how we can optimize the Rigid-Flex PCB cost, and what makes the Rigid-flex circuit better than traditional multilayer PCBs. If you are looking for the best Rigid-Flex PCB manufacturer with the best Rigid-Flex PCB cost and capabilities, contact Hemeixin PCB.
Hemeixin PCB fabricates the best Rigid-Flex PCBs and delivers them at your location in committed lead times worldwide. Visit their website to place your order.
