The flexible board assembly is in use in practically every application imaginable: from the mundane to the military. Thanks to its flexibility, the flexible PCB assembly (printed circuit board) can be in anything from cameras to rockets.

There are three major types of flexible circuit boards: the single-sided FPC assembly (flexible printed circuit), multi-layer rigid flexible circuit board assemblies and dual sided flexible circuit boards. Flexible circuit board manufacturers provide low cost flex circuit prototypes, as well as a flex circuit board assembly service for your company. Each major type of flexible circuit board assembly has its own use.

1. Use a single-sided flexible circuit board assembly for consumer electronics.

2. Pick double-sided flexible circuit boards for industrial applications.

3. Choose multi-layer flexible circuit boards for their reliability.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go with a single-sided flexible circuit board assembly for everyday applications

Their simplicity and flexibility make them the perfect choice for consumer electronics. According to one flexible circuit manufacturer, single-sided flexible circuit boards 'bend, fold, flex and wrap,' which make them the perfect circuit board for use in cameras, automotive modules and laptops. Since they don't need a lot of space, their use seems endless.

I recommend: Two manufacturers who provide flex circuit board assembly services for single-sided flex circuit boards are King Circuit and Pannam Imaging.

Go to a double-sided flexible circuit board assembly for industrial use

Because they have more conductors per every square inch of each flexible circuit board, double-sided flexible circuit boards work well in the computer industry and the automotive industry. Despite being double-sided, these flexible circuit boards take up little space, making their applications seem limitless.

I recommend: Two manufactures of double-sided flexible circuit boards are Lenthor Engineering and Uniflex Circuits. Both manufacturers make single-sided flexible circuit boards as well.

Use a multi-layer flexible circuit board assembly to fulfill for your company's complex needs

The multiple layers allow for highly populated design requirements. Because of the multiple layers of this flexible circuit board, they are able to be very reliable, have high density and take up little space. Flexible circuit boards are in use throughout the military as well as in the medical profession.

I recommend: Manufacturers able to provide flexible circuit board assembly services for multi-layer flexible circuit boards are ADCO Circuits and All Flex Acquisitions. Both companies give info about flexible circuit board assembly and create flex circuit prototypes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you don't find what you need, contact the flexible circuit manufacturers and ask for information about flexible circuit board assembly. Also ask how you can design low cost prototypes specifically for your company's needs.