Flexible printed circuit boards -- or FPCs -- are much like traditional printed circuit boards in that they are basic components of many electronic products, but they have major advantages over rigid printed circuit boards. Not only are FPCs lighter, softer and thinner, but they can also be made to fit any size and shape. Creating a flex circuit for flexible boards, like rigid ones, involves laminating copper sheets to the substrate or board material and tends to be cheap and fast for high-volume production. Companies that design flexible printed circuit boards are numerous and most offer circuit boards in both rigid and flexible forms.

Turn to the following resources for flex circuit board design information:

1. Downloadable design guides and expert advice

2. Flexible PCB designs from professional services

3. Free software and uploads to help you design right and order fast

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

Get started in flexible pcb design with free materials and expert guidance

Before you submit a flexible pcb design for large-scale production, download design guides from industry experts. If you've never ordered or designed flexible circuit boards, such resources can get you a ton of technical design information. Based on your product specs, the experts can also let you know what manufacturers might offer in terms of terminology, drawings and technical limitations.

I recommend: All Flex lets you explore their flexible circuit board design solutions free-of-charge, and also offers 24-hour quote turnaround and free FCB samples. Request a CD version of Lenthor's 20-chapter design guide, rich with info about flex circuit board design and the manufacturing process.

Turn to the pros who can handle all flexible circuit design and manufacturing

Don't want to deal with the hassle of flexible circuit design on your own? Let the pros handle it for you. It will cost more to have a company handle all aspects of the process, but they often have expensive computer-aided drafting technology and also typically offer design testing to make sure that your flexible printed circuit board will work well in your product.

I recommend: Indesign offers single-sided and multi-sided board design and testing. Phoenix Designs Electronic Solutions also offers professional design and manufacturing services.

Download and upload for free help with your flexible printed circuit board design

Free software tutorials for flexible printed circuit board design are great for novices and experts alike. Many companies offer software downloads as incentive to use their manufacturing services. With such software, you can get made-to-order circuit boards in three easy steps -- download, design and order.

I recommend: Pad2pad.com features free schematic and layout software for flexible printed circuit boards. Advanced Circuits offers layout software, as well as a "checker" where you can upload your designs for diagnostics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you research flexible circuit board design companies, utilize the glossaries most of the sites offer to familiarize yourself with common flex PCB design terminology. It'll be especially useful if you choose to use a CAD program for DIY design, then transmit the design electronically to the manufacturer.