The assembly of double sided flexible PCB is basically the same as that of rigid PCB components. In the actual manufacturing process, operators will adopt different processes according to the different requirements of the process.
Double sided flexible PCB is connected to rigid PCB:
Double sided flexible PCB is easy to deform due to its light and thin characteristics, so it can not be directly assembled on SMT production line like rigid PCB. That is to say, in order to assemble flexible PCB, flexible PCB must be fixed on the substrate of rigid PCB, so that it can be disguised as rigid PCB for assembly. The smoothness, positioning accuracy and consistency of the substrate are the key factors to achieve product quality control, as well as the key points of flexible PCB assembly.
Low density:
At present, the price of flexible PCB is relatively higher than that of rigid PCB. From the point of view of product cost, most flexible PCBs are only used to connect different functional modules. The number of components assembled on flexible PCB is small and the distribution density is low, usually less than 50 components or even two connectors.
Flexible PCB is mainly used in light, small and thin electronic products such as mobile phones and digital cameras. The area of one-sided flexible PCB is not large, and the number of one-sided flexible PCB components is very small. Therefore, in order to improve assembly efficiency, most factories will choose to use panel. After assembly, these flexible PCBs with different functions will be separated by V-cutting or v-scoring.
High requirements for product quality:
Flexible PCB is often used in environments requiring repeated bending and precise control. Components assembled on flexible PCB must be able to meet the requirements of its working environment. Therefore, the quality requirements of flexible PCB in assembly, such as cleaning, anti-welding static measures and reliability, are usually much higher than those of rigid PCB. In addition, with the implementation of lead-free technology, the assembly of flexible circuit boards is facing more and more challenges.
High assembly cost:
Comparing with rigid PCB components, flexible PCB components have many characteristics, such as more investment in specific fixtures, longer production cycle, lower utilization ratio of equipment, more accessories and operators, higher production environment and product quality requirements. This makes the total cost of flexible PCB assembly very high, especially the initial investment cost.
Conclusion:
With the development of electronic products, the use of flexible PCB is expanding, and the assembly process of flexible PCB will be improved. Manufacturing and assembly costs will continue to be decreased. This will promote the further expansion of the use of flexible PCB, so that the application of flexible PCB will enter a virtuous circle.
