EPTE Newsletter: Flexible Metal Laminates Made With Chemical Processes

August 28, 2018 | Dominique Numakura, DKN Research

DKN Research is fielding many inquiries about a semi-additive process for the fine-line generation on thin, flexible substrates, including transparent heat-resistant plastic films. Most inquiries are from chip-on-film (COF) manufacturers with reel-to-reel (RTR) processes.

More Than a Word: Solder Mask

August 15, 2018 | Patty Goldman, I-Connect007

Do you spend time, as I do, musing on the language of PCBs? We have developed our own lexicon to convey as much by picture, as by word, what exactly we mean.

Flex Time: Why is Rigid-Flex So Expensive?

July 11, 2018 | Bob Burns, PRINTED CIRCUITS

One question that I hear fairly often, particularly after an initial quotation, is “Why is rigid-flex so expensive?” In this article, I’ll share with designers the cost drivers in rigid-flex relative to standard rigid boards and flex circuits with stiffeners. A typical rigid-flex PWB will cost about seven times the cost of the same design on a hard board, and two to three times an equivalent flex circuit with stiffeners.

Flexible Thinking Redux

July 2, 2018 | Joe Fjelstad, Verdant Electronics

Flexible circuits are known by a few different names depending on one’s global location and language: flexible printed circuits, FPCs, flex circuits, flexi circuits, flexibles, bendables and a few others that are application-specific such as flexible heater circuits and controlled impedance cable constructions. While flex circuits are an original and foundational interconnection technology for electrical and electronic products (one of the first patents for electrical interconnections, issued at the turn of the last century, was arguably a flexible circuit), over the years there have been several forays into technological extensions of the basic idea.

RMAs: Negative Experience or Valuable Opportunity?

June 29, 2018 | John Talbot, Tramonto Circuits

Non-conforming material that is sent back by the customer can easily be interpreted as a negative experience. However, if it is perceived as an opportunity to learn and support the customer it becomes a much more pleasant and satisfying endeavor.