When making the choice between rigid PCB vs. flexible PCB, businesses must consider their application requirements. That’s because each type of PCB has its own unique advantages and limitations, and these can affect the overall performance of the final product. This article is an insight into 5 major flex PCB vs. rigid PCB differences, and what they mean for your application needs.

Flexible PCB Definition
Starting with the flexible PCB definition, here is what you need to know: A flexible printed circuit board, and which is usually shortened to flex PCB board, is a type of circuit board made of flexible and thin materials, such as polyimide or other plastic, that allow it to bend and fold.

Owing to these qualities, flexible PCBs are used in applications that require high durability and flexibility, since they offer various benefits such as reduced space requirements and resistance to shock and vibration.

Furthermore, you can easily customize a flex PCB board to fit your specific design requirements. This makes it a great solution in many different situations where space constraints and design flexibility are critical.

Rigid PCB Definition
Rigid PCB is used to mean a type of circuit board that is made of a solid, inflexible substrate material. In terms of structure, it consists of a conductive layer of copper traces patterned onto the surface of an insulating material, such as FR4.

The insulating layer, also known as the base material, provides mechanical support for the copper traces and the electronic components that will be mounted on the board.

Unlike flexible PCBs, rigid PCBs may also include other layers such as solder masks, which protect the copper traces from oxidation and silkscreens, which provide labels and other information about the components.