Editorial Technical Reference

Rigid-Flex PCB

This page explains how Rigid-Flex PCB is classified within Computer, Electronic and Optical Product Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

Printed circuit board combining rigid laminate sections and flexible polyimide layers in one interconnected structure that folds into compact assemblies.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Rigid-Flex PCB

Definition
A rigid-flex PCB integrates rigid FR-4 or high-Tg sections with flexible polyimide circuits laminated into a single board, eliminating connectors and cables between sub-boards. The flexible layers run continuously through the rigid zones, letting the finished circuit fold into three-dimensional housings such as cameras, wearables, aerospace modules, and medical probes. Constructions range from one flex layer bonded to two rigid layers up to complex builds beyond twelve layers with controlled impedance, stiffeners, and shielding films, traded off against significantly higher cost than separate boards joined by connectors. This product type is used in applications where space, weight, and reliability are critical. The rigid sections provide mechanical support for components, while the flexible sections allow the board to conform to the product's shape. The integration reduces assembly time and potential failure points associated with connectors and cables. However, the manufacturing process is more complex and requires specialized materials and equipment. The cost is higher than standard rigid PCBs, but the overall system cost may be lower due to reduced assembly and improved reliability. When selecting a rigid-flex PCB, it is essential to consider the specific application requirements, including the number of flex layers, total layer count, bend radius, and operating temperature. These parameters must be verified with the manufacturer for the intended use. Standards such as IPC-6013 and IPC-2223 provide guidelines for qualification and design, but they do not guarantee compliance of a specific product. Always confirm model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
Flexible copper-clad polyimide cores are imaged and etched like standard flex circuits, then selectively bonded with no-flow prepreg to rigid cap layers only where stiffness is required. Plated through-holes and vias interconnect rigid and flex layers, and routing plus laser or die cutting releases the flex windows so the finished board bends along defined zones. The process begins with the fabrication of the flexible layers, which are then laminated with rigid layers using adhesive and heat. The rigid layers are typically FR-4 or high-Tg materials, and the flexible layers are polyimide. The bonding is done only in areas where rigidity is needed, leaving the flex areas free to bend. After lamination, holes are drilled and plated to create electrical connections between layers. The board is then routed or cut to shape, and the flex windows are released. The final assembly can be folded into the desired three-dimensional configuration. The design must account for the minimum bend radius to avoid damaging the flex layers, and the number of flex cycles expected in the application.
Common Materials
polyimide flexible cores, FR-4 or high-Tg rigid laminate, rolled annealed copper foil, no-flow prepreg adhesive, coverlay film and stiffeners
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Board Thickness0.2–3.2 mmTotal thickness including rigid and flex layers.IPC-6013
Minimum Trace Width/Spacing0.075–0.1 mmTighter tolerances possible with advanced processes.IPC-2221
Minimum Bend Radius0.5–1.0 mmDynamic flex requires larger radius.IPC-2223
Flex Layer Count1–8 layersMore layers increase thickness and cost.
Total Layer Count2–30 layersIncludes rigid and flex layers.
Operating Temperature-40–85 °CExtended range up to 125°C available.IPC-6013
Dielectric Withstanding Voltage500–1000 V ACTest voltage per IPC-6012.IPC-6012
Insulation Resistance10^9–10^12 ΩMeasured at 100V DC.IPC-6013
Impedance Tolerance±5–10 %Controlled impedance for high-speed signals.IPC-2141
Copper Weight0.5–2.0 ozHeavier copper for high current.IPC-6012
Surface FinishENIG, OSP, HASLENIG for fine pitch and reliability.IPC-4552
Flex Cycle Life100–500 cyclesDynamic flex applications require high cycle count.IPC-2223
Board Size (Max)500×500 mmLarger sizes may be available on request.

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Polyimide Layers
    The flexible copper-clad cores that bend in the flex zones.
  • Rigid Layers
    FR-4 or high-Tg cap layers bonded where stiffness is required.
  • Prepreg
    No-flow bonding sheet that laminates the rigid caps to the flex core.
  • Adhesive
    Bonds the rigid and flexible layers during lamination.
  • Plated Through-Holes
    Interconnect the rigid and flex layers electrically.
  • Vias
    Provide layer-to-layer connections within the stack.

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
bend type: flex-to-install or dynamic flexing designs
layer range: 2-16+ layers combining rigid and flex
qualification: IPC-6013 Class 2 or Class 3 builds
impedance control: single-ended 50 ohm and differential 90/100 ohm available
typical applications: cameras, wearables, medical probes, aerospace and defense modules

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Copper cracking in bend zones
Cause: Bend radius below design minimum, traces routed parallel to the fold, or electro-deposited foil used where rolled annealed copper was required for dynamic flexing.
Delamination at rigid-to-flex transition
Cause: Moisture absorbed by polyimide before lamination or reflow, and adhesive squeeze-out zones stressed by sharp transition geometry.
Maintenance Indicators
Engineering Tips

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Manufacturers of Rigid-Flex PCB

12 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Guangzhou Ruisi Electronics Co., Ltd. (FULLPCBA)
Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN
ISO 9001 IATF 16949
Also makes: Rf Pcb, PCB Assembly, Flexible PCB and 3 more
Managed by the manufacturer
Listed on the company's own website
Listed there as: “Rigid-Flex PCB”
View source page ↗ fullpcba.com · checked 2026-08-27
Bomin Electronics Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen, Guangdong, CN
Founded 1994over 2,500 staff80 acres
IPC MIL UL
Also makes: HDI PCB, Multilayer PCB, Rf Pcb and 2 more
Stated by the company · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Huizhou China Eagle Electronic Technology Inc. (CEE)
Huizhou, Guangdong, CN
Founded 20005000 + staff300000
Stated by the company · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Kinwong Electronic Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen, Guangdong, CN
Founded 1993global over 23,000 employees staff
CNAS ISO/IEC 17025:2005
Also makes: Multilayer PCB, Flexible PCB, Metal Core PCB and 4 more
Stated by the company · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
AUSPI Enterprises
Shenzhen, Guangdong, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “FPC/Rigid-flex PCB – Capabilities”
View source page ↗ auspi.cc · checked 2026-09-17
Beton Technology
Shenzhen, Guangdong, CN
Also makes: Rf Pcb, Metal Core PCB, PCB Assembly and 4 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Rigid Flex PCB”
View source page ↗ beton-tech.com · checked 2026-09-16
Beton Technology Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen, Guangdong, CN
Also makes: Rf Pcb, Multilayer PCB, Printed Circuit Boards and 5 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Rigid-Flex PCB”
View source page ↗ betonpcb.com · checked 2026-09-02
ChinaPCBOne
Hong Kong, CN
Also makes: Rf Pcb, Heavy Copper PCB, Multilayer PCB and 5 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Rigid Flex PCB”
View source page ↗ chinapcbone.com · checked 2026-09-05
EBest Circuit (Best Technology)
Shenzhen, Guangdong, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Rigid Flex PCB”
View source page ↗ bestpcbs.com · checked 2026-09-01
EFPCB
Guangdong, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Rigid Flex PCB”
View source page ↗ efpcb.com · checked 2026-08-30
ELEPCB
Shenzhen, Guangdong, CN
Also makes: Metal Core PCB, Multilayer PCB, PCB Assembly and 2 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Rigid-Flex PCB”
View source page ↗ elepcb.com · checked 2026-09-08
FCPCBA
Shenzhen, Guangdong, CN
Also makes: SMT Assembly Service, Rf Pcb, Multilayer PCB and 4 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Rigid Flex PCB”
View source page ↗ fcpcba.com · checked 2026-09-05
View All Factories

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical applications of rigid-flex PCBs?

Rigid-flex PCBs are used in compact electronic devices such as cameras, wearables, aerospace modules, and medical probes where space and reliability are critical. The flexible sections allow the board to fold into three-dimensional shapes, reducing the need for connectors and cables.

What is the difference between rigid-flex and standard flexible PCBs?

Rigid-flex PCBs combine rigid and flexible layers in a single board, providing mechanical support for components while allowing the board to bend. Standard flexible PCBs are entirely flexible and often require stiffeners for component mounting. Rigid-flex eliminates connectors between sub-boards, improving reliability.

What standards apply to rigid-flex PCBs?

IPC-6013 covers qualification of flexible and rigid-flex boards, and IPC-2223 provides design guidelines. UL 94V-0 is a flammability rating. These standards are references for procurement and verification, but they do not guarantee that a specific product is compliant. Always confirm with the manufacturer.

What are the key parameters to consider when selecting a rigid-flex PCB?

Key parameters include board thickness, minimum trace width/spacing, minimum bend radius, flex layer count, total layer count, operating temperature, dielectric withstanding voltage, insulation resistance, impedance tolerance, copper weight, surface finish, flex cycle life, and maximum board size. These values must be verified for the specific application.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

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