An FPC, short for the flexible printed circuit, is a type of PCB. It is constructed with either adhesive or non-adhesive material. The copper which is used in the production of FPC can either be electrolytic or rolled copper. However, non-adhesive rolled copper is more pliable and can be bent more easily.

A double-layered flexible PCB comprises two conductive layers separated by an insulating layer. This type of PCB is ideal for applications that require high circuit density.

2-layer flex PCB Material

Several materials can be used to fabricate double-sided flexible PCBs, including PI, PEN, PET, and LCP. Our skilled team can assist you in finding the best materials for your specific project. To meet all of your requirements and achieve your desired results, we provide copper in a variety of thickness options. Our staff will work closely with you to choose the appropriate material for your double-sided flexible PCB to create a solution that satisfies your needs.

Other stiffening materials in a double-sided flexible PCB include polyimide, steel sheet, FR-4, and aluminum sheet.

Applications of 2 layer flex PCB

Due to the remarkable performance qualities of double-sided flexible PCB, which include:

• Communications
• Automotive
• Consumer Electronics
• Medical
• Industrial
• Military
• Aerospace
• Transportation etc.

Single-Layer Flex PCB vs. two layer flex PCB

• The original is on one side of a single-layer or single-sided Flex PCB, and a conductor pattern is on the other. There is only one layer of conductive material on this flexible PCB. Reduced cost, faster mass production, easier production, and speedier delivery are all advantages of single-layer flexible PCBs.
• Double-sided flexible PCBs have more layers than single-layer flexible PCBs but fewer layers than multi-layer flexible PCBs. Double-layer flexible PCBs offer improved wiring density per unit area thanks to a layer of conductive metal on both sides, making them more suitable for routine tasks.
• Circuits and components on a double-sided flexible PCB can be electrically attached using either surface mounting or through-hole mounting techniques.
• Three or more double-sided flexible PCBs are laminated to form a multi-layer flexible PCB. In a multi-layer flexible PCB, each substrate layer has conductive metal on both sides and is separated from the others by an insulating material. A specialized adhesive is used to join the substrate layers together.

Holes create an electrical connection between the various layers of a multi-layer flexible PCB (buried holes, blind holes, or through holes).

Advantages of 2-layer flex PCB or Multilayer PCB

• Ideal for intricate projects due to its advanced features
• Ensures higher quality and dependability
• Offers increased circuit density and improved operating capacity, speed, and performance
• Boasts improved toughness, with added layers making it thicker and more durable compared to single or double-sided flexible PCBs
• Advantages of a smaller size and lighter weight through a more compact circuit design, leading to a reduction in the size and weight of the circuit board.

 

Choose single-layer or 2 layer flex PCB

If you’re struggling to decide between a double-sided, single-sided, or multi-layer flexible PCB for your project, you may want to consider the following five aspects:

1. What is functionality level required? If the project needs more complex functionality, a multi-layer flexible printed circuit board is necessary.
2. Size of the circuit board: Single-sided flexible PCBs can only increase in size to accommodate more wiring. In contrast, the multi-layer flexible board circuit board can achieve high-density installations within a smaller space.
3. Toughness: If enhancing the product’s durability is a priority, a multi-layer flexible printed circuit board is the way to go.
4. Cost. From a financial perspective, a single-layer flexible printed circuit board is a cost-effective option.
5. Delivery Schedule: Compared to traditional rigid PCBs, flexible printed circuit boards present more production challenges. The production difficulty level of multi-layer flexible printed circuit boards is greater than that of double-sided and single-sided flexible printed circuit boards. This increase in production difficulty results in an extended delivery timeframe.

Features of 2 layer flex PCB

Flex circuits are distinguished by their ability to be bent, lightweight & soft material, and trim profile. These boards’ construction material, such as polyimide or related polymers, is made to withstand repetitive bending without harming the insulation or conductive layers. Flex circuits are a good solution for applications where stiff circuit boards might not perform as well as they should, owing to heat-related problems. The material also performs exceptionally well at dissipating heat.

Manufacturers can benefit from the flexible circuit design’s ability to tolerate high temperatures and its typical resistance to chemicals & radiation, including ultraviolet light. Its overall appeal is enhanced by its capacity to manage impedance in complex circuit designs.

Flexible circuit boards are a perfect choice for oil and gas sector applications like borehole monitoring because they can function in harsh temperature ranges ranging from -200° C to 400° C.Flexible circuits are now the favored option for engineering design in industrial sensor technologies as a result of the demand for small, valuable devices in industrial settings.

Flex circuits, commonly referred to as flexible circuit boards, have various benefits, including being thin, lightweight, and made of a material that can be repeatedly twisted without causing damage to the copper foil layer or insulation. Nevertheless, despite its adaptability, the material’s flexibility also imposes some restrictions. Flexible circuit boards’ small size prevents them from withstanding high current and voltage levels, making them unsuitable for use in high-power electronic equipment. 

As a result, flexible circuit boards may only be used in low-current, low-power electronic devices, where their adaptability and capacity for heat dissipation make them a popular choice. Flexible printed circuit boards are indeed widely used in various industries, but before choosing one for a particular project, it’s vital to take the technology’s limits into account.