Rigid-Flex PCBs: Advanced Manufacturing Services
At Sierra Assembly, we specialize in rigid-flex PCB manufacturing and design, providing reliable and high-performance solutions for a wide range of industries. Our expertise combines rigid PCB fabrication with flexible printed circuit board (PCB) technology, allowing us to deliver high-quality rigid-flex circuit boards tailored to your specifications. Whether you need fast turn rigid flex PCB production or complex multi-layer designs, Sierra Assembly is your trusted rigid-flex PCB manufacturer in the U.S.
What Are Rigid-Flex PCBs?
Rigid-flex PCBs are circuit boards that combine both rigid and flexible sections into a single assembly. The rigid areas provide mechanical support and hold components, while the flexible areas connect multiple rigid sections, allowing for dynamic movement, space optimization, and weight reduction.
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Rigid Sections: Provide stability for components and connectors
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Flexible Sections: Made with material for flex PCB such as polyimide, enabling bending without damage
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Permanent Integration: Rigid and flexible layers are permanently combined during fabrication
At Sierra Assembly, we manufacture both custom asymmetric rigid-flex PCBs with outward flexible layers and symmetric designs with inward flexible layers, meeting precise application requirements.
Why Rigid-Flex PCBs Matter
Using rigid-flex PCBs offers several advantages over standard rigid or flexible boards:
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Streamlined Assembly: Combines multiple boards into a single assembly, simplifying rigid PCB fabrication and flex circuit board manufacturers processes.
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Fewer Solder Joints: Reduces failure points and improves reliability.
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Space and Weight Savings: Enables compact, lightweight designs ideal for modern electronics.
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Cost Efficiency: Reduces total PCB assembly costs by integrating multiple layers into one board.
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Enhanced Durability: Flexible sections absorb mechanical stress, extending product lifespan.
These advantages make rigid-flex PCBs suitable for industries that demand high performance, reliability, and miniaturization.
Sierra Assembly’s Rigid-Flex PCB Manufacturing Capabilities
At Sierra Assembly, our rigid-flex PCB fabrication capabilities include:
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Specification
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Capability
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Layer Count
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2 – 10 Layers
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Materials
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Polyimide, FR4
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Copper Thickness
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9 µm, 12 µm, 18 µm, 35 µm
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Minimum Line/Spacing
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125 µm / 125 µm
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Smallest Drill
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0.28 mm
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Surface Finishes
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Immersion Ni/Au, OSP, Plated Ni/Au, Immersion Tin
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Stiffener Materials
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FR4, Steel, Aluminum
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Min. Annular Ring
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150 µm
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Min. Soldermask Dam
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100 µm
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Drill to Copper – Outer Layers
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8 mil
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Drill to Copper – Inner Layers
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10 mil
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Minimum Pitch
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0.5 mm
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Copper to Board Edge
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0.007″
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Minimum Hole Size
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0.004″
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Coverlay Opening
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0.003″
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This allows us to manufacture high-density rigid-flex boards that are both durable and lightweight, while meeting precise design tolerances.
Our Rigid-Flex PCB Manufacturing Process
At Sierra Assembly, we follow a thorough and precise process to ensure every rigid flex PCB meets your specifications and performs flawlessly. From initial design consultation to final testing, each step is carefully managed by our experienced engineering team.
1. Design Consultation
Our process begins with an in-depth design consultation. We work closely with your engineering team to review your project requirements and understand the intended application. During this stage, we consider:
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Layer configuration and board complexity
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Component placement and density
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Mechanical and thermal requirements
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Flexibility needs and bending radii
This step ensures your design is optimized for both performance and manufacturability, reducing the risk of errors later in the process.
2. Material Selection
Selecting the right
materials is critical for flexible printed circuit boards and rigid sections. Our team recommends the most suitable material for flex PCB and rigid layers based on your design, electrical requirements, and durability needs. Options include:
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Polyimide for flexible layers: Heat-resistant, durable, and capable of repeated bending
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FR4 for rigid layers: Provides stability, strength, and reliable component mounting
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Copper thickness options: 9 µm, 12 µm, 18 µm, 35 µm depending on current requirements
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Surface finishes: Immersion Ni/Au, OSP, Plated Ni/Au, or Immersion Tin
By carefully selecting materials, we ensure your rigid flex PCB manufacturing is optimized for long-term performance.
3. Prototyping
Before full-scale production, we offer flex PCB prototyping to validate your design. During prototyping, we:
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Fabricate a small batch of boards to test electrical and mechanical performance
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Check the bending and flexing capabilities of flexible sections
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Ensure component placement and routing are correct
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Validate manufacturability for multi-layer rigid-flex designs
Prototyping allows for early detection of potential issues and reduces
rework, saving both time and cost.
4. Production
Once the prototype is approved, we move into full-scale rigid flex PCB manufacturing. This includes:
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Precise layering of rigid and flexible sections
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High-accuracy drilling and routing for vias and component holes
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Controlled lamination processes to permanently bond rigid and flexible layers
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Application of surface finishes to meet electrical and soldering requirements
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Integration of stiffeners or mechanical supports as needed
Our rigid flex PCB fabrication capabilities ensure that each board meets design specifications and industry standards.
5. Testing & Quality Assurance
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Electrical testing: Check for shorts, opens, and correct component placement
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Mechanical testing: Validate bending, flexing, and stress tolerance
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Visual inspection: Ensure proper solder mask, silkscreen, and overall board quality
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Compliance with IPC, RoHS, and ISO standards for traceability and reliability.
Through this comprehensive process, we ensure that every flex rigid PCB manufacturer project delivered by Sierra Assembly is fully functional, reliable, and ready for your application.
If you’re planning a rigid-flex PCB and want expert guidance from design through production,
request a quote from Sierra Assembly today. Our engineering team will review your requirements and help ensure your board is optimized for performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
Rigid-Flex PCB Prototyping & Fast Turn Services
We understand the need for speed and accuracy in product development. Our flex PCB prototyping and fast turn rigid flex PCB services help clients bring products to market quickly without compromising quality.
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Prototype runs for design verification
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Quick turnaround for pilot production
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Custom specifications supported, including unusual flex circuit fabrication requirements
Our team of experts ensures each rigid-flex PCB supplier project meets the highest quality standards before moving into full-scale production.
Benefits of Choosing Rigid-Flex PCBs
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Benefit
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Description
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Simplified Assembly
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Fewer connections and solder joints, improving reliability
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Space Efficiency
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Flexible sections reduce package size and weight
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Cost Savings
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Reduces overall manufacturing and assembly costs
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Durability
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Flex layers absorb mechanical stress for longer life
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Design Flexibility
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Enables compact designs for advanced electronics
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By integrating rigid-flex PCB manufacturing into your design, you optimize both performance and reliability.
Applications of Rigid-Flex PCBs
Rigid-flex PCBs are widely used across
industries that require compact, durable, and high-performance circuit boards:
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Consumer Electronics: Digital cameras, smartphones, wearable devices
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Aerospace & Defense: Avionics, military weaponry systems
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Medical Devices: Diagnostic equipment, monitoring devices
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Automotive: Telematics, advanced driver-assistance systems
At Sierra Assembly, we have extensive experience designing and producing flex circuits manufacturers solutions for these sectors, ensuring every project meets exact specifications and delivers reliable performance.
Why Choose Sierra Assembly for Rigid-Flex PCBs
At Sierra Assembly, we’re recognized as a top rigid flex PCB manufacturer because we blend technical expertise with a strong focus on customer needs. With years of experience in rigid-flex PCB fabrication and assembly, we deliver solutions that are both precise and reliable. We offer customized designs to meet the unique requirements of your projects, ensuring every board performs exactly as intended.
Our commitment to quality assurance means every PCB undergoes rigorous testing and inspection, fully compliant with IPC and ISO standards. Plus, with our fast turn rigid flex PCB capabilities, we provide quick prototyping and production without compromising quality. Our engineering team collaborates closely with each client to deliver high-performance rigid flex PCB supplier solutions that consistently exceed expectations.
Partner with a proven rigid-flex PCB manufacturer that delivers precision, speed, and reliability.
Request a quote from Sierra Assembly today and let our engineering team turn your design into a high-performance rigid-flex PCB on time and to spec.