Most companies making use of PCBs are usually okay making use of the usual FR4 material when making use of their boards. These FR4 boards are effective and affordable for different applications. The truth is that not just fr4 boards are the only material for printed circuit boards. There are other types, which are usually very appropriate for some applications.
Polyimide is one such material for boards. You may find that some materials of your polyimide PCB have properties that work well with your industry’s board applications. If this is your first time using PCBs, then it is very important you know which material works best for you before making your purchase.
You may doubt if the polyimide flex PCB is right for you. This is why we are here to explain to you better. Read on to know how the polyimide flex PCB can have an effect on your applications.
What is Polyimide Flex PCB?
Polyimide is made from two phrases, which includes “poly” and “imide”. The former leads to polymers, while the latter has to do with imide monomers. All together, they yield a group referred to as a diverse polymer.
However, the manufacturing of this group is done making use of either synthetic or natural processes. However, presently, don’t think about these natural polymers, but concentrate on the Polyimides that are synthetically manufactured. Also, the Polyimides are useful in the building of printed circuit boards. This is why it is referred to as polyimide PCB.
What are the Types of Polyimide Flex PCBs?
Just like the ceramic and metal PCB, the polyimide PCBs come in multiple types. This classification is made when you determine the type of material used in the synthesis of the polyimide or amide polymer. Polyimide PCBs come in common types.
Second Generation Polyimide (Pure Polyimide)
These printed circuit boards are the simplest and it lacks added features like brominated flame retardants. Although most materials have used “lacking” negatively, pure polyimide has been able to use it positively.
Furthermore, the absence of flame retardants is what ensures its stability, coupled to its flexibility to be useful in different communicating and electrical devices. Furthermore, this polyimide is called the polyimide flex PCB occasionally; this is due to its flexibility.
Although this type of polyimide flex pcb is the oldest of all, it is useful in different applications. This is possible due to its endurance against thermal stability and changes in temperature during any challenging situation.
3rd Generation Polyimide
This is the updated version of the pure polyimide. Furthermore, it comes with added additives that ensure it has better flammability resistance. This resistance is important because it helps in stopping electric fires that happen accidentally.
However, this third generation polyimide doesn’t have the pure polyimide’s’ thermal stability. This could be a disadvantage. Contrary wise, manufacturing it is easy. This is why the production line is propelled faster compared to other polyimide flexible printed circuit boards.
Low-Flow Polyimides
The manufacturing of this type of polyimide is done without the standard printed circuit board’s flexibility. So, at times, people call it a rigid polyimide printed circuit board.
The low-flow PCB’s rigidity becomes very important when printed circuit boards need stiffness to remain strong when there are challenging conditions. Therefore, when there is a failure in the traditional printed circuit boards, then low-flow Polyimides helps to solve the difficult situations.
Filled Polyimide
This polyimide is just like the multilayer printed circuit boards. This is because it has more than one filler material. The extra filler reduces the shrinkage of the resin. This resistance of the resin shrinkage is important since as a result of the shrinkage, a good number of PCBs cracks down and becomes frail when the curing and drilling proceeding are on. Furthermore, this shrinkage resistance assists the filled polyimide in maximizing its usage for long-term.
What are the Advantages of the Polyimide Flex PCB?
The polyimide flex pcbs have some great benefits which will be discussed below. Therefore, make use of the polyimide PCB if you need any of these features.
Thermal stability
Polyimide flex PCB materials are known to have great resistance against any warping. This is possible due to the polyimide material’s flexibility. Therefore, if you want your PCB applications to have some durability, the durability and great tensile strength will offer you great benefits.
Tensile Strength
The polyimide printed circuit boards have great resistance when it comes to warping. This is possible due to this polyimide materials’ flexibility. Therefore, if you desire your PCB applications to have some durability, then the durability and great tensile strength will offer you great benefits.
Stable flexibility
The polyimide flex PCB’s greatest benefit is its great flexibility and stability all at once. This is a great combination of flexibility and rigidity which are usually lacking in regular printed circuit boards.
Extreme durability
It is known that polyimide has a strong resistance against different temperatures and chemicals. Therefore, it enjoys extreme durability. This durability is very important when enduring physical stress, which is known as an important benefit of printed circuit boards.
What are the Applications of the Polyimide Flex PCB?
The polyimide flex pcbs are found in different applications in the printed circuit board industry. Below are some examples.
The automobiles of today rely on electronics heavily as well as flexible printed circuit boards that are commonly used in handling the heat and vibrations which usually occur in a vehicle.
Computer Electronics
The computer environments like laptops need some durability and flexibility so as to withstand any physical stress that happens from daily use. Furthermore, the environments where computer printed circuit boards function can suddenly become very hot. This is why the polyimide flex pcbs are appropriate for these environments, mostly due to their thermal stability, durability, and flexibility.
Medical Electronics
A good number of medical applications need some flexibility in the type of electronics used, most especially when it comes to imaging technology, prosthetics, and implants, which usually requires extra movement.
Conclusion
Although polyimide flex pcbs can be more expensive, they offer impressive functional benefits and flexibility over the normal FR4 boards.
