Printed Flexible Circuits

The global market for smart packaging is expected to reach over 48 billion USD by 2024, and printed flexible circuits will have a huge role to play in this growth. Smart technology is being used by many companies to add functionality to their packaging that can improve customer experience and business outcomes. These functionalities can include tracking products during shipment, monitoring environmental conditions and even help authenticate real from counterfeit goods.

Printed flexible circuits (FFCs) are thin, flat, lightweight electronic components that replace the standard interconnection techniques such as soldered wires and hand-wired connectors. They are ideal for use in high-stress applications where the circuits will be subjected to continuous vibrations and mechanical stress. In addition, they offer better heat dissipation and electrical performance than rigid PCBs.

FFCs can be found in a wide variety of devices from mobile phones and tablets to computers and printers. They are also a critical component for smart packaging, as they allow for the integration of sensor technologies into the package itself. This allows for the creation of intelligent, connected packaging that can provide a more personalized customer experience and enhance product value.

A flex circuit is a printed electronic assembly made up of conductive traces on a flexible substrate with surface mount devices (SMD) attached to them. They are available in a range of sizes and thicknesses. The conductor layers can be made from a variety of materials, including copper foil. Depending on the application, they can be either single-sided or double-sided. Single-sided flex circuits consist of a single patterned conductor layer on a flexible dielectric film with termination features accessible only from one side.

Printed Flexible Circuits and Smart Packaging

These are the most commonly used type of flex circuits, and they are typically employed in IC packaging. Double-sided flex circuits contain a single conductor layer that is processed to allow access to the termination features from both sides. They are often employed in IC packages where tape automated bonding is employed.

In the case of smart packaging, a flex circuit can be embedded in the container or label and connects to sensors and actuators that monitor the condition of the packaged good. The data collected by the sensor can then be used to send a notification to a consumer or manufacturer, for example, if the package has been opened or tampered with.

As the COVID-19 pandemic changed consumer buying patterns, it was important for brands to establish a connection with their customers. For this reason, a number of retailers started using RFID to track inventory, which was especially useful for omnichannel retail models where consumers could order online and then pick up the items at a store location.

The use of RFID in smart packaging is only going to grow, as more and more businesses look for ways to add intelligence to their packaging at every stage of the supply chain. This is particularly true for healthcare companies, where flexible and printed electronics can be used to ensure the safety and quality of their products. For instance, Jones Healthcare Group has developed a system that can notify patients when it’s time to take their medication, via SMS text message or email.

flex PCBs accommodate for bending stresses

The answer to how do flex PCBs accommodate for bending stresses is dependent on the overall thickness of the flex stackup and how rigid sections are configured. Thicker rigid flex PCBs tend to have more layers, which creates a larger amount of tensile stress. However, this is mitigated by the fact that rigid flex circuits usually have wider traces, which reduces stress concentration at bend points. In addition, the use of S curves in the flex region can reduce the chances of traces cracking and can also improve signal timing.

A flex pcb that is designed to be dynamic — one that undergoes repeated bending throughout its lifecycle — requires more rigorous design considerations than static designs. Typically, this includes having a minimum bending radius that is 100 times the thickness of the flex layer. This extensive bending radius is necessary to prevent the stress from concentrating on a single point, which can cause the flex to break.

Another way to improve the durability of a dynamic flex circuit is by using polyimide stiffeners. Stiffeners are additional layers added to the flex PCB that provide reinforcement in specific areas of the circuit. They are often used in areas where it is important to maintain rigidity, such as to protect components and connectors attached to the flex PCB. Stiffeners are available in a variety of thicknesses and can be made of either polyimide or metal (typically FR-4 or aluminum).

How do flex PCBs accommodate for bending stresses?

The material properties of the flex PCB should also be considered when designing for bending. For example, if the flex PCB will be exposed to harsh environments such as high temperatures, moisture, or vibration, it is critical that the correct materials are selected.

Finally, a dynamic flex circuit should be tested to ensure it is up to the task of handling repeated bending. This should include a thorough mechanical testing, such as physical bending of the flex PCB to its limits, along with electrical and environmental tests. The results of these tests can be used to refine the flex PCB’s design and ensure it meets all required specifications. This type of testing is crucial for ensuring that the flex PCB will perform reliably in its intended application.

In doing so, engineers can be confident that the flex PCB will meet the needs of its customers and perform well over time. This is why it’s essential to work with a fabricator that has experience producing quality flex circuits. PCBWay’s flex PCB assembly services are among the best in the industry and can help your design withstand repeated bending and other extreme conditions. Contact us today to learn more about our flex circuit assembly services. Our experienced team can help you design a functional and reliable product. We offer a wide variety of flex and rigid-flex circuit boards, including multilayer and double-sided flex PCBs, with a variety of finishes. We can also manufacture your flex circuits to your exact specification. We can even provide prototypes for your development process, so you can see and touch a sample of our work before ordering your production run.

Refurbished Laptops With High-Resolution Displays

When searching for the perfect laptop computer, a high-resolution display is one of the most important features to consider. This will ensure that you are able to see all of the fine details on your screen, whether you are working or just enjoying entertainment.

While some may be hesitant to purchase a used or previously owned laptop, refurbished computers have many benefits. They are often priced lower than new computers, and they are inspected, cleaned, and repaired by professionals before being sold again. Many of the top refurbished laptops on the market feature high-resolution displays, making them ideal for business users or those who need to get work done on the go.

In general, a refurbished laptop will have less advanced components than a brand-new laptop, but this is not always the case. It is important to use a hardware comparison website to compare the specifications of a new laptop with a refurbished laptop that has the same specification to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Can I Find Refurbished Laptops With High-Resolution Displays?

Buying a refurbished laptop can also save you a significant amount of money, as you will not be paying for any additional components that are not necessary for your use. Additionally, you will be reducing your impact on the environment by ensuring that perfectly good laptops are not being thrown away. If you are looking for a great deal on a quality refurbished laptop, look no further than Micro Centers lineup of options.

Most refurbished laptops sold today are going to have at least a 1080p FHD IPS screen with fairly decent color reproduction. This resolution is standard, and most laptops have been shipping with these displays for quite some time now. However, some laptops are still shipped with lower quality 1366 x 768 TN screens in order to cut costs for business models.

When shopping for a refurbished laptop, it is important to know who the laptop was sourced from and what refurbishing process was utilized. This is because not all refurbishing processes are created equal. Ideally, the laptop should be restored to a condition that is similar to when it was originally built. In addition, the laptop should have a clean exterior with no cosmetic blemishes.

If you’re a student, a refurbished laptop is a great way to make your money stretch further. These laptops are typically tested for defects, and they come with a warranty that covers any problems that might arise. You can even find a high-resolution refurbished laptop for under $500, which is a great price to pay for an affordable laptop that will meet your needs. The only downside to purchasing a refurbished laptop is that you might be locked out of future OS updates, which is something that you should weigh with your specific use cases in mind. If you are a fan of Apple products, for example, you should be aware that macOS updates will stop supporting older MacBooks after seven years.