Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Move Your Bus'
Driving Innovation: Direct Imaging vs. Conventional Exposure
It’s Only Common Sense: Selling to Today's Generation of Buyers
Elmatica’s New Technology Results in an Increase for Flex and Rigid-Flex Printed Circuits
April 11, 2017 | ElmaticaEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Elmatica can report an increase in the demand for flex and rigid-flex boards in the Nordics. New advanced technology requires flexible circuits to fulfill challenging form-factor requirements, eliminate connectors and improve performance.
"We have during 2016 seen an increase in the demand for flex and rigid-flex circuits in the Nordics. There are several reasons to explain this development. The last manufacturer of flex and rigid-flex in the region closed down a while ago. Manufacturers in EU, USA, China and Asia are now the only viable options. Manufacturers in China has over the last years invested heavily in machines and knowledge to increase their capabilities. Status now, is that one can procure flex and rigid-flex in China, when using the right manufacturer, at a high quality level," says Torben Hajslund, Country Manager Elmatica, Denmark.
More attractive circuits
The demand for flex and rigid-flex circuits naturally increases when new and advanced technology requires it. The competitive situation also force companies to bring these new products to the market at an ever-increasing rate. Flexible PCB material is utilized to meet challenging form-factor requirements, eliminate connectors and improve performance.
"We see that the demand on a global level is increasing, especially within the consumer electronics industry in relation to volume production. With the high quality level from Asia on multilayer flex and rigid-flex, the flex-circuits are now more attractive in various industries, where rigid boards with connectors and cables would earlier have been preferred," says CTO of Elmatica, Jørgen Bakke.
Optimize technology and reduce challenges
Civil aviation, medical, aerospace- and the defence industry are sectors where Elmatica see a particular high growth, however all articles in the defence sector naturally fall under compliance regulation and hence they can only be produced in NATO countries or specific approved countries.
"The earlier we are involved in a project, the more challenges we can overcome in relation to optimize the design in relation to cost, assembly, material selection and compliance. We believe in sharing our knowledge, and tailor seminars for our customers to set the standard for how they can design with the optimal technology and reduce challenges. Lately we have seen a significant increase in the demand for seminars regarding flex and rigid-flex technology," says Bakke.
"Another positive aspect with flex and rigid-flex is the reduction of assembly time. For rigid-flex, reduced or no use of connectors will also increase reliability. Customers often request a reduction in both costs, time spent in assembly, fewer cables and sockets. This is in many cases solved with flex and rigid-flex boards. We are at the moment consulting on a printed circuit for a partner, a ML8-circuit with flex-connections on two layers. In this project we discuss the total cost reduction of the product in relation to utilizing cables etc. For a waste majority of applications, customers continue to demand smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective products. Then the flexible circuit is a viable option to explore with a competent partner," says Bakke.
Trusted since 1971--and all about the future of printed circuits--Elmatica was established in 1971 and is the oldest broker of PCB in the world. Delivering to 5 continents and 39 countries with over 10 000 orders per year, to both small family businesses and companies listed on the stock exchange.
Share on:
Suggested Items
S&K Aerospace Awarded Major Contract Under DLA Maritime Acquisition Advancement Program
07/02/2025 | BUSINESS WIRES&K Aerospace, LLC has been awarded a significant contract under the Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) Maritime Acquisition Advancement Program, managed by the U.S. Naval Supply Command - Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) in Mechanicsburg, PA.
Green Circuits to Exhibit Full-Service Electronics Manufacturing Solutions at 2025 SMD Symposium
07/02/2025 | Green CircuitsGreen Circuits, a full-service Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) partner to leading OEMs, is pleased to announce its participation in the 2025 SMD Symposium, taking place August 5-7 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
06/27/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007While news outside our industry keeps our attention occupied, the big news inside the industry is the rechristening of IPC as the Global Electronics Association. My must-reads begins with Marcy LaRont’s exclusive and informative interview with Dr. John Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. For designers, have we finally reached the point in time where autorouters will fulfill their potential?
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Tin Whisker Mitigation in Aerospace Applications, Part 3
06/25/2025 | Nash Bell -- Column: Knocking Down the Bone PileTin whiskers are slender, hair-like metallic growths that can develop on the surface of tin-plated electronic components. Typically measuring a few micrometers in diameter and growing several millimeters in length, they form through an electrochemical process influenced by environmental factors such as temperature variations, mechanical or compressive stress, and the aging of solder alloys.
RTX, the Singapore Economic Development Board Sign MOU Outlining 10-year Growth Roadmap
06/20/2025 | RTXRTX and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which outlines a 10-year roadmap to further long-term strategic collaboration in Singapore.