Flexible Thinking: PCB Designers Still Wanted
Connect the Dots: Five Best Practices for Designing Flex and Rigid-flex PCBs
Tim’s Takeaways: Human Ingenuity and the Rigid-flex PCBTrackwise Delivers Record-breaking 72m Multi-layer Flexible PCB
November 16, 2021 | Trackwise Designs PLCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Trackwise Designs plc, the UK-based manufacturer of specialist products using printed circuit technology, has broken its own record for the world’s longest multi-layer flexible printed circuit (FPC), delivering a 72m FPC for an industrial application. Constructed using a polyimide base laminate with copper elements, and finished with an organo-metallic layer to protect against oxidization, the final circuit, and the exceptional circuit consistency, was made possible thanks to their patented Improved Harness technology.
The customer also recognized Trackwise’s ability to deliver a constant copper thickness across and along the manufactured part, thanks to a reel-to-reel copper plating line, achieving within +/- 5um across and along the entire 72m long part. This allowed for defined and tightly controlled layer to layer resistance with as thin as possible thickness for the flex in the end product.
New Record
“We are delighted to have smashed our previous 2020 record of 52m, which itself beat our 2019 record of 25m,” said Philip Johnston, Trackwise CEO. “Many applications are emerging for very long FPCs as customers become aware of the advantages offered by the technology. As well as the industrial sector, we are also winning business in the aerospace and automotive industries where our FPCs can help to increase battery life and EV range, for example, by reducing weight. Another key market is medical where users look to replace existing microwires with a cheaper, more reliable, and flexible solutions.
The versatility and cost effectiveness of the roll-to-roll, length-unlimited manufacturing capability means that we are delivering improved connectivity solutions for new and innovative product designs all the time, even where the client does not need a product as extreme as 72m in length!”
Share on:
Suggested Items
PCB007 Magazine April 2024 — The Growing Industry Issue
04/15/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamAfter more than two decades of steady decline in the U.S., the PCB industry is finally growing in the West thanks to the CHIPS and Science Act, DoD funding, and hopefully, the passing of HR 3249, the Printed Circuit Board and Substrates Act. The U.S. is now in a race to regain what was lost and then some. But what does “growing” look like for the organizations that have received DoD funding, and for the rest of us? How can we sustain this growth?
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Seeing the How
04/11/2024 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: Dan's Biz BookshelfI might say this about a lot of books, but this one is a must-read. The author addresses a whole new way of doing business. It’s not like one day we woke up and there it was, a new way to get a ride (Uber), a new home away from home (Airbnb), a new way to get groceries (Instacart) and (DoorDash), and so on. The flood gates have opened, and there’s more to come.
IPC WinterCom 2024 Through the Eyes of One Dedicated Student
04/12/2024 | Sanjay Huprikar, IPCLauriane Testuz stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her story serves as a reminder that the path to success is often paved by an unwavering commitment to one's dreams.
What’s New in Design Education at IPC APEX EXPO?
04/11/2024 | Kelly Allen, IPC Training ManagerKelly (Kel) Allen shares her thoughts on the educational offerings at IPC APEX EXPO and beyond. In this interview, she discusses some of the newest classes taking place during the conference in Anaheim, covering everything from design, fab, and assembly through mil/aero, test, and supply chain issues.
Design Community Town Hall Review
04/11/2024 | Kelly Dack, CID+, EPTACThe Design Community Town Hall took place on the afternoon of April 10, 2024. I was fortunate to attend this event, which marked an opportunity for members of some newly found design groups to get together and exchange ideas. Peter Tranitz, senior director of solutions for IPC, opened the session with a slide presentation introducing these new groups and members within the solutions department.