Table of Contents
Can a PCB be curved?
Certain applications require curved or round devices, and it can pay to design your PCB to match the form factor of your device packaging. Using a rectangular board inside a curved package reduces available board space, and working with curved designs allows your PCB to match the contour of your packaging.
What is edge plating in PCB?
Edge plating is the copper plating connecting the top to the bottom surface of a PCB, running along at least one of its perimeter edges.
What is included in PCB fabrication?
The PCB Fabrication Process
- Imaging desired layout on copper clad laminates.
- Etching or removing excess copper from inner layers to reveal traces and pads.
- Creating the PCB layer stackup by laminating (heating and pressing) board materials at high temperatures.
- Drilling holes for mounting holes, through hole pins and vias.
How much can a PCB Bend?
General Design Rules for flexible PCBs
| Dynamic Bend | Semi-Dynamic | |
|---|---|---|
| Bending | Dynamic Bend | max. 20x |
| Layers | Dynamic Bend | 1-4L recommended |
| Covering* | Dynamic Bend | PI Coverlay or solder-stop |
| Min. bending radius | Dynamic Bend | > 20x h flex |
Do PCBs have to be flat?
Generally, most circuit boards need to be quite flat to be able to be assembled on most automated assembly equipment. There are a class of flexible circuit boards which most generally are bendible in certain areas, but it is highly preferable to have the components soldered to ridgid, flat areas.
What is the role of lamination in PCB fabrication?
PCBs have conductive pathways through which different components are connected across the board. These pathways are etched from copper sheets. To ensure that the copper layer does not conduct a signal or current, it is laminated into a substrate.