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PCB Tech - FPC shape and hole processing-double-sided FPC manufacturing process

PCB Tech

PCB Tech - FPC shape and hole processing-double-sided FPC manufacturing process

FPC shape and hole processing-double-sided FPC manufacturing process

2021-09-12
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Author:Belle

Most of the processing of holes and shapes of FPC flexible printed boards are processed by punching. However, it is not the only method. Depending on the situation, various methods or combinations can be used for processing. Recently, new processing technologies have been introduced with the demand for higher precision and diversification.


1. FPC shape and hole processing technology


At present, punching is the most used for batch processing of FPC, and small batches of FPC and FPC samples are mainly processed by CNC drilling and milling. These technologies are difficult to meet the future requirements for dimensional accuracy, especially position accuracy standards. Now new processing technologies are gradually being applied, such as laser etching, plasma etching, chemical etching and other technologies. These new shape processing technologies have very high position accuracy, especially the chemical etching method not only has high position accuracy, but also has high mass production efficiency and low process cost. However, these techniques are rarely used alone, and are generally used in combination with the punching method.


The purpose of use is classified into FPC contour processing, FPC drilling, FPC groove processing and trimming of related parts. The simple shape and accuracy requirements are not high, all are processed by one-time punching. For substrates with particularly high precision and complex shapes, if the processing efficiency does not necessarily meet the requirements with a pair of molds, the FPC can be processed in several steps. Specific examples are the plug parts of the narrow-pitch connector and Positioning holes for high-density mounting components, etc.


FPC flexible printed boards


2. FPC guide hole


It is also called positioning hole. Generally, the processing of the hole is an independent process, but there must be a guide hole for positioning with the line pattern. The automated process uses a CCD camera to directly identify positioning marks for positioning, but this kind of equipment is expensive and has a limited scope of application, so it is generally not used. Now the most used method is to drill positioning holes based on the positioning marks on the copper foil of the flexible printed circuit board. Although this is not a new technology, it can significantly improve the accuracy and production efficiency.


In order to improve the precision of punching, the positioning hole is processed by the punching method with high precision and less debris.


3, FPC punching


Punching is to use a pre-prepared special mold to perform hole and shape processing on a hydraulic press or a crank press. Nowadays, there are many kinds of molds, and molds are sometimes used in other processes.


4, FPC milling processing


The processing time of milling processing is in seconds, which is very short and low in cost. The production of molds is not only expensive but also requires a certain cycle, which makes it difficult to adapt to the trial production and design changes of urgent parts. If the numerical control data of the numerical control milling processing is provided together with the CAD data, the operation can be carried out immediately. The length of the milling processing time of each workpiece directly affects the level of processing cost, and the processing time is also high when the time is long, so the integrated adjustment processing is suitable for products with high price and low quantity or short trial production time.