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Writer's pictureFlex Plus Tech team

What can damage flexible printed circuit boards?

Updated: Aug 6

FPCB is a kind of flexible printed circuit board which is made of polyimide or polyester film as the substrate with high reliability and excellent performance. It has the characteristics of high wiring density, light weight, thin thickness and good bendability.

flexible printed circuit

Now that we know what a FPCB is, we need to pay attention to what will damage it:


1.    Mechanical forces

FPCBs are flexible, however, excessive bending or twisting beyond its stipulated limits may result in the formation of cracks, breaks, or delamination of the circuit or insulation.


2.    Excessive friction of the Flex PCB

Excessive friction of the surface, may degrade the protective layer and potentially expose conductive wiring, leading to short or open circuits.


3.    Too high operating temperature

Elevated temperatures during welding, reflow, or operation could potentially compromise the flexible substrate material, reduce the bonding force, or induce solder joint failure, all of which can lead to damage to the PCB board.


4.    Ambient temperature and humidity

Exposure to moisture or high humidity could possibly tarnish conductive wiring, compromise insulation, or induce electrical leakage, causing significant flexible PCB damage.

flex printed circuit

5.    Exposure to chemicals

Exposure to harsh chemicals or solvents could potentially deteriorate flexible substrates, dissolve adhesives, or tarnish conductive traces, leading to flex PCB damage.


6.    Electrostatic discharge (ESD):

Electrostatic discharge could potentially inflict direct or latent damage to delicate electronic components and conductive wiring on the Flexible printed circuit.


7.    External force shock and vibration

Mechanical shock or vibration may cause micro-cracks or breaks in the conductive traces (especially in areas of sharp bends or small radius bends), thus damaging the PCB board.


8.    Non-standard operations

Mismanaging during assembly, installation, or maintenance, for instance, exerting excessive force or bending the FPCB beyond its boundaries, may lead to physical impairment.


9.    Overvoltage or EMI/RFI:

Exposure to voltage surges, electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI) exceeding the Flexible PCB tolerance could induce electrical overstress and impair electronic components or wiring, leading to PCB damage.

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