16 Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for flexible printed circuit boards (pcb) as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 16 flexible printed circuit board (pcb) manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked flexible printed circuit board (pcb) companies as of November, 2024: 1.All Flex, 2.Northpoint Technologies, Inc., 3.TechnoTronix.
Table of Contents
1987~1991: Engaged in research on wire covering materials at Polymer Materials Laboratory.
1991~1997: Worked as a patent Engineer at Koike International Patent Office.
1997~2005 Worked as an intellectual property member at GE Yokogawa Medical System, currently working as a writer.
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What Is a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB)?
A Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a substrate with a wiring pattern made of bendable copper on a base film. The base film is composed of an insulating and bendable resin.
Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) can be made thinner and can be bent freely while maintaining its electrical characteristics.
Uses of Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
Flexible Printed Circuit Boards can be used as a circuit board by mounting components, etc., and can also be used as a connecting member like a cable by forming only wiring patterns.
Due to its thin and soft characteristics, it is often used for moving parts that require bending and folding, and for connecting parts, and together with flexible rigid substrates, it is also used for three-dimensional circuits.
Flexible Printed Circuit Boards are often used not only in the space exploration and military fields where it was originally intended, but also in familiar fields such as smartphones, cell phones, typing keyboards, and calculators that require thinness and lightness.
Principle of Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
Flexible Printed Circuit Boards consist of a wiring pattern formed by bendable copper on a base film made of a bendable resin such as polyimide.
There are also rigid printed circuit boards with wiring patterns on a rigid, non-flexible insulating base
board. Flexible Printed Circuit Boards differs from rigid PCB in that the base is a thin film and the base is bendable. As with rigid substrates, components can be mounted on the wiring pattern.
Types of Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
Flexible Printed Circuit Boards have a single-sided structure in which only one layer of the wiring pattern is formed on one side of the base film, and a double-sided structure in which one layer is formed on both sides of the base film. There is also a multi-layered Flexible Printed Circuit Board with two or more layers of wiring patterns on each side of the base film.
1. Single-Sided Structure
The single-sided structure of Flexible Printed Circuit Boards is one in which a single-layer wiring pattern is formed on only one side of the base film. Single-sided structure is often used in moving parts because of its light weight, flexibility, and durability against movement.
2. Double-Sided Structure
Flexible Printed Circuit Boards with a double-sided structure have a single-layer wiring pattern formed on both sides of the base film. The double-sided structure is superior in that it is compact and allows high-density wiring patterns to be formed, and more functions can be mounted. However, compared to the single-sided structure, it is inferior in flexibility and durability, making it unsuitable for use in moving parts.
3. Multilayered Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
Multilayered Flexible Printed Circuit Boards are multilayered flexible printed circuit board. Flexible Printed Circuit Boards, like rigid PCB, can have two or more layers of wiring patterns on the surface of the base film.
In this case, in order to efficiently multilayer, two or more wiring patterns are stacked on both sides of the base film with an insulating layer in between. This multilayered Flexible Printed Circuit Board with a protective layer is called a Flex Rigid Board.
This multilayered Flexible Printed Circuit Board is lightweight, but has the same high mechanical strength and circuit formation capabilities as rigid substrates, making it suitable for use in three-dimensional circuits. It is an indispensable component for reducing the size of electronic devices to a compact size.
Other Information on Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
1. Manufacturing Method of Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
The manufacturing method of Flexible Printed Circuit Board is explained using a single-sided flexible printed circuit board as an example.
- Application of photoresist
Photoresist is applied to CCL, which is an insulating base film such as polyimide film with copper foil laminated to it. - Formation of photomask
A photomask with a predetermined wiring pattern shape is placed over the CCL. At this time, the photomask is shaped in the same way as in printing and photographic techniques, with the wiring pattern portion removed. - UV curing of the photomask
UV light is irradiated from the top of the photomask, and only the portion corresponding to the wiring pattern is UV cured. - Photoresist removal
The photomask is removed, and uncured photoresist is removed using a chemical solution. - Copper foil removal
The next process is called etching. In the etching process, a chemical solution is used to remove the copper foil, leaving only the copper foil in the area protected by the photoresist, i.e., the wiring pattern area, where the wiring pattern is formed. - Removal of cured photoresist
The cured photoresist covering the wiring pattern is removed with a chemical solution. - Formation of coverlay
An insulating layer called a coverlay is formed to protect the wiring pattern.
The production of such Flexible Printed Circuit Board requires a great deal of chemical knowledge. Knowledge of inorganic chemistry is required for the etching process, which leaves only the wiring pattern, and the coverlay formation process, which protects the wiring pattern.
The wastewater from the rinsing process contains a wide variety of hazardous substances, so advanced wastewater treatment technology based on chemical knowledge is required.
2.Global Trends in Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
Flexible Printed Circuit Boards are manufactured worldwide by about 2,500 companies, with Taiwanese manufacturers topping the list in 2018, followed by Japan, Korea, China, and some other leading manufacturers in East Asia.
Flexible Printed Circuit Board demand is expected to continue to grow in a variety of sectors, including public and private military and industrial machinery, the space industry, and the automotive and telecommunications sectors.
Some observers predict that China will have the most momentum due to its investment in improving its technological capabilities and its abundant rare metal resources. Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, the top group, are moving toward higher unit price niche fields, while China is currently increasing sales centered on low-priced PCBs, but the gap in technological capabilities is shrinking, and it is only a matter of time before China will join the top group in the future.
List of 16 Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Denmark
- Germany
- Japan
- Taiwan
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RUSH PCB Inc.
FLEX AND RIGID FLEX PCB
Manufacturer Overview
RUSH PCB Inc., established in 1997, manufacturer and service provider of printed circuit boards and PCB assembly based in Milpitas, CA, USA. The company offers a comprehensive range of products and assembly services across the United States and worldwide locations in the UK and Australia. With certifications such as ISO, UL, IPC, and RoHS compliance, the company caters to various turn-key industry needs. The product line includes high-layer count PCBs, including laser drill micro-vias. The company’s services extend to PCB assembly, covering everything from prototypes to long runs for clients like Google, NASA, Fitbit, Nvidia, and more.
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TechnoTronix
FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT BOARDS
Manufacturer Overview
TechnoTronix, founded in Anaheim, CA, in 2020 is a manufacturer of PCB assembly and printed circuit boards including rigid, flexible, and metal core PCB. The company's product portfolio includes surface Mount Technology (SMT) used to assemble complex electronic components, Through Hole Technology (THT) used for or secure soldering of components through pre-drilled holes and cable harnesses. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. They also offer custom packaging, warehousing, and distribution services.
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Cirexx International
Flex and Rigid-Flex Circuits
Manufacturer Overview
Cirexx International, established in 1980, based in Santa Clara, California, is a state-of-the-art PCB manufacturer. The company offers a complete line of PCB layout, fabrication, and assembly services. They also offer a complete line of RF/Microwave PWBs using all of the major advanced materials, laminates and composites - Arlon, Rogers, Taconic and others. The company also manufactures complex PWBs and are AS-9100 certified and ITAR registered. The company also provides a “one-stop-shop” and all in-house solutions.
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San Francisco Circuits, Inc.
FLEX PCB(FPCB)
Manufacturer Overview
San Francisco Circuits, Inc., established in 2005, is a service provider and manufacturer of printed circuit board fabrication based in San Mateo and San Diego, California, USA. The company offers borderless boards through an extensive network of partners ranging from intricate production quantities to prototype PCBs with fast turnaround times and turnkey PCB assembly. The company specializes in various PCB types, including prototypes, Mil Spec PCBs, multi-layer PCBs, and many more. Covering IPC Class 1, 2, 3, and Mil Spec Boards, the company has small to medium production runs in compliance with industry standards like RoHS and WEEE.
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Epec
FLEX & RIGID-FLEX
Manufacturer Overview
Epec is an American manufacturer of high-reliability electronic components established in 1952 in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The company produces various electronic manufacturing components used in a wide range of industries, including battery packs, printer circuit boards (PCBs), cable assemblies, and fan motors. They also offer custom engineering, supply chain management, and after-sale support services to their customers. Epec operates internationally via a network of facilities and offices in the United States, China, and United Kingdom. The company has served notable clients such as Medtronic, Schneider Electric, and Samsung.
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Millennium Circuits Limited
FLEXIBLE PCBS
Manufacturer Overview
Millennium Circuits Ltd, founded in 2005, based in Pennsylvania, United States, is a manufacturer and supplier of PCBs. Their product portfolio includes printed aluminum and ceramic PCBs circuit boards, and SMT stencils. The company also offers a range of PCB solutions with the cutting-edge technology of high-frequency laminate, microwave circuits, good quality control, technical support, and ISO certifications. The products have multiple applications in medical instrumentation, test, and measurement, LED lighting, automotive, consumer electronics, marine, and industrial equipment, as well as electronic and manufacturing industries.
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Northpoint Technologies, Inc.
Flexible Circuits
Company Overview
Northpoint Technologies, Inc., established in 1989, is a manufacturer and distributor of advanced electronic components headquartered in El Paso, TX, USA. The company is ISO 9002, IPC, Reach, and ROHS certified and supplies a diverse range of products for the Appliances and Electronics Manufacturing industry. The product portfolio is UL-approved and includes Touchscreens, Flexible Circuits, PCBs, Silicone Switches, and many more. Delivering products tailored to individual industry requirements, the company maintains international quality standards at competitive pricing. The company employs over 700 people with extensive industry experience in creating custom parts that are supplied worldwide from Austin to Zurich.
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Zhen Ding Tech. Group
FPC
Manufacturer Overview
Zhen Ding Tech Group, established in 2006 and headquartered in Taoyüan, T'ai-wan, Taiwan, is a specialist manufacturer of printed circuits and substrates. The company's products include flexible printed circuits (FPC), high-density interconnections (HDI), rigid printed circuit boards (R-PCB), and integrated circuit substrates (ICS). These products are widely used in computing devices, consumer electronics, and home appliances and are crucial components for telecommunication and networking products. As the IoT proliferates, even more complex chips and PCBs will be integrated into more than just devices, such as walls, medical implants, and swarming drone delivery services.
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ES&S Solutions GmbH
Flexible Printed Circuit Boards
Manufacturer Overview
ES&S Solutions GmbH was established in 1990 in Viersen-Mackenstein, Germany and is a manufacturer of electronics components. The company's products include adapters, PCB, flex jumpers, cables and wires, which are used in electronics and electrical applications. It has some accreditations, including RoHS, ISO 9001:2015, Reach and UL. In case of any fault, the company has a return structure where customers fill out a Return Material Authorisation (RMA) form on the website. Also, it provides a contact person for clients to give them advice on technical matters.
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SYE Europe GmbH
Rigid Flex // HDI Rigid Flex
Manufacturer Overview
Shengyi Europe GmbH (SYI Europe), established in 1987 in Hüllhorst, Germany, is a developer and manufacturer of electrical assembly equipment, industrial machines, and systems. The company's main products include standard circuit boards, HDI (high density interconnect) printed circuit boards, and rigid-flexible printed circuit boards that are designed to deliver the advantages of flexible and rigid printed circuit boards. These products are used to mechanically support and electrically connect used manufacturing and other industrial machines and remote and cloud-based control systems.
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Canon Components, Inc.
Flexible Printed Wiring Boards
Manufacturer Overview
Canon Components, Inc., established in 1984 and headquartered in Saitama, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in optical, imaging, and industrial products. The company’s product portfolio includes printed wiring boards, contact image sensors (CIS), medical equipment, and ink cartridges and ink tanks. These products are utilized by various sectors, including consumer electronics, industrial automation, printing and imaging, scientific research, and healthcare and medical. The company is expanding its network both locally and internationally, with production bases in Vietnam and Thailand.
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Oki Electric Cable Co.,Ltd.
FPC
Manufacturer Overview
Oki Electric Cable Co.,Ltd. was established in 1936 and is a manufacturer of telecommunications instrument based in Isesaki, Gunma, Japan. The company produces various communications devices such as high speed interface cables, wire harnesses, EDM wire, optical cables, and OKI cables. The products have been applied in various industries such as robotic, automobile, semiconductor manufacture, medical, and financial sectors. The company also involved in real estate business as one of the four major business operations.
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Mekoprint
Flexible printed circuits
Company Overview
Mekoprint, founded in 1954 and based in Stovring, Denmark, is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer and supplier of solutions for industrial and electronics companies. The company designs and provides comprehensive solutions in the areas of printed electronics, cable harnesses, metal components, precision solutions, and graphic solutions. These products find various applications in green tech, automation, medical, professional equipment, and household appliances. Approximately 500 people work for the firm at its 40,000-square-meter European production facilities.
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Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | All Flex |
13.7%
|
| 2 | Northpoint Technologies, Inc. |
10.0%
|
| 3 | TechnoTronix |
9.5%
|
| 4 | Cirexx International |
7.5%
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| 5 | Epec |
7.1%
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| 6 | SYE Europe GmbH |
5.8%
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| 7 | Mekoprint |
5.8%
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| 8 | RUSH PCB Inc. |
5.8%
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| 9 | American Standard Circuits |
5.8%
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| 10 | Rigiflex Technology Inc. |
5.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the flexible printed circuit board (pcb) page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
- Zhen Ding Tech. Group: 2006 (18 years ago)
- San Francisco Circuits, Inc.: 2005 (19 years ago)
- Rigiflex Technology Inc.: 1992 (32 years ago)
Company with a History
- Epec: 1952 (72 years ago)
- Mekoprint: 1954 (70 years ago)
- Cirexx International: 1980 (44 years ago)
Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- RUSH PCB Inc.
- TechnoTronix
- Cirexx International
- San Francisco Circuits, Inc.
- Epec
- Millennium Circuits Limited
- Northpoint Technologies, Inc.
- American Standard Circuits
- All Flex
- Rigiflex Technology Inc.
Global Distribution of Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
10 | 66.7% |
Germany
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2 | 13.3% |
Taiwan
|
1 | 6.7% |
Japan
|
1 | 6.7% |
Denmark
|
1 | 6.7% |
List of Flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Products
5 products are listed.
Noshimitsu Photo Service Co., Ltd.
Flexible board
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 12 hours ago
The flexible substrate is a substrate that is made using materials such as a thin film and has a flexibility that can be repeatedly deformed. We ha...
Noshimitsu Photo Service Co., Ltd.
Rigid flexible board
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 12 hours ago
The rigid flexible substrate is a composite board of the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate. ■ Characteristics ･ In addition to the FR-4, ...
Unicraft
Flexible substrate manufacturing
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 12 hours ago
■ What is a flexible substrate? ･ The flexible substrate is a very thin film -shaped printed board. ･ Because it is a soft material, it is possible...
Matsuwa Sangyo
Flexible board (FPC)
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 16 hours ago
It has been about 30 years since I continued to make a rigid substrate. Many customers have begun manufacturing in response to the request of "I wa...
