Mark R. Peltier wrote:
> 
> Does anyone have experience with rigid flex applications?  We are
> interested in knowing the pros/cons, reliability/cost of this application.
> Are there any specific vendors that specialize in this? Any help would be
> appreciated.  Thanks,
> 
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Mark, this technology has been used for many many years by aero-space 
industry as it help to reduce weight and volume of electronics product. 
Also the reliability of the final product is increased due to elimination 
of mechanical interconnections. The flex-rigid also allows 3-D packaging 
which is difficult to do with tarditional card on board approach.

There is a large volume of literature on the subject. There are many 
vendors who supply rigid-flexi circuit cards. To name a few:
1.Sheldhal  1-800-328-3448
2.Fujikura
3.Nitto Denko (408-432-5464)
4.Grabil International (contact The Alpha Omega group 408-438-5665) The 
number may have changed.
5.Minco
6.Basic electronics co. 714-530-2400
7.Sanders (603-669-4615)

The following articles may be helpful:
1.'Flexible circuits-the 3-D interconnection sysyem' by Brian Shorrock, 
Electronics Industry October 1981
2.'The flexible circuits - the true cost' by T.F. Hogan, Welwyn Electric 
Ltd.
3.'Printed circuits -rigid and flexible' by John Fell, Design Engineering 
August 1978
In addition the rigid-flexi is used in all poratble computers, print head 
in printers, read-write heads in all drives and communication equipment. 
The serviceability of the product is greatly simplified with the use of 
rigid-flexi combination with a significant costreduction.
Good luck with your project.

 
Pratap Singh
Tel./Fax: 512-255-6820
e-mail: [log in to unmask]

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