Yes, kapton supplies are very tight. The major offshore manufacturers are
quoting lead times of 12-20 weeks. On shore DuPont is better but still
running 2-5 weeks depending on the material construction. Some offshore
capacity will come on line about mid-2004 but the rumour is  that it is
already sold out. Other major capacity will not come on line until 2005.
There is really no alternative to kapton or its' derivatives especially in
rigid flex. In addition most good flex shops are very busy. Good luck.
Regards Steve Kelly

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jack C. Olson
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 12:48 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Bare Board Fab: Flex Material Shortage?

I have a question for the bare board manufacturers
out there, is there a shortage of polyimide these days?

I don't usually have much to do with material, but
we are having trouble getting rigid-flex quotes for
less than 14 weeks out.

Is there an alternative to kapton?

Are any vendors known for fast-turn rigid flex?

suddenly behind schedule,
Jack

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