Hi Anna! I've got your pictures posted. Go to: http://stevezeva.homestead.com/files/FlexBroken.JPG http://stevezeva.homestead.com/files/FlexBroken2.JPG Yep, it sure looks like to me that you stand a real good chance of ripping the flex when you depanel it. I don't see a bead of epoxy for strain relief at any of the flex-to-rigid junctions either. That makes a TON of difference on how robust the assembly is to any sort of handling. We build quite a few rigid-flex assemblies here, and almost all of them use something like Eccobond 45 at the flex-to-rigid junctions...the fab vendor does that of course. Here's one of the assemblies that we build that shows the Eccobond fillets: http://stevezeva.homestead.com/files/RigidFlexAssy.jpg I can't remember when the last time was that we damaged a flex here...it very rarely happens. We always keep the assemblies in their panel until the last moment before we ship too. The panel layout and break-away tab placement needs to be well thought out as well. For instance, I don't know if I would have two break-away tabs on that small piece of rigid board where the flex broke on your assembly...you might get by with just one on the top edge since it's the piece is so small. Eliminating one tab would reduce the chance of tearing the flex by 50%. I think your biggest improvement would be to fillet the flex-to-rigid joints with Eccobond 45 or equivalent. Yes it will increase the board cost, but it's worth it... -Steve Gregory- -----Original Message----- From: Anna Seredovaya [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2007 8:38 AM To: Steve Gregory Subject: FW: [TN] Disconnections in transition zone in rigid-flex boards Thank for you answer. I guess it happens during nesting separation and removing the board from a panel. There are some photos attachted. Thanks' Anna Seredovaya Kodak IL Ltd. -----Original Message----- From: Stadem, Richard D. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2007 1:08 PM To: TechNet E-Mail Forum; Anna Seredovaya Cc: Steve Gregory Subject: RE: [TN] Disconnections in transition zone in rigid-flex boards We need more information. What is the assembly process where you suspect the opens are happening? If you have a picture of the assembly it may be helpful. Steve Gregory posts pictures on his website for Technet viewing. Send the picture to him at [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Anna Seredovaya Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2007 5:55 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [TN] Disconnections in transition zone in rigid-flex boards Hello Techneters, We have some boards disconnected in transition zone: between rigid and flex segments. This happens during an assembly process. What is recommended to add to manufacture process in order to strengthen the area. Thank you, Anna Seredovaya Kodak IL Ltd. --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 -----------------------------------------------------