Advantages of Flexible Printed Circuit Boards (FPCs)

• Higher wiring and assembly densities
• Compact size and lightweight construction
• Thinness and excellent flexibility
• Increased wiring layers and design flexibility
• Incorporation of circuit and electromagnetic shielding layers
• Metal core layers for specialized thermal insulation

FPCs are ideal for applications requiring convenient installation and high reliability. However, their production presents challenges such as:

• Insufficient termination counts
• Indentations and width discrepancies
• Creasing or warping issues
• Oxidation due to improper storage

To ensure quality and reliability, rigorous testing is crucial.

Defect Detection Challenges in FPCs

Current defect detection methods for FPCs are not as effective as those for traditional PCBs. Challenges include:

• Higher accuracy requirements
• Deformation in template imaging
• Internal circuit wiring accuracy issues
• Difficulty in capturing internal and external circuitry details

Conventional PCB defect detection methods are inadequate for FPCs due to their unique characteristics.

Current Inspection Practices for FPCs

Many companies resort to manual visual inspection for identifying FPC defects, which is costly, inefficient, and lacks standardized protocols. While specialized FPC testing equipment is available, challenges such as high costs and limited technical support hinder widespread adoption.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for meeting the demands of modern production requirements.