Flexible PCB overlay is a solid material composed of two parts, including a layer of acrylic or epoxy-based flexible adhesive and a layer of polyimide. The adhesive binds polyimide to the flexible circuit and seals the circuit. Then, the flexible PCB coverlay is aligned with the circuit surface and aligned at a specific temperature and pressure.
The flexible PCB coverlay serves as a protective layer for the circuit board and copper foil, similar to a solder mask but with increased flexibility. Its thickness is typically one mil, but different thicknesses can be used to meet specific design requirements. These coverlays are laminated using heat and force.
The main function of the Flex overlay PCB board is to protect the circuits on the flexible PCB board. It serves as a flexible printed circuit board for solder masks or solder film. Traditional solder mask or solder mask has limited ductility or flexibility. For flexible printed circuits that require greater flexibility, a flexible PCB coverlay is applied to protect copper foil and wires. Flexible PCB overlay is commonly used in the PCB industry and is also the preferred solution for external circuit packaging layers of flexible printed circuits, providing a more durable and powerful solution with excellent flexibility and high dielectric strength.
What Is The Difference Between Flexible PCB Coverlay And Solder Mask Layer?
The exposed layer of flexible PCBs can be encapsulated with a polyimide coverlay, flexible solder mask or solder mask film. Although the main function of both materials is to protect or insulate the outer circuit of flexible PCBs, each material has different characteristics, capabilities, and is suitable for specific design requirements.
1) The flexible PCB coverlay is a combination of adhesive and Capton (a polyimide), but the solder mask is based on liquid.
2) Flexible solder mask uses photographic imaging liquids attached to PCBs, allowing for larger feature openings due to its flexibility. It is also cheaper than polyimide coatings based on thin films. Flexible PCB covers are more versatile than rigid PCBs and provide the same functionality.
3) The coverlay is generally used for the flexible part of flexible PCBs, while a solder mask is used on the hard or rigid parts of a PCB. However, if using a coverlay on the entire rigid flexible PCB, ensure that square or window openings exist.
4) Unlike a solder mask, overlay cannot be used on pitch components.
In the manufacturing process of flexible PCBs, a flexible PCB protective layer is used to encapsulate and protect the copper structure (external circuits and wiring) of the flexible PCB. It is a covering film composed of a thick layer of acrylic or polyimide sheets and a flexible adhesive layer, which is laminated at high temperatures and then pressurized onto the surface of the circuit. The main function of the flexible PCB coverlay is to protect the base of the flexible printed circuit material. It has high-temperature resistance and can be used for heaters and ovens.For more information, click the website: wellcircuits.com
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