Valentine’s Day special: will rigid PCBs be our eternal love?
Every great love story begins with a perfect match – and in the electronics industry, that has long been clear: rigid PCBs and their use cases. Stable, reliable, and suitable for almost every purpose, this partnership just works. But as in every long-term relationship, there comes a time when we ask ourselves: Will this love last forever? Or is there already a new technology slowly winning our hearts and taking over the market?
Rigid PCBs remain the best-selling circuit boards – and for good reason. They have proven themselves as a reliable industry standard for decades, offering a unique combination of cost efficiency, stability, and ease of processing that few other technologies can match.
Cost efficiency: a proven and affordable solution
One of the biggest advantages of rigid PCBs is their low cost compared to other technologies. Their production processes have been optimized over the years, leading to efficient manufacturing with minimal material waste. As a result, rigid PCBs are incredibly cost-effective and often the most economical choice for many applications. When a technology works reliably, there is little reason to invest in a more expensive alternative.
High stability for long-lasting applications
In addition to their affordability, rigid PCBs offer high mechanical stability. They are designed to withstand shocks, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations, making them well-suited for applications in industrial systems, the automotive industry, and communication technologies, where durability and robustness are essential.
Versatility: the all-rounder of PCBs
Rigid printed circuit boards are true all-rounders. They are used in countless applications, from simple LED panels to highly complex electronic control systems. As long as extreme flexibility or miniaturization is not required, they remain a universal solution for various industries.
New technologies on the rise
However, as in every long-standing relationship, new technologies eventually emerge and capture attention. Two alternatives, in particular, are becoming increasingly important:
Flexible PCBs are gaining more market share as they can bend and integrate into space-saving designs. They enable new technological innovations, especially for example in wearables, modern vehicles, or ultra-compact devices. Their ability to adapt to dynamic movements makes them attractive to many electronics manufacturers such as OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or EMS (electronics manufacturing services) companies.
Rigid-flex PCBs combine the stability of rigid PCBs with the flexibility of their bendable counterparts. They are becoming increasingly important in high-tech sectors such as medical technology and aerospace, where durable yet flexible circuit boards are in high demand.
Is it the end of the road for rigid PCBs?
Despite the rising competition, rigid PCBs remain the number one choice for now. Flexible and rigid-flex PCBs offer great possibilities, but in many industries, there is simply no reason to move away from the tried-and-tested technology. Cost, stability, and ease of processing remain key factors that continue to make rigid PCBs the preferred option for a wide range of applications.
Is this true love? At the very least, it's a remarkably stable relationship.
Our team will be happy to advise you on any of the aforementioned topics and share our knowledge and expertise to ensure functionality, usability, and reliability combined with efficient and stable manufacturability.
