New Technique 'Stretches' PCB Possibilities

摘要

Traditional polyimide and polyester flex circuits bend, but do not stretch. But a new technique permits boards to elongate up to 30% in the x and y directions. Dutch PCB fabricator and contract assembler Q.P.I. Circuits (qpigroup.com) developed the process known as SCB, or stretchable copper board. It follows traditional processes for printed circuit board fabrication, but uses a polyurethane base for the laminate. Copper wires are structured in "horseshoe-like" patterns to overcome copper's ductility. The polyurethane interconnect has the short length and low volume needed for free movement.