Flex Circuit Stiffeners

Definition

Flex Circuit Stiffeners (Rigidizers, Supports) are used to stabilize certain parts of the board to impede bending and protect solder joint integrity. Though the stiffener has no electrical interconnections, it is used to increase thickness for certain applications.

Materials

FR4
Polyimide
Aluminum
Stainless Steel

Stiffener Bonding

FR4 Prepreg
PSA (Pressure-sensitive adhesive) alternative to thermal bond
Same adhesive used to attach coverlay (e.g., Bondply)

Sample Boards

Alternating Aluminum Stiffener Heatsinks

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Aluminum Stiffener

LED PCB with 0.030" Aluminum Stiffener Heatsinks.
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Glass Stiffener

Flexible Circuit with Flip Chip Array for Wire Bonding.
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Stiffener for ZIF Connector

4-Layer Board (2 Rigid; 2 Flex) with Hard Gold Fingers.
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Pressure Sensitive Adhesive

PSA to ease Assembly of his High-Mobility Flex Circuit.
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