Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1007258
48 FLEX007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2018 Once only suited for specialty applications, flexible circuits are found in many household electronic products today. Product develop- ers worldwide have designed flexible circuits into some of the newest products, as well as improved versions of existing products. In some cases, the flexible circuits replace the tra- ditional printed circuit boards that have domi- nated our electronics for decades. Many times, flexible circuits are cho- sen instead of traditional rigid boards to make a product smaller or lighter, or both. A common statement from a PCB designer using a flexible circuit for the first time is, "We know nothing about flexible circuit design or materials. Can you help us define the stackup?" Often, that first design and stackup is used as a standard for their designs moving for- ward. And it makes sense because that's what we've been doing for traditional PCBs for a very long time. However, the flexible circuit is a dif- ferent product. There are options when choosing the correct materials for the application. It is valuable to know these options as well as their advantages or disadvantages. In this column, we'll discuss one of the most misunderstood materials in flex- ible circuit fabrication: the adhesive sys- tem used to laminate the layers together. Since flexible circuits go through several lamination processes, it's important to know the options and where best to use them in your electronic products. Identify the Application: Dynamic or Static Two of the most common applications for flexible circuits are static and dynamic. A static scenario is one where the flexible circuit is put into place, even if it has to flex to get there, and then remains static throughout the lifetime of the product. A dynamic application is one where the flexible circuit is in motion Consider This by John Talbot, TRAMONTO CIRCUITS Acrylic vs. Epoxy Adhesives for Flexible Circuits