IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1546580
64 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2026 BY Z AC K S C H A N E R , F L E X I B L E C I RC U I T T EC H N O LO G I ES FLEX007 | F L E X C O N N ECT I O N S F lexible printed circuits are being designed to do more than route signals. In many ap- plications, the flex circuit must also provide robust electrical interfaces, mechanical reinforce- ment, and reliable transitions between the circuit and surrounding assemblies. One effective way to accomplish this is by integrating copper or nickel tabs directly into a flexible printed circuit. These tabs can serve as termination points, battery contacts, grounding features, wear surfaces, or mechanical attachment points. For each applica- tion, choosing the right tab material and thickness is critical, because the electrical, mechanical, and environmental demands of the end application can vary significantly. Copper and nickel offer unique advantages, and selecting the correct material and thickness can improve performance, simplify assembly, and increase long-term reliability. Material Selection in Nickel vs. Copper Tabs