Flex has many advantages. For example, unlike a PCB, which can only be positioned in two dimensions, flex can be bent, twisted, and folded to utilize a 3rd dimension. This property can be utilized in complex and tight-fitting assemblies where several point-to-point connections must be made. Another benefit is that FPC's are thin and flat, which provides more surface area than conventional wires and cables. This results in better current-carrying capacity and heat dissipation.

If your point-to-point connections are working fine, then there's no need to change anything. However, if the weight or complexity of servicing and re-installation of those cables and wires becomes an issue, then flex would be a good alternative. Flex is lighter than most cables and wires. By utilizing the correct connectors, flex can be removed from the assembly housing very quickly and easily.

Our lead times are based mainly on material availability, the complexity of the part, the type of tooling ordered, and quantity of parts ordered. As a general rule, soft-tooled, prototype parts can be done in a week or less. Soft-tooled, pre-production parts can be completed within two to three weeks. Hard-tooled, production parts can be completed within four weeks.

Just about any component that can be assembled onto a PCB can also be assembled onto a flex. This includes through-hole and SMT components. Since FPC's are by nature flimsy and flexible, a rigidized backer is usually required for supporting the area to which the components are assembled.

The main difference between the two is that a rigid-flex has plated-through holes at the FR4 stiffener area, whereas the rigidized flex does not. The FR4 stiffener on rigidized flex is used only to provide support to the flex where a connector(s) would be assembled.