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Rigid PCBs — the world of electronic circuits starts here

Rigid or standard printed circuit boards (rigid PCBs) are an essential part of many electronic devices. As the name suggests, they have rigid layers, usually made of woven-glass-fiber-resin-reinforced laminate, and contain extremely small electronic circuits, which are connected to each other via copper tracks and metalized holes in two-layer and multilayer boards. A distinction is made between single-sided PCBs, double-sided PCBs, and multilayer PCBs. The number of layers depends on the complexity of the electronic circuit and the available space in the housing where the board is to be mounted. A rigid PCB offers a high degree of reliability, proven manufacturing processes, use in large series, and lower overall manufacturing costs than, for example, a flexible PCB.

What is a rigid PCB?

A rigid printed circuit board is also known as a rigid PCB. Thanks to its simple design and reliability, it is used in countless electronic devices and systems. Electronic circuits are mounted on a rigid and inflexible substrate board. The most common materials for rigid PCBs are FR-4-classified flame-retardant glass-fiber-reinforced laminate or epoxy resins with excellent electrical and mechanical properties, but in some cases older types of materials such as composite epoxy materials (CEM) are used, especially CEM 1 and CEM 3 materials, which are mainly used for household appliances.

Most rigid printed circuit boards are multilayer PCBs. Here, several layers of substrate material, prepregs, and copper foils are firmly bonded to each other in multiple stacked layers. Each layer contains conductor tracks and insulation areas, while the outer layers contain pads and holes where the components are mounted and soldered.

Unlike flexible PCBs, which are flexible and can be used in curved shapes, rigid PCBs retain their shape and structure. This characteristic makes them ideal for applications where the PCB must be mounted in a rigid enclosure, or where a solid platform is needed for the electronic components.

Hybrid forms also exist: A rigid-flex PCB combines flexible and rigid areas. One example of a rigid-flex PCB is FR4 used in combination with Rogers material to create bendable PCBs where, with depth milling, some portion of the material on the Z-axis is removed, allowing the PCB to be bent.

Where are rigid PCBs used?

The areas of application for rigid printed circuit boards in electronic devices are many and varied. Rigid PCBs are used in almost all areas of life and are standard when it comes to electronic controls and circuits. The main areas of application include:

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Consumer electronics and home appliances

Smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, televisions, hi-fi systems, washing machines and refrigerators.

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Communications

Telecommunications equipment such as cellular base stations, routers, switches, and radios use rigid circuit boards to house the necessary electronic circuitry.

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Automotive industry

In modern vehicles, rigid PCBs play a central role in controlling engine functions, vehicle communication systems, and entertainment systems, as well as airbags and other safety components.

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Medical technology

Computer tomography, pacemakers, blood pressure monitors, and medical imaging systems — all are electronically controlled by rigid circuit boards.

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Industrial control systems

Automation and process technology in industrial manufacturing, CNC machines, and robots are typical applications where rigid PCBs are installed for control and monitoring.

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Science and research

Rigid printed circuit boards are indispensable in scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and measuring devices.

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Defense and aerospace

In defense and aerospace systems, rigid PCBs are essential for controlling safety, steering, and communication.

The benefits of rigid PCBs

Versatility

Rigid PCBs are versatile and are used in numerous applications.

Robust structure

Thanks to their rigidity, rigid PCBs are resistant to mechanical stress and vibration.

Performance

Rigid PCBs offer excellent electrical performance and can support complex circuits with many components. They are therefore well suited for demanding electronics projects and high-performance applications.

Cost-effectiveness

Compared to flex PCBs, rigid PCBs are typically less expensive to manufacture. This makes them attractive for projects with limited budgets.

Mounting

Thanks to their rigid structure, rigid PCBs are easy to mount and secure in enclosures. This increases manufacturability and makes many manufacturing steps in large-scale production easier and more efficient.

How rigid printed circuit boards are manufactured

Rigid printed circuit board manufacturing is a complex process in which a wide variety of materials must form a bond. This process does not tolerate any deviations, proceeds in several stages, and requires high-precision technologies. The most important production steps are:

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Design and layout

All electrical connections, component placements, and traces on the rigid PCB are usually defined in this step according to the requirements using a CAD program.

Material selection

The most common material for rigid PCBs are FR4-classified flame-retardant glass-fiber-reinforced laminates with excellent electrical and mechanical properties. Depending on the specific requirements of the application, materials such as Rogers, polyimide, aluminum, or ceramic are also used.

Copper plating

After the layers are built up, they are covered with a thin copper layer. This copper layer is then coated with photoresist.

Photolithography

A photoresist is applied to the copper layer and then exposed to UV light.

Etching

After exposure, the copper layer is etched, creating traces according to the photomask pattern. Any excess copper areas are removed.

Holes

Holes drilled into the circuit board create vias. These make the electrical connections between the different layers.

Lamination

High pressure and heat bond multilayer PCBs together tightly after drilling.

Copper plating

Another copper layer protects conductive tracks and vias and increases electrical conductivity.

Solder mask layer and labeling

A solder mask layer is applied to the PCB to define and protect the solder joints. The PCB can also be labeled to facilitate component and trace identification.

Rigid printed circuit boards with copperdot

We are your competent partner for the design of optimal circuits on rigid PCBs.

We offer:

Single-sided PCBs, double-sided PCBs, and multilayer PCBs
Complex designs
Fast prototypes in five days
Scalable small series up to 1,000 units in top quality
Extensive testing and inspections according to IPC-TM-650 and IPC-A-600
Customizable development with analysis
State-of-the-art technology

We work together with you to determine your design requirements, and we accompany you competently through the entire planning and implementation process — from prototype to large-scale production.

Ready to elevate your electronics with copperdot?

Reach out now

Frequently asked questions about rigid PCBs

What is a rigid PCB used for?

Rigid PCBs are used in almost all areas of life and are standard when it comes to electronic controls and circuits in consumer electronics and home appliances, communications, the automotive industry, medical technology, industrial control systems, science and research, defense and aerospace, and many others.

What is the difference between a rigid PCB and a flexible PCB?

While a flexible PCB is thin, lightweight, and bendable, a rigid PCB is made of woven-glass-fiber-resin-reinforced laminate and is therefore rigid.

What are the benefits of rigid PCBs?

Rigid PCBs are versatile and are used in numerous applications. Thanks to their rigidity, rigid PCBs are resistant to mechanical stress and vibration, while at the same time offering excellent electrical performance — and all with a high degree of cost efficiency.

When do you use rigid PCBs versus flexible PCBs?

Flexible PCBs can be used in curved shapes; rigid PCBs retain their shape and structure. This characteristic makes them ideal for applications where the PCB must be mounted in a rigid enclosure, or a solid platform is needed for the electronic components.

Why do you need rigid circuit boards?

Rigid or standard printed circuit boards are an essential part of many electronic devices. A rigid PCB is characterized by high reliability, proven manufacturing processes, use in large series, and lower overall manufacturing costs.