News

72m multilayer flex for industrial application

Technology benefits include circuit consistency of +/- 5um  thanks to the highly mechanized production process.

July 2021, Tewkesbury, UK: Trackwise Designs plc, the UK-based manufacturer of specialist products using printed circuit technology, has broken its own record for the world’s longest multi-layer flexible printed circuit (FPC), delivering a 72m FPC for in industrial application. Constructed using a polyimide base laminate with copper elements, and finished with an organo-metallic layer to protect against oxidization, the final circuit, and the exceptional circuit consistency, was made possible thanks to their patented Improved Harness technology ^TM.

The customer also recognized Trackwise’ ability to deliver a constant copper thickness across and along the manufactured part, thanks to a reel-to-reel copper plating line, achieving within +/- 5um across and along the entire 72m long part. This allowed for defined and tightly controlled layer to layer resistance with as thin as possible thickness for the flex in the end product.

New record

“We are delighted to have smashed our previous 2020 record of 52m, which itself beat our 2019 record of 25m”, commented Philip Johnston, CEO, Trackwise.  “Many applications are emerging for very long FPCs as customers become aware of the advantages offered by the technology. As well as the industrial sector, we are also winning business in the aerospace and automotive industries where our FPCs can help to increase battery life and EV range, for example, by reducing weight.  Another key market is medical where users look to replace existing microwires with a cheaper, more reliable, and flexible solutions.

The versatility and cost effectiveness  of the roll to roll,  length-unlimited manufacturing capability means that we are delivering improved  connectivity solutions for new and innovative product designs all the time, even where the client does not need a product as extreme as 72m in length!”