Rigid-flex PCB manufacturing — matched to the right manufacturer.
Send your Gerber files and stack-up. We check the design for free and find the manufacturer in our network with the right rigid-flex experience.
The technology
What is a rigid-flex PCB?
A rigid-flex PCB combines rigid sections, typically FR-4, and flexible polyimide layers laminated into one board. The flexible layers run through the rigid sections and are connected with plated through-holes, so the whole assembly is a single interconnected circuit without connectors or cables between the boards. The rigid areas carry components and connectors; the flexible areas fold the board into its housing. Because the build combines two material systems in one multilayer lamination, the stack-up and the rigid-to-flex transitions must be agreed with the manufacturer early.
Our network includes manufacturers experienced in rigid-flex builds for demanding applications.
Applications
When to choose a rigid-flex PCB
Rigid-flex is the right choice when reliability, space and weight matter more than the lowest board price. Typical reasons and applications:
- Aerospace and defence electronics, where connectors and cables are potential failure points under vibration.
- Medical devices and implants, where compact packaging and reliability are critical.
- Industrial controls and instrumentation that must withstand shock and vibration.
- Compact devices where several boards must fold into a small housing.
- Replacing board-to-board connectors and cables to reduce assembly steps and interconnect failures.
- Designs where controlled impedance must continue across the folded section between boards.
Design for manufacturing
Rigid-flex PCB design tips
- Keep vias, plated holes and components away from the rigid-to-flex transition, where mechanical stress is concentrated.
- Use a symmetric stack-up to limit warpage, and place flexible layers near the centre of the build where possible.
- Define bend areas, bend direction and whether each bend is static or dynamic early in the design.
- Use IPC-2223 for design guidance on flexible and rigid-flex boards, and IPC-6013 for qualification and performance requirements.
- Agree the stack-up with the manufacturer before routing, because materials, adhesives and layer order differ between processes.
- Use hatched copper and perpendicular routing in flex sections, and avoid abrupt changes in trace width across the transition.
Our free DFM check and the manufacturer's own engineering review help catch issues like these before production.
Checklist
What to send for a rigid-flex PCB quote
- Gerber files per layer, with rigid and flex zones clearly marked
- Stack-up drawing showing rigid and flexible layers
- Bend areas, bend direction and static or dynamic use
- Required IPC-6013 class
- Impedance requirements, if any
- Surface finish
- Drill files and board outline
- Quantity (prototype and expected production volume)
Upload your Gerber files. Get a free PCB quote.
We check your files for free and compare manufacturers in our network to find the best match. No obligation.
- Free quote
- Free DFM check
- 12 vetted manufacturers
What happens when you upload?
One of our engineers checks your Gerber files with our in-house DFM tool and emails you any findings within 72 hours. We then compare manufacturers in our network that fit your spec and send you the quote from the best match. Files are shared only with manufacturers we select, under NDA.
- Upload your Gerber files
- We check your files
- We compare manufacturers
- You get your quote
Free for you — you order directly from the manufacturer.
Common questions
FAQ about rigid-flex PCBs
What is a rigid-flex board?
A rigid-flex board is a single PCB that combines rigid FR-4 sections with flexible polyimide layers laminated into one structure. The flexible layers connect the rigid sections electrically through plated holes, so no connectors or cables are needed between them. The board can be folded to fit a housing while components sit on the rigid areas.
Are rigid-flex PCBs more expensive?
Yes, rigid-flex PCBs cost more per board than rigid or flex boards because they combine two material systems, need more lamination and drilling steps, and have lower panel utilisation. The total system cost can still be lower, because rigid-flex removes connectors, cables and assembly steps and improves reliability. Prototypes are relatively costly, so agree the stack-up before ordering.
When should I choose rigid-flex over flex with connectors?
Choose rigid-flex when reliability, space or weight are critical, when the design faces vibration, or when connectors would be a weak point. A flex circuit with connectors is often cheaper and easier to rework, and suits lower volumes or designs where boards must be serviced separately. Compare total system cost, not only the board price.
Which standard applies to rigid-flex PCBs?
IPC-2223 is the sectional design standard for flexible and rigid-flex printed boards, and IPC-6013 defines qualification and performance requirements, including performance classes. Acceptability of the bare board is assessed against IPC-A-600. Specify the required IPC-6013 class on your fabrication drawing so the manufacturer builds and inspects to the right level.
Specialist boards