What are the precautions for FPC panelization?

嘉立创FPC

What are the precautions for FPC panelization? [Copy link]

Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) is widely used in modern electronic devices due to its unique flexibility, light weight and high-density wiring characteristics. In the manufacturing process of FPC, panelization is an important process. Reasonable panelization design can improve production efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs. However, there are many precautions in FPC panelization design. This article will discuss these precautions in detail to help better optimize the design and manufacturing process.

1. Basic principles of panel design

1. Maximize the use of materials:

- Improve material utilization: When designing panels, the material utilization should be improved as much as possible to reduce the waste of scraps.

- Uniform size: The design should adopt standard size as much as possible to facilitate the unified management and use of materials.

2. Optimize production efficiency:

- Reduce the number of panels: Rationally design the panel plan to reduce the number of circuits in a single panel and improve production efficiency.

- Simplify the manufacturing process: The design should simplify the manufacturing process as much as possible to reduce complex processes and lower the error rate.

3. Ensure product quality:

- Uniform stress distribution: The uniform distribution of stress during the panelization process should be considered during design to avoid damage to the FPC due to excessive local stress.

- Consistent electrical performance: Ensure that the electrical performance of each FPC in the panel is consistent to avoid performance differences caused by panel design problems.

2. Matters Needing Attention in Panel Design

1. Panel size and shape

- Reasonable size design: The size of the panel should be adapted to the maximum processing range of the manufacturing equipment and be convenient for subsequent processing and assembly. Usually the size of the panel should be controlled within the standard production size range, such as 250mm x 300mm.

- Edge treatment: The edges of the panels should be properly treated, such as setting positioning holes and edge protection, to facilitate alignment and prevent edge damage.

- Shape optimization: The shape of the panels should be as regular as possible to avoid material waste and increased processing difficulty caused by irregular shapes.

2. Panel spacing

- Reasonable spacing setting: Appropriate spacing should be maintained between each FPC in the panel. It is generally recommended that the spacing be between 1mm and 3mm to facilitate cutting and assembly.

- Consider cutting tolerance: When designing the spacing between panels, the tolerance of the cutting process should be considered to ensure that the edges of each FPC are neat after cutting and do not affect subsequent use.

3. Positioning and alignment

- Set positioning holes: In the panel design, standard positioning holes should be set to facilitate alignment during the production process and improve panel accuracy.

- Alignment Marks: Alignment marks are set at key locations on the panels to help with precise alignment during production and assembly to avoid misalignment.

4. Panel orientation and levels

- Unified direction: The direction of each FPC in the panel should be as unified as possible to facilitate the unified handling and movement of materials during the production process.

- Layer design: For multi-layer FPC, the alignment and connection of each layer should be considered when designing the panel to ensure accurate docking between layers.

5. Strength and stability of the panels

- Reinforcement rib design: Reinforcement ribs are designed on the edges and key parts of the panels to increase the strength and stability of the panels and prevent them from deforming during transportation and processing.

- Stable structure: The overall structural stability of the panel should be considered in the design to avoid the panel being damaged during the production process due to a design that is too weak.

3. Processing after panelization

1. Cutting and splitting

- Precision cutting: The cutting after panelization should be done with high-precision cutting equipment, such as laser cutting or CNC milling machine, to ensure the cutting accuracy and neat edges.

- Depaneling: The FPC should be depaneled after cutting to ensure the integrity and size consistency of each FPC.

2. Follow-up inspection and testing

- Visual inspection: After cutting and depaneling, the FPC should be visually inspected to ensure there is no damage, scratches or contamination.

- Electrical testing: Conduct electrical performance testing to ensure that the electrical performance of each FPC meets the design requirements and avoid inconsistent performance due to panel design problems.

3. Packaging and Shipping

- Protective packaging: After depaneling, the FPC should be properly packaged to prevent mechanical damage and environmental pollution during transportation.

- Labeling management: Label each FPC to ensure accurate identification and traceability during subsequent use.

FPC panel design is a key link in the FPC manufacturing process. Through reasonable panel design, material utilization, production efficiency and product quality can be effectively improved. In the panel design process, factors such as size, spacing, positioning, strength and stability should be comprehensively considered to ensure the rationality and operability of the design. Through precise manufacturing and strict quality control, the FPC after panelization can meet the requirements of high performance and high reliability, providing a better connection solution for modern electronic devices.