Printing makes tracks down to 0.13mm on flexi PET

Molex can print silver flexible circuits on polyester (PET) substrates with tacks as narrow as 0.13mm (0.005in) spaced by as little as 0.13mm. And it has a way to attach fine-pitch ICs.

“The process creates a viable, cost-effective alternative to traditional flexible circuits: etched copper traces on polyimide,” said the firm. “Polyimide is more expensive than PET.”

It claims that the silver tracks are inherently less expensive than copper etching and associated processing, and that no harsh chemicals or waste treatment facility is needed.

ICs with pitch down 0.50mm are attached using a proprietary bonding process, which it describes as “soldering” using traditional SMT equipment. It also works for right angle back-lighting LEDs. The process ends by protecting the joints a UV-cured encapsulant against vibration and mechanical shock.

According to product literature, the result is RoHS-compliant and halogen free.