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How to Correctly Employ Adhesives for Ensuring FPC Quality

Mar 05,2025

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Flexible Printed Circuits (FPCs) have found extensive applications across a wide array of electronic devices, attributed to their remarkable flexibility and high integration capabilities. The proper utilization of adhesives stands as a linchpin in guaranteeing the quality of FPCs. Here are the pivotal aspects:

1.Adhesive Selection


Accounting for the Application Environment: Diverse application scenarios impose distinct demands on adhesives. For instance, in high - temperature settings, such as those encountered in automotive under - hood electronics or some industrial control systems, thermally resistant adhesives like those based on silicone or certain high - temperature - cured epoxy formulations are essential. In humid environments, as in some outdoor - use or medical device applications where moisture ingress is a concern, adhesives with excellent moisture - proof properties, often featuring hydrophobic monomers in their composition, are preferred.


Material Compatibility with FPC: FPCs are fabricated from a variety of materials, with polyimide (PI) and polyester (PET) being among the most common. To achieve optimal bonding, it is imperative to select an adhesive that exhibits strong adhesion to the specific FPC material. For PI - based FPCs, adhesives with functional groups that can interact with the imide groups in PI, such as some modified acrylic adhesives, are often a good choice.


2.Surface Treatment


Thorough Cleaning: Prior to adhesive application, meticulous cleaning of the FPC surface is non - negotiable. This involves the removal of contaminants like dust, grease, and oxides. Solvents such as isopropyl alcohol are commonly employed for wiping, while ultrasonic cleaning can be utilized for more stubborn impurities, especially in high - precision FPC manufacturing.


Surface Activation: In certain cases, surface activation of the FPC is carried out to enhance its reactivity and, consequently, the adhesive's bonding strength. Plasma treatment, which modifies the surface chemistry by introducing reactive functional groups, and chemical etching methods, which roughen the surface to increase mechanical interlocking, are widely used activation techniques.


3.Adhesive Application


Precise Adhesive Quantity Control: The amount of adhesive dispensed must be precisely regulated. An excess of adhesive can result in overflow, which not only mars the aesthetic appearance but also may cause short - circuits or interference with other components in the final assembly. Conversely, insufficient adhesive quantity can lead to weak bonding. State - of - the - art dispensing equipment, often equipped with volumetric or time - pressure dispensing systems, is used to ensure accurate adhesive deposition.


Uniform Dispensing: To ensure consistent bonding strength across the FPC surface, the adhesive must be applied uniformly. This is achieved through the use of specialized dispensing nozzles and optimized dispensing paths. For example, spiral or linear dispensing patterns can be programmed based on the specific bonding requirements of the FPC design.


4.Curing Process


Stringent Curing Temperature and Time Control: Different adhesives have unique curing profiles. It is crucial to adhere strictly to the curing temperature and time specifications provided by the adhesive manufacturer. Some adhesives, such as fast - curing UV - curable adhesives, require exposure to ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength and intensity for a defined period, while others, like thermosetting epoxy adhesives, need to be cured at elevated temperatures (ranging from 120°C to 180°C depending on the formulation) for a certain duration to achieve full cross - linking.


Controlled Curing Environment: The curing environment should be maintained clean and dry to prevent the ingress of contaminants and moisture, both of which can compromise the curing process. In industrial settings, this is often achieved through the use of cleanrooms or enclosed curing chambers with humidity and temperature control systems.


Shenzhen Huaruixin Electronics Co., Ltd.'s Approaches


Shenzhen Huaruixin Electronics Co., Ltd., a leading player in the design and production of FPCs, PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards), and Rigid - Flex Printed Boards, likely adopts the following strategies in adhesive handling:


Rigorous Material Procurement: The company likely has an elaborate adhesive selection protocol. They collaborate with globally recognized adhesive suppliers and subject each adhesive batch to comprehensive testing and evaluation. Key parameters such as shear strength, peel strength, and thermal stability are rigorously assessed, in line with international standards like IPC (Institute for Printed Circuits) guidelines.


Advanced Equipment Deployment: State - of - the - art dispensing machinery and surface treatment apparatuses are likely at the core of their production setup. High - precision dispensing robots, capable of micron - level accuracy in adhesive deposition, are used to ensure consistent and accurate adhesive application. Additionally, plasma surface treatment systems, which are effective in enhancing surface adhesion, are integrated into the production line.


Stringent Process Governance: A robust production process and quality control system is in place. Employees are well - trained to adhere strictly to the defined processes. Regular process audits and real - time monitoring of critical process parameters, such as adhesive temperature during dispensing and curing oven temperature, are conducted to maintain product quality consistency.


Ongoing R & D and Innovation: The company keeps a close eye on the latest industry trends and invests in continuous research and development in adhesive technology and manufacturing processes. This may involve exploring novel adhesive chemistries, such as self - healing adhesives or adhesives with enhanced electrical conductivity for specific FPC applications, and optimizing existing processes to improve product performance and cost - effectiveness.


In summary, the correct use of adhesives and strict process control are fundamental to ensuring FPC quality. Shenzhen Huaruixin Electronics Co., Ltd. is likely to maintain its competitive edge in the global electronic manufacturing market by implementing these scientific and rational approaches.


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Huaruixin Electronics mainly produces printed circuit boards as the core business, to provide customers with one-stop solutions for FPC/PCB production, components sourcing and Assembly.
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