Today’s printed circuit boards come in three primary forms: flexible, rigid-flexible, and rigid. While the names give away the boards’ most obvious differences, there are quite a few things they have in common. For example, all PCBs have at least one layer of copper circuitry to create a functional unit. Additionally, all PCBs are the operating force behind electronic devices. But what about when it comes down to the details between flex vs. rigid-flex vs. rigid PCBs? How are they different?

Defining Rigid, Rigid-Flex, and Flex PCBs

Before diving into the differences between each PCB type, let’s define each one.

Rigid PCBs are exactly what you imagine when you hear the term “PCB.” These components feature a solid, unbending board—usually green—that’s reinforced with glass.

Rigid-flex PCBs are a combination of both rigid and flex components. These PCBs are crafted from flexible and rigid layers of circuit substrates and circuit board materials.

Flex PCBs have a flexible base. Due to their ability to endure vibration, fold or bend into different shapes, and disperse heat, flexible PCBs are becoming more and more popular in today’s electronics.

Made with conductive tracks on a non-conductive substrate, all PCBs act as the soul of an electronic device.

Differences in Conductive Material

Rigid, flex rigid, and flex PCBs are made with different types of conductive materials. Rigid PCBs, for example, are made from inflexible electro-deposited copper. Flexible PCBs, on the other hand, are often made from bendable annealed copper.

Fabrication Differences

As you would guess, rigid, flex, and rigid-flex PCBs are fabricated using different manufacturing processes. Flexible PCBs are constructed using an overlay process to protect the component’s exposed circuits. Rigid PCBs, on the other hand, are fabricated using a traditional green solder mask.

Differences in Cost

Flex PCBs are expensive to build because they’re adaptable and can withstand more environmental factors than rigid PCBs. However, since they can be manipulated to fit in smaller spaces, the overall size of the device itself may be reduced, saving companies more in the end. Rigid PCBs, on the other hand, are much more affordable in terms of cost and function well in many electronic applications.

Differences in Applications

Flex PCBs are unique in that they allow manufacturers to make the PCB fit the device. With rigid PCBs, the device must be made to fit the PCB. Flex PCBs are great for medical devices, wearable electronics, and drones. Rigid PCBs, on the other hand, are ideal for use in computers and vehicles.

Summit Interconnect offers a range of services for rigid, flex, and rigid-flex PCBs. Start your quote online right now or reach out to our expert staff with questions!

Summit Interconnect is proud to announce Lindsay Goldberg, a leading private investment firm, as its new majority investor to partner with Summit in its next stage of growth.

Summit Interconnect (“Summit” or the “Company”), a leading provider of high-performance, complex printed circuit boards serving the aerospace, defense, and other highly demanding commercial sectors, today announced that affiliates of Lindsay Goldberg – a leading private investment firm that focuses on partnering with families, founders and management teams – have completed a majority investment in the Company in partnership with the Company’s President and CEO, Shane Whiteside, and other members of the Company’s management team. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Summit Interconnect is one of the leading providers of complex rigid and flexible printed circuit boards in North America, offering solutions ranging from advanced prototyping to high mix, low-to-mid volume production. Summit serves customers across the aerospace, defense, and other highly demanding commercial sectors and has facilities in California, Illinois, and Toronto, Canada. The Company is recognized as an industry leader in quick-turn manufacturing and has expertise with a wide range of materials including high-speed digital, RF/microwave, and mixed constructions.

Shane Whiteside, Summit’s President, and CEO, commented on the transaction, “This is an important milestone in Summit’s evolution. We are excited to continue expanding our capabilities and delivering for our customers in partnership with Lindsay Goldberg, a firm with deep expertise in the electronics manufacturing and aerospace and defense sectors and a proven track record of working closely with management teams to build great businesses. We are also grateful for the support and contributions to our business provided by HCI Equity Partners over the past five years.”

“Summit Interconnect has established itself as an industry leader, supplying the most technologically advanced printed circuit boards to a broad range of highly demanding industries and applications. As new technologies develop and product lifecycles continue to shorten, we believe Summit will become an even more valuable partner to its customers,” said Vincent Ley, Managing Director of Lindsay Goldberg.

Michael Dees, the Managing Partner of Lindsay Goldberg, added, “We are thrilled to partner with Shane and Summit’s experienced management team to build upon the Company’s strong platform and support its next phase of growth.”

Harris Williams acted as financial advisor and McDermott Will & Emery LLP acted as legal counsel to Summit Interconnect on the transaction. Lazard acted as financial advisor and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP acted as legal counsel to Lindsay Goldberg.

About Summit
Summit Interconnect is a leading provider of complex printed circuit boards focused on fast-growing defense and high-performance commercial sectors in the North American market. Summit offers solutions ranging from advanced cutting-edge prototyping to complex high-mix, low-to-mid-volume production. Summit’s 8 facilities are located across California, Colorado,  Illinois, and Toronto, Canada.

About Lindsay Goldberg
Lindsay Goldberg is a private investment firm that focuses on partnering with families, founders and management teams seeking to actively build their businesses. Since 2001, Lindsay Goldberg has raised more than $17 billion of equity capital and has invested in over 50 platform companies and over 250 follow-on opportunities. The firm focuses on industries that have demonstrated resilience across economic cycles, including industrials, business, government and financial services, and healthcare in North America and Western Europe. Lindsay Goldberg takes a relationship-driven approach and is supported by its global network of affiliate partners.