Minimum Bend Radius Considerations in Flexible Circuits

Flexible circuits and rigid flex circuits are great enablers for electronic designers who desire more functionality in their projects. Both technologies allow the electronics to be formed to fit the device, rather than the device accommodating the electronics. These packaging methods have been popular for many years, and designers are keen to understand the minimum bend radius guidelines, particularly for high reliability flex and rigid flex designs. Following the recommended minimum bend radius guidelines will give you a flexible circuit capable of hundreds of thousands of bend cycles without failure.
There are two main categories of applications for flexible circuits – flex to install and dynamic flex. Flex to install applications are where the flexible circuit is completed, assembled, and then inserted into a device requiring usually no more than a few bends of the flexible area of the part. Dynamic flex is when the designer needs a flexible circuit that can withstand repeated bend cycling over the life of the part, without circuit failure.