A flexible circuit refers to one of the processes used to manufacture electronics. In electronic manufacturing, there are two primary types of electronic assemblies: the printed circuit boards and flexible circuit boards. Printed circuit boards are several layers of coppersheets laminated together to form a rigid platform for component wiring. A flexible circuit board is made of a layer of plastics like polymide film that can be run with electronic flexible circuits.
The primary difference is that printed circuit boards cannot be bent where flexible printed circuit boards can be flexed during use and not cause harm to the componentry. The most common uses for flexible printed circuits are in consumer applications such as cameras and cell phones.
Cameras are being built in smaller and smaller packages. The consumer wants a camera that is lightweight and easy to carry in a purse or pocket. By using printed flexible circuits, the manufacturer is able to achieve a very small package that continues to have more features, such as additional memory and video capability.
