HELMOND, THE NETHERLANDS – Traditional polyimide and polyester flex circuits bend, but do not stretch. But a new technique permits boards to elongate up to 30% in the x and y directions.

Q.P.I. Circuits developed the process known as SCB, or stretchable copper board. It follows traditional processes for printed circuit board fabrication, but uses a polyurethane base for the laminate.
 
SCB technology makes use of copper wires. To overcome copper’s ductility, it is structured in “horseshoe-like” patterns. The polyurethane interconnect has the short length and low volume needed for free movement.
 
Component assembly is possible after reinforcement of the substrate with a coating or use of an interposer. Or, active parts are placed on a rigid PCB, and the stretchable substrate acts as the interconnection between multiple rigid boards.
 
According to QPI, the SCB board is stretchable, with variable length or angle, and easy change of position. Elongation is up to 30%, and the board offers very low stiffness and mechanical decoupling.

The company says possible applications include functional clothing, medical applications such as “intelligent” bandages, complicated positioning of sensors, 3-D car interior parts and others.
 
Q.P.I. Circuits is a Dutch PCB fabricator and contract assembler.

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