Flexible PCBs

	Model D-03 from New Flexible, mainland China, uses Cu, PI and ADH as base materials, and adopts immersion gold surface treatment. Like many mainland-made flexible boards, this product is RoHS compliant
	In this report   •   Main story   •   Product line runs the gamut   •   Focus on high-density, rigid-flex boards   •   Pro-environment, international quality policies upheld   •   Raw material costs continue to rise

Greater China manufacturers are eyeing a potentially massive market that includes 3G communication equipment, notebook PCs and handheld electronics.

Production and sales of flexible PCBs in mainland China grew more than 15 percent in 2007, spurred by increased global consumption of mobile phones, LCDs, laptops, PDAs and digital cameras.

In 2006, total sales amounted to $2.17 billion, and output surpassed 22 million square meters, according to the China Electronic Components Association.

The following year, sales revenue was about $2.5 billion and output, 27 billion square meters. Aggregate revenue is projected to increase by 12 to 13 percent in the next few years.

Manufacturers in Taiwan, on the other hand, reported a production value of $1.07 million in 2005 and $1.23 million in 2006, according to the Taiwan Printed Circuit Board Association.

LED backlighting units, touch panels, notebook PCs and telecom products are the primary applications for Taiwan-made flexible PCBs.

Much of the output is contributed by major players such as Career Technology (Mfg) Co. Ltd, Flexium Interconnect Inc., Sunflex Tech Co. Ltd, Uniflex Technology Inc. and HannStar Board Corp.

South Korea, now regarded as the world’s second largest supplier base for flexible PCBs, accounts for about 20 percent of the global output.

The Korea Printed Circuit Asso-ciation estimated local PCB sales at $1.33 billion in 2005, with flexible PCBs accounting for 25 percent. Single- and double-sided flexible PCBs make up 11 percent; multilayer flexible PCBs, 10 percent; and rigid-flex PCBs, about 4 percent. Mobile phones are likewise the main growth drivers for the region’s flexible PCBs.