The team at STARTEAM Global UK have been involved in the manufacture of printed circuit boards since the early 1980s and understand in depth all the different types of PCB which are available.
We use a variety of factories for PCB manufacture and have a huge choice of options, working with the right supplier depending on the type of order.
We work closely with our Chinese, Thai and Italian manufacturing partners to deliver the latest PCB technologies.
Here is a closer look at the types of PCB we supply for customers.
Rigid PCBs
A rigid PCB is a traditional board which does not flex in any way. It is strong, durable and is built to support components which are mounted and fixed to it.
Rigid boards are cheaper to manufacture and can be produced quickly, within five working days using our express service. We can supply rigid boards up to 100 layers for samples, and up to 68 layers for larger batches.
Find out more about our rigid PCB capabilities here.
HDI PCBs
High Density Interconnect, or HDI boards, are a newer type of PCB which have a higher circuit density when compared with other PCBs. More components can be installed, as they have finer lines and spaces, allowing an increased density of connection pads.
HDI boards incorporate blind or buried vias, giving designers the ability to place more components in smaller spaces. They are often used where space is at a premium, and where high performance and reliability are required.
Find out more about HDI printed circuit boards here.
Flex Rigid PCBs
Flex rigid PCBs are manufactured using a hybrid of rigid and flexible boards, which are connected together permanently. This reduces the soldered joints and therefore improves reliability and stability.
Flexi rigid boards are space-saving and lightweight, giving an enhanced electrical performance and offering more design options. They offer the best of both worlds, with the durability of a rigid board with the vibration resistance of a flexible PCB.
Find out more about Flex Rigid PCBs here.
Flexible PCBs
Flexible printed circuit boards are lightweight, can withstand vibration and are ideal for 3D designs. They provide excellent reliability and can accommodate multiple bending cycles.
In modern electronics where devices are miniaturised, flexible PCBs can provide the reduced sizes needed by designers. They are used in military, medical and consumer electronics, amongst others.
We offer up to 8 layers and can supply flexible PCBs in as little as 5 working days.
Find out more about Flexible PCBs here.
Semi-Flex PCBs
Semi-flex PCBs have grown in popularity in recent years as they are a more cost-effective option than rigid flex boards. A semi-flex PCB is made by milling a section of a rigid board to a thickness of 0.20mm +/- 0.10mm so that the board can be bent and fitted inside a casing.
This permanent connection gives a more reliable solution than using traditional cables and saves time during the assembly process.
Find out more about Semi-Flex PCBs here.
RF PCBs
Radio Frequency, or RF printed circuit boards operate on medium and high frequencies in applications such as smartphones and military radars.
RF boards provide a low thermal conductivity compared with traditional boards, and increased stability in high temperature environments.
Find out more about RF printed circuit boards here.
Aluminium PCBs
Aluminium printed circuit boards offer increased heat dissipation which makes them ideal for LED lighting such as that used in aircraft landing lights, operating theatre lighting and street lights.
Aluminium is an extremely lightweight material and provides great strength which helps prevent accidental damage during the manufacturing process.
These PCBs are environmentally friendly as they can be recycled. Find out more about aluminium PCBs here.
High quality PCBs
Our UK-based team inspect all printed circuit boards prior to being shipped to customers. As a result we consistently achieve a customer satisfaction rating of 99%, delivering the latest PCB technologies without compromising on quality.
We will always respond to the changing demands of the market with competitive pricing and fast delivery, achieving 98% of boards supplied on time or early.
If you’d like to contact our sales and technical teams, call 01903 231901 for a quote or to discuss your designs.