GC Aero Flex Circuitry: Design Rules


	GC Aero Flexible Circuitry
	Manufacturing and Designing Flexible Circuits for over 25 Years

These non specific Design Rules are intended to give you a general idea of guidelines that GC Aero follows

GC Aero designers will assist you in staying as close to the rules as possible

Minimum Trace Width .004 Inches:
The minimum trace width of 4 mils is a minimum size when you are using a thin copper base. Keep in mind that when designing a double sided Flexible Circuit you must also consider the thickness of the plating. The plating thickness will be determined by the application of the Flexible Circuit.

Minimum Distance From Cut line .010 Inches:
10 mils from cut line is in reference to the space between the conductor and the completed outline of the Flexible Circuit. In systems where size and weight are of major concern this rule is sometimes disregarded. When designing the outline of the Flexible Circuit always take into consideration the distance of your conductors from the completed outline of the part. Leave as much room as possible as this will assist in the manufacturing and the reliability of your new Flexible Circuit. One common exception to this rule is a ground shield. Wanting the ground shield as close to the cut line as possible is a common request GC Aero receives from customers.

Minimum Space Between Conductors .003 inches:
As above, the minimum space between conductors of 3 mils is a minimum space when you are using a thin copper base. Keep in mind that when designing a double sided Flexible Circuit you must also consider the thickness of the plating. The plating thickness will be determined by the application of the Flexible Circuit.

Minimum Exposed Copper Annular Ring .007 Inches:
A 7 mil annular ring is usually in reference to a via. Since it is not used to mount a component it is usually a small pad and through hole size. GC Aero has a full stock of drill bits that rang from .013-.250. Bigger holes and opening are possible with special programming of the drill information.

We strongly advise not to use 7 mils on a hole being used for component or pin placement. One major thing to consider when designing for component and pin placement is the amount of adhesive that will flow over your pad area. This amount can be controlled with various techniques but is highly dependent on your material callout and your Flexible Circuit application.

All rules have exceptions and should be acknowledged as such

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