Custom Flex Circuit Manufacturer
Single-sided, double-sided, and multilayer flexible printed circuits — built to IPC 6013 standards in polyester and polyimide, for membrane switch interfaces and standalone flex circuit applications.
- IPC 6013 Types 1, 2, and 3 — single, double & multilayer
- Silver-ink and copper conductor options
- 100% electrical continuity testing on every unit
- Stiffener, coverlay, and connector integration
Overview
What Is a Flex Circuit?
A flexible printed circuit (flex circuit) is a thin, bendable substrate with conductive traces that route electrical signals between components. Flex circuits are central to membrane switch construction and are also used as standalone interconnects in space-constrained electronic assemblies.
Ensel manufactures flex circuits to IPC 6013, covering single-sided (Type 1), double-sided (Type 2), and multilayer (Type 3) constructions. Conductors are available as silver-filled polymer ink on polyester for cost-effective interface circuits, or copper traces on polyimide for higher-conductivity, higher-durability applications.
Our manufacturing facility is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and every flex circuit is tested for electrical continuity before it leaves our plant — backed by more than 25 years of combined engineering and design experience.
Type 1 — Single-Sided
Cost-effective circuits for basic interconnect and switch applications.
Type 2 — Double-Sided
Conductive layers on both sides of the substrate for more complex routing.
Type 3 — Multilayer
Multiple laminated conductive layers for high-density, space-constrained designs.
Technical Specs
Standard Capabilities
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Circuit Types | Single-sided, double-sided, multilayer (IPC 6013 Types 1, 2 & 3) |
| Substrates | Polyester (PET), Polyimide |
| Conductors | Silver-filled polymer ink, copper traces |
| Trace / Space | Down to 0.004" / 0.004" |
| Circuit Thickness | 0.05mm – 0.30mm |
| Coverlay | Polyester or polyimide coverlay films |
| Stiffeners | FR4, polyimide, stainless steel |
| Connectors | ZIF, FPC tails, soldered terminations |
| Testing | 100% electrical continuity testing |
Custom specifications outside these ranges are available — contact our engineering team to discuss your requirements.
Our Process
How We Build Your Flex Circuit
Circuit Design & DFM Review
Our engineers review your schematic and layout for manufacturability, trace routing, and connector placement.
Conductive Trace Printing
Silver-filled polymer inks or etched copper traces are applied with precise registration across all layers.
Lamination & Coverlay
Coverlay films and stiffeners are laminated for durability, EMI shielding, and mechanical support where needed.
Electrical Testing & QC
Every circuit undergoes 100% electrical continuity testing and visual inspection before shipment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flex circuit and how is it different from a membrane switch circuit layer?
A flex circuit is a standalone flexible printed circuit that can be used independently or integrated as the conductive layer within a membrane switch. We manufacture both polyester silver-ink circuits and copper-based flexible circuits.
What IPC standards do your flex circuits meet?
Our flexible circuits are manufactured to IPC 6013 — covering Type 1 (single-sided), Type 2 (double-sided), and Type 3 (multilayer) flexible printed wiring.
Can you produce both silver-ink and copper flex circuits?
Yes. Silver-filled polymer ink circuits on polyester are cost-effective for many membrane switch and interface applications, while copper flex circuits on polyimide offer higher conductivity and durability for more demanding applications.
Do you offer stiffeners and connectors?
Yes — FR4, polyimide, and stainless steel stiffeners can be laminated to specific zones, and we support ZIF connectors, FPC tails, and soldered terminations based on your assembly requirements.
What testing is performed on flex circuits before shipment?
Every circuit receives 100% electrical continuity testing along with visual inspection to confirm trace integrity, registration, and dimensional accuracy.
Need a custom flex circuit?
Our engineers will review your requirements and respond within 24 hours. No minimum commitment required to request a quote.
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