Single-sided Flex PCB

Single-sided flexible circuit boards are the most common type of flexible circuit and can be found everywhere in ordinary electronic products.

As your flex circuit supplier, you will be able to manufacture boards with smaller trace spacing and micro vias. We also offer extremely fast rapid flex circuit prototyping services.

For flex pcb with a simple structure, the manufacturer's capabilities are reflected in the production of ultra-fine lines, ultra-thin circuit boards, etc.

Stack-up

The stack-up of Single-sided flex PCB is the simplest. The copper layer is usually a single-sided design, which is suitable for circuits that do not require double-sided connection. Through the following stackup, you will clearly understand the single-sided flex pcb structure.

Stack-up of Single Sided Flexible Circuit

Key Features of Single-Sided Flex PCBs

Only one conductive layer (copper foil)
High flexibility and ultra-thin structure
No plated through-holes (PTH) required

Flex Plus has industry-leading expertise in ultra-fine line and ultra-thin flex PCB manufacturing, offering solutions for next-generation electronic devices.

Ultra-Fine Line Processing

Minimum line width/spacing: 10μm (0.01mm)

Advanced laser direct imaging (LDI) & high-precision etching

Enables high-density interconnects (HDI) for compact devices

Ultra-Thin Flexible PCB

Base material thickness: 6μm - 12.5μm (0.25mil - 0.5mil) polyimide

Copper foil thickness: 9μm - 18μm (0.25oz - 0.5oz)

what is single sided with dual access flex pcb?

single sided flex pcb with dual access(bare back fpc)

Stack-up of Single Sided Flexible Circuit with Dual Access

A single-sided with dual access flex PCB is a special type of single-sided flexible circuit that allows access to the same copper layer from both sides of the PCB. Unlike a standard single-sided flex PCB, which has copper exposed only on one side, a dual-access design creates openings in the coverlay or polyimide substrate, enabling component connections or soldering from both sides.

Key Features

Single copper layer, but accessible from both sides
No plated through-holes (PTH) needed
Reduces weight and thickness compared to double-sided flex PCBs
Flexible & lightweight, ideal for compact devices
Lower manufacturing cost than double-sided flex PCBs

How Does Dual Access Work?

In a single-sided flex PCB, the coverlay usually insulates one side of the copper. However, in a single-sided dual access flex PCB, specific areas of the coverlay are opened on both sides, exposing the same copper layer from both the top and bottom. This allows:

Soldering components on both sides without needing vias
Conductive adhesive bonding from either side
More compact and flexible designs

Advantages Over Standard Single-Sided Flex PCB

Feature

Copper Layers

Component Placement

Through-Hole (PTH)

Manufacturing Cost

Flexibility

Standard Single-Sided Flex PCB

One side only

Not possible

Lower

High

Dual Access Flex PCB

1 (Accessible from both sides)

Both sides

Not needed

Slightly higher

Slightly less flexible

Comparison with Double-Sided Flex PCB

Feature

Copper Layers

Electrical Connection

Cost

Flexibility

Application

Dual Access Flex PCB

No PTH needed

Lower

Higher

Low-cost, simple designs

Double-Sided Flex PCB

Requires PTH

Higher

Slightly less flexible

High-density circuits

A single-sided with dual access flex PCB provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for applications requiring component mounting on both sides without needing plated through-holes. It is an ideal alternative to double-sided flex PCBs when electrical connections between layers are not required.

Benefits

Low cost: Due to its single-sided design, the manufacturing cost is relatively low, suitable for cost-sensitive applications.
Light and flexible: Suitable for devices with limited space, providing high degree of freedom in design options.
Shorter production cycle: It takes less time to produce than multi-layer or double-sided flex circuit boards and enables faster delivery.
High reliability: Works well for high-frequency and high-speed uses, especially in mobile devices and medical devices.

Applications

Wearable devices: It’s light and bendy, so it’s popular for smart watches, fitness trackers, etc.
LED Screens: Perfect for making flexible LED displays.
Consumer electronics: Used in consumer electronics such as mobile phones, printer, etcs.
Medical equipment: Small medical devices like pacemakers and sensors.

Advanced Features

High frequency performance: Works great for sending signals quickly in high-frequency situations.
Save power: Its simple one layer structure uses less electricity.
Miniaturized design: Can be made ultra thin and packed with features to fit in small spaces.