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IMPC® Solution

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IMPC®(In-Mold Printed Circuit)Solution


IMPC®(In-Mold Printed Circuits) is a design and manufacturing solution that provides an integrated, optimized design for the entire component instead of the traditional manufacturing method where plastics and electronic circuits are designed and manufactured separately.

By integrating the resin and the circuit, a wider range of optimized designs can be achieved, resulting in various advantages such as weight reduction, thinness, and cost reduction.

 

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Using proprietary inkjet technology and proprietary high-speed electroless copper plating, P-Flex® circuit film, which is produced completely mold-less, is molded in three dimensions and then integrated with resin through injection molding (film insert molding).

Our manufacturing process achieves low resistance and soldering, prevents ion migration, and lowers material costs. This process overcame various problems found in the past with other printing and three-dimensional wiring methods.

In addition, the initial capital investment can be reduced because existing injection molding machines for film insert molding are used for the process of film 3D molding and resin integration.

The above manufacturing process is just one example, and the process may vary slightly depending on the design of the product.

Example: overhead console (prototype)

IMG_3713_Moment

 

This is an image sample of an IMPC® that we have made as a prototype (our asset). As a result of applying IMPC® to an overhead console, which is designed to resemble buttons and lights on the ceiling of an automobile, we were able to obtain various advantages.

  • Thinness             : The assembly gap and substrate holding structure can be reduced, and the thickness is less than 5 mm(excluding the light guide part)
  • Lighter weight : Three times lighter than commercially available parts with similar functions
  • Cost reduction : Reducing the number of parts and wiring connectors drastically reduced the cost of mass production by several dollars (*Our own calculation).

How the overhead console works (video)


Touch sensor, a microcontroller, high power LEDs (with a current value of a few amps), a physical switch and other components are soldered together. You can check out the features in the video below.

Applications
Idea
  • Add a variety of features while maximizing interior space
  • Thinner and lighter touch sensor LED lighting
  • Placing antennas and sensors on the surface
  • Install Heaters in the center console and armrests for efficient temperature control

 

Industries
  • Automotive, consumer electronics, industrial equipment
P-Flex® Flexible Circuits Specifications

Positioning of this manufacturing specification

These manufacturing specifications are the basic specifications for P-Flex® production, and details can be agreed upon through individual consultation. For particular specifications, please get in touch with us.

Substrate Transparent heat-resistant PET film: 50 µm, 125 µm
Line width / Spacing(L/S) 200 / 200 μm
Hole diameter 0.5 mm min.
Outline-pattern spacing

0.3 mm min.

Standard Copper trace thickness 3µm (please consult us if you require a thickness of more than 3 µm)
Panel size 223 x 393 mm max.
Wiring layer Single-sided 
Soldermask coating UV inkjet printing (transparent)
Legend printing UV inkjet printing (white)
Surface finish Oxidation prevention treatment, Electroless nickel gold plating(option)
Outline cutting Laser cut
Hole drilling Laser cut
Stiffeners Film stiffeners can be used to adapt to connectors of 200 µm or 300 µm in total thickness.

Component mounted parts can be adapted by using FR-4 stiffeners of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.6mm in thickness.
Inspection Visual inspection + opens/shorts test

 

Development Example
IMPC® Right Angle Connector Sample

IMPC® Right Angle Connector Sample is a sample of IMPC® with resin integrally molded connectors 90 degrees transverse to the substrate surface(right-angle connectors).  The connector is molded together during injection molding.

Overhead Console

This is an image sample of an IMPC® that we have made as a prototype. Touch sensor, a microcontroller, high power LEDs (with a current value of a few amps), a physical switch and other components are soldered together. 

IMPC® touch sensor with integrated connector.

The electrical circuits and metal pins were insert molded simultaneously. Lightweight and space saving achieved by reducing the number of parts.

Multi-Functional IMPC® Sample

Multi-Functional IMPC® part, thanks to integrated production process, allows to reduce number of components, as well as your products’ thickness and weight. All that with even easier assembly process.

IMPC® Microwell Plate with Electrochemical Sensor

The IMPC® Microwell Plate with Electrochemical Sensor is a medical sampling device with a fully integrated P-Flex® electrochemical sensor. 

 

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