Prototyping Services
Providing prototyping services for flexible circuits, rigid-flex circuits, and related interconnect solutions. These services support product development from initial concepts through to production readiness, with options for both standard and accelerated timelines.
Prototyping occurs using the same materials, equipment, and processing methods as full production runs when built at the primary facility. This consistency helps ensure that prototype performance aligns with expectations for production parts, reducing risks of discrepancies in electrical, mechanical, or environmental behavior.
Prototyping Process and Facility Approach
FCT structures prototyping to address the specific characteristics of flexible circuits, which function as both electrical and mechanical components. Key elements include:
- Same-Facility Prototyping — Prototypes built at the production facility (primarily in Asia for volume scaling) use identical processes to production. This approach minimizes surprises in performance, reliability, and yield when transitioning to higher volumes.
- Quick-Turn Option — For simpler flexible circuit designs focused on fit, form, and function, FCT utilizes a dedicated quick-turn facility in California. This supports faster delivery when speed is the primary requirement.
- Lead Time Factors — Actual delivery times depend on design complexity, material availability, and—for circuit assemblies—component lead times.
This dual-facility model balances speed for initial validation with consistency for long-term manufacturability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flexible circuits involve unique mechanical and electrical interactions. Building prototypes with the same materials, equipment, and methods as production reduces performance variations and supports reliable scaling.
For simpler flex designs where speed is critical, FCT uses a California-based quick-turn facility. More complex designs or those requiring production-like processes use the primary facility.
Lead times depend on design complexity, material requirements, and component availability for assemblies. Early design input can help establish realistic timelines.
Yes, prototyping often incorporates design assistance to identify improvements, which can lead to fewer revisions and better alignment with production capabilities.