Rigid Flex Circuit Manufacturers are reporting steady growth from their Medical Electronics Division

     Most people are not aware that they have been using an innovative idea called rigid flex circuits in their daily lives; a lot of us have seen PCB Boards when we drop our cell phones, tablets, laptops, or other electronic devices that are now mainstays of our contemporary digital era. Though we do not care much about, how it works, we do know that it works, and it is now integrated into almost everything that we use today. Everything from Aerospace, Military, to Household appliances, and daily transportation are now dependent on PCB technology since the late 80’s. Today, Rigid Flex Circuit boards that allow simpler, 3D, Robust, reliable, and movable circuit boards solve a lot of engineering challenges in creating a totally computerized mobile equipment.

Rigid Flex Circuit boards started with aerospace and defense, as the need for smaller, lighter, flexible, solutions to autonomous and semi-autonomous parts become apparent. Its transition to industrial and commercial applications comes naturally; however, manufacturers of Rigid Flex PCB such as Pioneer Circuits and Innovative Circuits are reporting a growing demand in the Medical Field.
Current Rigid Flex PCB with their inherent robustness, 3D application, light weight advantages was found to be the missing link to wearable medical monitors. This technology integrated with current Bluetooth or RF protocols created popular monitoring and lifesaving devices that we could not even dream about 20 years ago. Cardiology is one of the major beneficiaries of this advancement, Today, people with elevated risks of heart failure can now monitor their condition 24/7 through Rigid Flex PCB medical devices.
Development of semi-autonomous prosthetics for veterans is now in the works. The advantages of having a fully operational leg that can process proper balance using gyroscopic minute information on body weight, gravity, speed, traction, and other factors can greatly benefit our heroes who have sacrificed their limbs in the line of duty. Developmental Medical technology such as these, and current monitoring wearable devices have greatly increased demand for Rigid Flex PCB, and as the Boomers age further, Demand is expected to increase further.

The Medical Field have been using Rigid Flex Circuit boards since its inception, Large ECG, EEG, and modern X-Ray systems have been using it for years. But these are low volume high valued equipment. Today, mainstream personal application is the growing trend. FitBit is leading the way and soon, as prices become more reasonable, wearable medical monitors will also integrate into our lives.