A Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPC) is used in thin, light, and portable electronic devices. Whether the application is dynamic or static, the flexible PCB can fit in the compact space of a smartphone, the battery pack of electric vehicles, sensors in a medical wearable, etc., and provide circuit connectivity.
When sourcing FPCs, the choice comes down to two materials: PI (Polyimide) for high-flexibility and high-reliability applications, and PET (Polyester) for transparent, low-temperature needs.
For OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), it is crucial to collaborate with a high-quality and reliable B2B flexible printed circuit board manufacturer.
This guide explores the top 3 global flexible PCB manufacturing leaders: Avary, Dongshan Precision, and Nippon Mektron, and the ideal turnkey alternative, PCBONLINE, for mid-sized OEMs and startups.
Top 3 Global Leaders in FPC Manufacturing
The global FPC market is highly concentrated at the top. The following three companies are the undisputed titans of the industry. They possess massive manufacturing footprints and provide the circuitry for the world’s most recognizable consumer electronics brands like Apple.
1. Avary Holding (A subsidiary of Zhen Ding Tech. Group)
Avary Holding is a flagship subsidiary of the Zhen Ding Technology Group. Based in Taiwan with massive production bases in mainland China, it has consistently ranked as the largest flexible printed circuit board manufacturer in the world.
Market position: They are a primary supplier for the Tier-1 consumer electronics market, particularly for flagship smartphones and tablets.
Specialties: High-layer count flexible circuits and ultra-thin HDI FPCs.
Avary is built for extreme volume. Their facilities are optimized for orders that reach into the millions of units per month.
For a startup or a mid-sized OEM, the barrier to entry here is high, as their business model is designed to support global tech giants, such as Apple and Intel.
2. Suzhou Dongshan Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd (DSBJ)
Dongshan Precision (DSBJ) rose to global prominence through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Multi-Fineline Electronix. This move solidified their position as a top-tier global player in the FPC space.
Market position: A dominant force in the telecommunications and automotive sectors.
Specialties: Advanced FPC and rigid-flex PCBs. They are a critical partner in the transition toward 5G and autonomous driving systems.
Like Avary, DSBJ operates on a massive scale. Their infrastructure is geared toward large-scale OEMs that require consistent, high-volume output with rigorous quality control standards.
3. Nippon Mektron, Ltd. (A subsidiary of Mektec)
Nippon Mektron, operating under the Mektec brand, is perhaps the most famous name in flexible circuitry. Based in Japan, they have been the technical pioneers of flexible technology for decades.
Market position: The undisputed technical leader in FPC innovation.
Specialties: High-precision PI FPCs for medical, aerospace, and high-end industrial applications.
Mektec’s capabilities are vast, spanning the globe. They are the preferred choice for massive automotive Tier-1 suppliers and medical device manufacturers who need specialized, high-reliability flexible solutions at a global scale.
The Challenge for Middle OEMs and Startups
While the Top 3 flexible printed circuit board manufacturers are impressive, they present a significant challenge for the broader market: Accessibility.
If you are a middle-market OEM or a hardware startup, you likely face the following hurdles when approaching these giants:
- High minimum order quantities (MOQs): The top 3 flexible printed circuit board manufacturers rarely accept prototype runs or medium-batch production.
- Rigid support structures: Engineering support is often reserved for the largest contracts.
- Long lead times: Because they prioritize million-unit orders, smaller batches can be sidelined in the production schedule.
PCBONLINE: The Turnkey Partner for Advanced PI and PET FPCs
For terminal companies that require the same technical sophistication as the top 3 global leaders but need the flexibility of a turnkey partner, PCBONLINE is the strategic solution.
We provide a flexible circuit one-stop solution, including R&D, manufacturing, and assembly. Founded in 2005, PCBONLINE has an FCCL factory, two FPC manufacturing bases, and a turnkey flex PCB assembly factory, with stable supply chains and an R&D team.
PCBONLINE has turnkey flex PCBfabrication and assembly capabilities. We not only fabricate and assemble FPCs, but also provide flex PCB copper-clad laminates custom for FPC fabrication.
Powerful FPC manufacturing capabilities, including transparent PET FPC, 1 to 8-layer PI FPCs with a maximum length of 200m, HDI, and rigid-flex FPCs.
PCBONLINE does comprehensive tests, such as ensuring the bend radius, the tension test, the bending test, the button strike life test, the hand sweat test, the environmental protection test, the metallographic microscope inspection, the bridge test, etc.
PCBONLINE has flex PCB R&D capabilities and can do the FPC design or take part in your project's development from the early stage.
PCBONLINE provides free DFM (design for manufacturing) and one-on-one engineering support for FPC projects, including FPC layout optimization.
High-quality flex PCB assembly certified with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, IATF 16949:2016, RoHS, REACH, UL, and IPC-A-610 Class 2/3.
The professional team at PCBONLINE specializes in thermal management, signal integrity, fixture design, and manufacturing process control. We ensure the flex PCB assembly is tailored to your project's custom requirements. To get a quote for your flexible circuit project, please contact info@pcbonline.com.
Details of PCBONLINE
Unlike many flexible PCB manufacturers who buy their materials from third parties, PCBONLINE is vertically integrated. This provides a level of quality and cost control that is rare in the industry.
Our own FCCL laminate factory
Flexible Copper Clad Laminate (FCCL) is the sheet material of an FPC. By having our own laminate factory, we ensure that the base materials—whether PI or PET—meet strict purity and performance standards.
This integration allows us to offer faster lead times and more competitive pricing for advanced materials.
Specialized FPC manufacturing bases
We operate two large-scale FPC manufacturing factories dedicated to:
- PI (Polyimide) FPCs: Ideal for high-reliability applications like engine sensors, medical implants, and high-speed data transmission. PI can withstand extreme temperatures (up to 260°C or more) and offers excellent chemical resistance.
- PET (Polyester) FPCs: The cost-effective choice for low-temperature applications such as membrane switches, LED strips, and simple consumer toys. PET is lightweight and flexible but requires specialized low-temperature soldering techniques.
Turnkey flexible PCB assembly
Assembling components onto a flexible board is significantly more difficult than on a rigid PCB. FPCs are prone to warping and require specialized jigs and vacuum fixtures during the SMT (Surface Mount Technology) process.
PCBONLINE features specialized FPC assembly lines.
We utilize high-precision SMT machines and rigorous AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) to ensure that components are perfectly placed on the flexible substrate without damaging the delicate traces
PI vs. PET: Which Should You Choose?
As a turnkey flexible printed circuit board manufacturer, we often help our clients decide between PI and PET based on their specific application.
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Feature
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PI (Polyimide)
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PET (Polyester)
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Thermal resistance
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High (Up to 300°C+)
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Low (Approx. 70°C - 100°C)
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Flexibility
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Excellent (Can be folded/creased)
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Good (Better for static bending)
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Cost
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Higher
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Lower
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Common uses
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Automotive, medical, aerospace
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LED strips, membrane keyboards
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Soldering
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Supports standard reflow
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Requires low-temp paste/silver ink
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Why middle OEMs choose PCBONLINE?
- Prototyping to mass production: We do not have the rigid MOQs of the global giants. Whether you need 5 pieces for a proof-of-concept or 50,000 pieces for a market launch, our production lines are designed to scale with you.
- Professional DFM and R&D support: When you work with PCBONLINE, you aren't just an order number. Our engineers perform a Design for Manufacturing (DFM) check on every FPC project.
- Supply chain security: Centered in Hong Kong, our component supply network ensures that even for complex FPCBA projects, we source original, high-quality components from verified global distributors, protecting your project from counterfeit parts.
We check for:
- Stress points: Identifying where the circuit might crack during bending.
- Thermal management: Ensuring the PI or PET substrate can handle the power load.
- Material optimization: Helping you choose the right copper weight and coverlay thickness to balance flexibility and durability.
Conclusion
Avary, DSBJ, and Nippon Mektron are global flexible printed circuit board leaders. However, middle-market OEMs and startups need more than just volume, but an engineering partner. PCBONLINE offers the advanced PI and PET FPC manufacturing capabilities of a global leader with the service-oriented approach of a turnkey partner. From our own laminate production to specialized FPC assembly, we are the one-stop shop for your most flexible ideas.
