Inside a Flexible PCB Factory - in China

Get a lifetime subscription to Nebula forever at go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=str...
Or get a regular annual subscription for 40% off at go.nebula.tv/strangeparts
Watch the Makera desktop CNC factory tour now at nebula.tv/videos/strangeparts...
If you'd like to have a flexible PCB made and/or assembled go to jlcpcb.com/?from=Strangeparts
Come see how flexible circuit boards, or FPCs, are made in a Chinese factory. We're visiting one of JLCPCB's circuit board factories in Shaoguang, China, a few hours outside of Shenzhen. We'll see how they're made from raw material to finished circuit boards. Are you an electronics geek or a DIY enthusiast that loves soldering projects that's always wondered how a flexible circuit board is created? Today we're going to see how it's made!
See behind the scenes at Strange Parts:
/ discord
/ strangepartscom
/ strangeparts_com
/ strangepartscom
/ strangeparts
/ strangeparts
mastodon.strangeparts.com/@str...

[@ScottCroom]

Dang. This is seriously cool. Watching PCBs made at scale is always like engineering meets witchcraft. Pure beauty.

[@Lockdown335]

Semiconductor lithography is going to blow your mind then hahaha

[@ShiroCh_ID]

technically, PCB or its Board is Runic Board that was written so we can harness Electricity power instead of Mana,Prana or Magic energy but electricity itself can somewhat magical

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Anything with that level of consistency and precision is basically witchcraft to me.

[@nsikakfridayakpan5510]

@@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 lol 😂

[@ShiroCh_ID]

@@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 and programer is also technixally a wizard,Mage, enchanter or witch

[@ncc74656m]

So cool to see you back in the factories in China, Scotty! I love how you take us through this inside look at the world of our oddball projects on the other side of the mirror. Big thanks to JLCPCB for their incredible support of the community of makers, too. Thanks again for taking the time to grab me and say hi at DC!!!

[@JLCPCB]

So glad to see the amazing video came out.🥰 Scotty spent several days in JLCPCB factories and was walking through many JLCPCB production lines like SMT Assembly, 3D Printing and CNC machining. Thanks for bringing such wonderful content! 💙 Keep up the good work!💪

[@abhi211-T]

Thanks for the tour! Loved the video.

[@jb130hp]

在？不抽点啥吗？

[@tong.clement]

Such a cool video! These videos encouraged me to choose JLCPCB for my first ever PCB design a few weeks ago! The quality, price and lead time is great (HKSAR) - and this includes low volume prototyping.

[@ooooneeee]

Thank you for having Scotty and thanks to all of your employees for their hard work.

[@ErikPelyukhno]

Thanks for letting Scotty taking the time with the managers to explain the process in detail, I’ve ordered from JLC before and always wondered how these things are made at scale. ❤

[@toine512fr]

Thanks Scotty and JLC for this factory tour! As an electronics design engineer I really appreciate seeing what happens beyond the website.

[@patrickmorse7549]

I was hoping you would have covered the process of putting the copper on the polyamide sheets. I have developed hardware and processes for this multi step process. First the polyamide is treated with plasma to increase adhesion, then chrome, nickel or titanium is sputtered onto the polyamide as an adhesion layer, then copper is sputtered onto the film. Once a thin layer of copper is on the polyamide they use an electroplating process to make it the desired thickness.

[@StrangeParts]

Oh, this is super interesting. Unfortunately that part is done at a supplier factory in a different city, so it wasn't something we could easily go shoot. It would be really cool to see though!

[@bskull3232]

Copper is either supplied pre-cladded from material suppliers, or is laminated on glue-cladded PI films. PCB fabs never do cladding on their own, at least not AFAIK. Glueless PI is a big selling point, mainly due to its higher Tg, higher Td, and lower delamination failure rates. The cost, though, is a killer, due to its usage of sputter and other semiconductor manufacturing technologies.

[@patrickmorse7549]

@@bskull3232, I advised on process for a system we supplied sputtering magnetrons to a Korean company around 2009 that coated 1 meter wide PI with copper. They were not a PCB manufacturer. I also designed and sold linear ion sources for adhesion promotion to multiple PI copper coating companies.

[@chemgyaan]

I have also developed a process for the fabrication of copper polyimide films. I would love to connect with you 😊

[@SixTough]

Hey does copper free titanium kapton exist commercially?

[@rednwhitecooper]

The scale these guys have grown to in what feels like a short amount of time is incredible. It’s good to get a classic Strange Parts video again. It’s been too long.

[@markb5803]

Super pleased to see you back in China doing this type of content. So glad you seem to be recovering well. Many thanks for the content you create.

[@EmesiS]

I'm retired from automation and controls, mostly Rockwell Automation. I've been in a lot of manufacturing plants and this is pretty amazing. The factory is incredible clean and well kept. I hate to say it but China has got this stuff down to an art. This is why most American companies farm their stuff out to China. Thanks for the inside look!

[@theleapman]

I'm so impressed by the incredible access and trust you've built with these companies, and how you genuinely discuss the intricate work involved in manufacturing components of tools/tech we use everyday!

[@nannesoar]

Well said! I think he's doing a very powerful thing for society.

[@AcidOllie]

It's amazing how all these stages work together so well.

[@kamedatec]

Welcome back to China! Very happy to see you traveling again. I live in Zhuhai, and after I moved here I realized that 25% of the world's PCB production comes from this city, and where I lived in Brazil there was only one small factory.

[@nsikakfridayakpan5510]

Nice to know that . Nigeria is a big Chinese fans in terms of business.

[@KennethPaul]

Some seriously skilled but monotonous work involved, we should never forget the human effort required in manufacture and thank them 🙏

[@texanjimbob1509]

It's amazing to watch how circuit boards are still made similar to the ones we made back in 1971. We where making circuit boards for military guidance systems. We made one that was 17 layers and only just over1/8" thick. The processes were the same but now more automated and very clean compared to the place I worked. In the 70's there were many dangerous chemicals in open vats and very few safety protection or procedures. Thanks for showing the new flexible board manufacturing!

[@JOHNSMITH-if9jr]

the copper plating is still open tanks/ vats and still copper acid no big deal

[@CNC-Time-Lapse]

Great job, Scotty! These kinds of videos really help to see how much work goes into the stuff we all take for granted.

[@AngryDemonBowser]

I am incredibly happy to see you out and about again Scotty. This has been incredibly fun and informative to see!

[@haratofu]

Fantastic tour! Huge step-up in production value in this one; it's really evident how much time and effort went into planning and shooting each segment.

[@RuneInternational]

so great to see you back at factory tours. looking forward to see more videos like this

[@rolnesc2459]

One of the greatest on KZbin tech! Glad to have more from you strange parts

[@JanHavel]

Huge respect to those ppl in factories like this who can do one thing over and over for days and so consistently ... I would not survive a single day :D

[@dtiydr]

They don´t like it either but they don´t have any other jobs.

[@ak19910716]

It's interesting to think about how bizarre it is, that a tour like this, or even working as an engineer in the industry, can be so fascinating to those who are passionate about engineering, but no matter what industry, the workers down at the production lines are almost all doing repetitive tasks, for a fraction of the pay. It's a lose-lose-lose situation for many of them, making low wages, having their souls crushed, all that while not having the opportunity/time to learn on a deeper/wider level for better career opportunities and waiting for their jobs to be replaced by automation. In the meantime, the engineers get to deal with new technical challenges everyday while learning in depth about all the processes, gathering experience and having better future perspectives. I don't know how to think about that but it just feels weird, and wrong, knowing that I was fortunate enough to have a thrilling job where I get paid to learn and better myself, while workers at the same company get dealt a bad hand.

[@milesrout]

@@ak19910716 What is wrong with people working in factories? Not everyone is a thinker. It is not wrong for people to have these jobs. Before China had industries like this, these people would have been working at sewing machines doing.. the same repetitive task, but for less pay. And before that, they'd be farmers, with poor quality of life. This sort of work is why China has managed to grow its economy to give these people a reasonable quality of life. It's a hell of a lot better than back-breaking farm work for your whole life. They don't see it as 'having their souls crushed' - it's an honest day's work for an honest wage. Again, not everyone can be a thinker! Some people have to *do*. If these people don't do it, who will?

[@nsikakfridayakpan5510]

@@ak19910716 hmm 🤔 in Nigeria we will likely say "Dis World no balance" in attestation of such a sad 😢 , weird and imbalance situation of a thing like that.

[@athousandcollegelife550]

Easy. Try to support the cause that makes the life of the workers easier.@@ak19910716

[@QALibrary]

well done on the invite to the factory - I studied electronics in the late 1980s - and things have come a long way

[@IbrahemAlbanawi]

Flexible boards are amazing for tons of uses I would love to use ones for a project I have been thinking about

[@williammixson2541]

I've been following your channel for a while now, and your videos are always incredibly eye-opening, insightful, and super interesting . The way you take us through the factories in China, showcasing the intricate processes involved in making electronics and high-tech equipment, is both educational and fascinating. But what I appreciate the most is the human element you bring into your videos...the small glimpses of the people making these products. In a world where political tensions and government narratives often overshadow the lives of everyday people, your videos serve as a refreshing reminder, for me at least, that we're all just regular folks trying to make a living, regardless of where we're from.

[@jarednovel]

Now you realise just how advanced China is and why it is leading in tech soon to become number one in everything....Do you still believe in America exceptionalism?

[@krillen64]

I am glad to see you make another factory tour video. I loved the ones you made in the past and have missed them since. Thank for keeping on making them and that you had recovered from your injury to keep doing them too. :)

[@qlum]

Love your factory tours with your background and actual Chinese knowledge, it makes them a lot better than most others.

[@CL-yp1bs]

This is the class is strange parts content I love!! Thank you Scotty and thank you JLC PCB!!!

[@shazam6274]

Wow! X L Ent! This was extremely thorough and detailed, and I couldn't find any "mistakes". This video is showing a very advanced, precision, giant volume operation which is hard to comprehend all at once. Having been to many, many operations making PCBs in many countries, these guys seem to have not only made it to "World Class", but to the "Top". Congratulations to JLCPCB! I'm a retired EE with over 40 years of circuit board design and manufacturing experience, and all I can say is that this should be a video course for all EE students. I started working with Chinese contract manufacturers and vendors in 2008 and there were many issues and challenges, especially when it came to PCBs and SMT PCBAs. We did business with the largest manufacturer of PCBs and their raw materials subsidiary, who at the time was making the bulk "pre-preg" components for 40% of the world. They were poor quality and unreliable, at best, and quite untrustworthy. This caused me and and several co-workers a lot of travel to China to audit and correct them. As shown in this video, things have changed exponentially! Again, congratulations to JLCPCB!!

[@royvarley]

Really excellent factory video walkthrough. Your explanations are superb. Scheduling this into and through the factory would be very interesting - especially considering that the initial worksheets can hold multiple different boards - so it's not just a matter of pushing a single pattern through the process from end to end, it's what can logically be combined on one board to optimise the throughput and client quantities. Well done with this. Looking forward to the next one.

[@StuartChilds]

awesome to see the processes behind these huge FPCB factories - I'm surprised there's so much manual work involved. Thanks for the vid!

[@JafarFernald]

This is such an awesome process, and you explained it super well!

[@greendblink182]

Fantastic seeing you back in China Scotty. Absolutely love this behind the manufacturing scenes content.

[@shubhambajaj]

Thanks for putting this out Scotty! I have been working on flex PCBs off late. We are developing an optimization in the process and this video gave so much clarity on the whole process that goes into the whole flex-PCB assembly. Keep them coming!

[@StrangeParts]

Get a lifetime subscription to Nebula forever at go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=strangeparts Or get a regular annual subscription for 40% off at go.nebula.tv/strangeparts Watch the Makera desktop CNC factory tour now at nebula.tv/videos/strangeparts-inside-a-desktop-cnc-mill-factory-in-china If you'd like to have a flexible PCB made and/or assembled go to jlcpcb.com/?from=Strangeparts And if you need your own automatic tape dispenser, you can buy them on Amazon: amzn.to/47WTbXc (affiliate link)

[@Nickle314]

Given its all on a roll, one question is why is it not a more continuous process? For example, take the first drilling step. Why is that not roll in roll out, even for multiple designs where you could place differnet designs on one roll. Towards the end, clearly a different issue, maybe. On the testing equipement for traces. How does the software work? Clearly you want to check A is connected to B, as required. But what if A is accidentally linked to C? The multcoloured checkng, now that is a very cute idea. I've seen similar ideas too in thngs like scanning cuniform tablets. Lastly more on actual usages of flexible over hard PCBs. More on when you would use one over the other. Thanks

[@StrangeParts]

@@Nickle314 I don't think I made it clear enough, but there are multiple panels stacked up for the drilling process. So they can drill a handful at once, which is way more efficient than one at a time on a roll would be. As for the flying probe machines, they test by net. A net is a set of pads and traces that all are connected. So you want to do two set of tests: - For a given net, are all the pads connected to it that should be? - For each net, is it connected to any of the other nets that it shouldn't be? If you do these two tests, you then can guarantee electrical correctness. As for when you'd use flexible PCBs versus rigid ones: You typically use flexible PCBs when you need them to bend. It's almost like have a set of circuit boards with builtin cables that connect them.

[@Nickle314]

Ah yes. As soon I read that its obvious you would want to do that.

[@andrive]

Nice

[@kataseiko]

Why does that carrier material still have that yellow color though? Back in the day, the yellow color came from bromine to make the piece flame retardant. I would very much enjoy a clear carrier material with a clear solder mask.

[@video99couk]

Fun fact: Flexible PCBs have been around for a long time. They were used in the dashboard of the 1970 Hillman Avenger (Plymouth Cricket) to reduce assembly complexity.

[@JamieHayhurst]

Long time watcher and appreciator of this channels content. The new patreon mentions in videos are a fantastic innovation. I've found myself looking out for them as little easter eggs. Lovely to see all the ways in which you innovate your channel!

[@StrangeParts]

Crap! I TOTALLY forgot to put them in this video. I'm working with a new editing team (in existing to my previous editor) to try and increase throughput, and I totally forgot to tell them about this. Another thing to add to our workflow and checklists... But, I'm glad you're enjoying them! I am too:)

[@JamieHayhurst]

@@StrangeParts was going to mention they were hard to spot this time. Still, I was complimenting the idea.

[@dxlusi0nal]

I love these factory tours, please keep doing them!

[@brendanfarthing]

Such awesome tech! Love your videos, Scotty. The best out there!

[@JOELJOSEPHCHALAKUDY]

I am amazed on unique knowledge and engineering experience of the people who designed these machines might have and also the people who operate them for various purpose

[@lilPopper]

This reminds me of your flexible circuit board for the iPhone 7 headphone jack. Glad this video goes more in depth of how "origami" boards are manufactured. Congrats again Scotty.

[@MasonH24]

Great video, Scotty. Love seeing the process behind all of this. Won't lie.. seeing you back "in the field" has my heart very full. Hope you're doing great!

[@mostbeegyoshi]

Scotty Im so happy to see you doing factory tours again! ❤great video

[@DamienBoath]

Such a great video. So pleased you are back doing these types of 'how it's made'. I'd love to see a video on how the machines that make these come together. They are so unique, from laser exposure to robotic baths. Who makes and designs these?! Ive used JLPCB recently and was really impressed with the service and speed of turn around. About a week to have it sent to Australia.

[@TheSlyone8858]

This was a great video and reaffirms why I use JLC. Would be great if we could see their 3D printing and machining facility too!

[@gamerelated3887]

You have an amazing attitude and aptitude for understanding all these highly complex processes! I love watching your videos and I'm so excited that you are back with more energy than ever! Keep it going Scotty!!

[@kataseiko]

I'm happy to see you up and about again, last of your videos I saw was during Covid! I am already a satisfied and returning customer of JLC and I'm planning for a few SLS 3D printed parts to go with my next electronics order.

[@Tangent991]

As an Engineer at a U.S. flex manufacturer this video is very well done and accurate to current manufacturing techniques. Good job!

[@NOVUSuk]

Keep up the videos Scotty! Truly value your well explained explanation into the electronic industries manufacturing processes… Thanks JLCPCB too, geat to see the evolution of the processes involved. Having just watched this, and then revisiting your older rigid JLCPCB factory tour from 5 years ago it is great to see both existing and new technology /process featured. Perhaps a historical evolution angle possible from another factory. Always fascinating to learn about the heritage of where the industry’s come from and how processes have changed in the sector 🙂

[@tim3609]

I absolutely love these insights into the different factory processes

[@critical_always]

Jlcpcb is amazing. I ordered PC's from them several times. They came out perfect in every way. It's just amazing that little guys like me get access to engineering at such a high level. I loved seeing a part of their factories.

[@hugofrisk1889]

Amazing! Would love to see more about how the optical inspection works and what kind of algorithms are used.

[@S95Sedan]

Good to see flex pcb's are finally becoming more affordable for the consumer opposed to years back. Used to do lens aperature repair years back and being able to get replacements from China saved a ton of e-waste where manufacturers refused to release parts.

[@PetterBruland]

Thanks!! this was a nice Saturday morning treat to watch. China's production of just about anything is amazing.

[@TheRealBobHickman]

Fascinating stuff! I do love these factory tours.

[@carlll6101]

It's so good to see you full of energy and feeling good! Also it's funny to see you trying to not jump from excitement :D And man... those machines are soooooo cooooool. And whole crew is very professional and careful even with electroplating that I never saw as precise process. Danm... I'm editing this comment so many times... But I just want to know if anyone feel wired knowing some of the parts they making. Besides obvious wireless charger pads, printer cartridge heads, LED tracks, screen connectors.

[@Gamer-nc8qp]

did anyone else notice at 4:59 emorgoncy stop :)

[@sigmasquadleader]

The button does nothing unless you read Mandarin.

[@jordanmorgan3440]

Always love seeing your videos, Scotty! Hope you're doing well!

[@Techfanatic73]

So glad you're back bro.... Love your videos

[@MD_Builds]

The alignment system on the lasers is fantastic... the SMT line is fantastic... but what i really REALLY want. Is that auto tape cutter at 25:17

[@StrangeParts]

It's just a click away! amzn.to/3En0wBN

[@MD_Builds]

@@StrangeParts OMFG lol :D Thanks :)

[@cone6052]

Who's make the machine?

[@dgm778]

The Mankind

[@grant-is]

More, more, more! Amazing! Edited well, explained well, I really appreciate you!

[@AQ22W]

(1) We Appreciate the Factory Tours, and Details of How to Make Our World A Nicer Place.

[@angelzhang_]

24:40 I recognize those black pcbs! They are the mainboard of the Picofly which is used to hack the Nintendo Switch, I'm pretty sure that exact version is the one for the Switch v1 and v2. I'm surprised they were willing to show the assembly process of that one in particular because of Nintendo and their lawyers, I guess that guy didn't know what it was used for lol

[@itsmilan4069]

20:05 I hope that the printer doesn't say "out of blue, replace the whole cartage" randomly unlike some consumer printers *cough HP

[@StrangeParts]

Nope! The ink comes in buckets, and you stick a hose from the machine into the bucket.

[@Gameboygenius]

If this was a HP they'd just tell you it's cheaper to replace the whole printer. 😅

[@prhasn]

Glade to have you back. This is what I followed you for from the beginning. Amazing explanation.

[@legalboxers]

The best video content. I’m happy you are back sir

[@KacktuskackeEntrtnmt]

Very interesting and well made video looking forward to the next one! One thing that got me wondered: 14:18 you put your finger in the light curtain sensor, but the machine does not stop and you are looking at the cutting area without eye protection. Are those lasers not that powerful?

[@StrangeParts]

I think the light curtain sensor might have been disabled, since we were sticking cameras inside the machine and whatnot (it's pretty common to have them do it if we ask). As for not having eye protection - I've never really seen anyone in China wear eye protection around cutting/engraving lasers (except the metal cutting fiber laser factory we went to). I think they're plenty powerful to damage your eyes, but that dangerous reflections just aren't likely enough to be a real risk? I'm not an expert though.

[@KacktuskackeEntrtnmt]

@@StrangeParts I see, thanks for replying :D

[@alexowen3948]

Non visible lasers run the risk of damaging your cornea, and visible ones can damage your retina. It may be slow, but definitely a risk, even for reflections and even at low output powers. My 5.5W (output) laser could definitely cause some major damage if I looked at the reflection off the material. UV ones are particularly bad because you don't see how bright they are.

[@BBlueBBasterd]

Love to see you doing these videos again, great stuff!

[@camelsintinycars]

Always blowing it out of the park! An undepth look we wouldn't get anywhere else. Scotty's vids are always a blast.

[@rayoflight62]

Good to see you on the move again! Thank you for the video! Anthony

[@Revonlieke]

some insane machines in there. just incredible, and really seems like they have dedicated workers as well, takes alot of effort to keep checking all of those.

[@780tech]

I love seeing you all better and making new Videos !

[@ipid3125]

glad to see you back posting on youtube, I hope you're health have recovered 100%

[@MO_AIMUSIC]

Being to JLC factory is the most OG thing to do. As it is one of the famous PCB maker in CHINA🎉

[@InspireToMake]

Great to see you in your element again!!! :)))

[@MikesTropicalTech]

Fantastic view into the different processes required for these awesome flex boards. I get my boards made by JLCPCB but they're conventional FR4 boards now, I'll have to think of a project that requires flex. Thanks!

[@robkrumm6662]

So exciting to see this kind of content again!

[@RuxUnderscore]

Always love your videos Scotty! Thanks for the tour of JLC!

[@anthonyblacker8471]

I super grateful that you're back in good Health Scotty!! I was quite concerned after that last video I saw of yours very early on in Covid (maybe?) I'm super happy to see you looking spry and healthy! I sure appreciate your deep dive here today in this awesome factory!! Thank you for the hard work!!

[@EMleRoux]

Thank you to JLB PCB & Strange Parts - This video was very informative and impressive. JLB PCB supports many of the KZbinrs I like to watch, so I really enjoyed the tour!

[@Marcel1984nl]

Excellent presentation, learned something new about the process! Keep up the good work.

[@woshwbdsiashqwed]

It's awesome to see you back in China, been following you since the early days of iphone hackery. Keep up the great work!

[@JosephFaulkner2k8]

Great to see you out and about in the factories Scotty. Cheers

[@sam3346]

👏 nice to see you back

[@hoojchoons2258]

Really great seeing you back doing this.

[@hornorama]

It is great to see you back on top line! I very much enjoy your videos and I hope you continue on in good health!

[@jonnyspeed8974]

so, so glad you are back, man. i love your channel

[@onjofilms]

Pretty interesting. Glad to see you back in action.

[@benneth92]

Finally another video! Welcome back

[@yazeednayel5507]

This was very well done. It is amazing to see these manufacturers. Thank you.

[@LSOP-]

Glad to see you back at it!

[@P747]

Great to see another video! You seem to be doing good which I'm happy to see. Now off to see the video. All the best Scotty!

[@greencontact]

It is crazy how professional level your production is, this reminds me of any other tech documentary ect.. ive seen in past on tv. Respect Scotty!

[@aaronshippelhoute5011]

Good to have you back!

[@sorehammer]

Awesome video great to see you out and about again.

[@robertchong6313]

Glad to see you back. :)

[@beeame]

Thanks for the awesome factory tour!

[@tec4303]

I love the factory tours and explanations. Thank you!

[@mikesimons1544]

Great job, like to see these every couple years to see whats changed. Been doing pcb design since we had mylar tape layout.

[@valleynomad]

Very nice video and a coming-back episode!

[@FaradHusky]

The interesting technology and process aside, it's really good to see you back to your normal energetic self. I'm sure I was not alone noticing the downwards change during the pandemic and your health situation. And over the few last videos, the improvement and upwards trend. Welcome back to your old self, it's been dearly missed. :)

[@Thevaultcitizen]

I love those factory tours ! Thanks !