Custom-driven line

Owing to the line’s manual process, most PCB products from Taiwan are customized. Flexible and rigid-flex types, in particular, involve a higher level of technology compared with single- or double-sided models. The latter is harder to design and produce. Suppliers find it more cost efficient to use a combination of separate rigid and flexible boards.

The majority of local makers are therefore opting to specialize in R&D and design. They usually integrate rigid PCBs from mainland China with Taiwan sourced flexible variants, which are less expensive.

Most companies provide ODM services with negotiable order requirements. Taiwan’s manufacturing base is composed of 80 to 100 suppliers. The key players include Compeq, Gold Circuit, Fair Friend, Nan Ya, Tripod, Unimicron and Unitech.

Most are publicly listed large makers offering a range of PCB products. There are some manufacturers, however, that specialize in flexible/rigid-flex models. These are Career, Flexium and Sunflex.