Flexible Cable Views

General Goods

Flexible flat cable, or FFC, refers to any variety of electrical cable that is both flat and flexible. A flexible flat cable is a type of flexible electronics. However, the term FFC usually refers to the extremely thin flat cable often found in high density electronic applications like laptops and cell phones. Where used to connect to flat panel displays, FFCs may also be referred to as flat panel cables (FPC). Sometimes the term FPC is even --somewhat inaccurately-- used for any type of FFC. FFC is a miniaturized form of ribbon cable, which is also flat and flexible. The cable usually consists of a flat and flexible plastic film base, with multiple metallic conductors bonded to one surface. Often, each end the cable is reinforced with a stiffener to make insertion easier or to provide strain relief. The stiffener makes the cable slightly thicker.

Keep in mind that flexible control cables and continuous flex control cables are not the same. Flexible control cables may bend during installation, but should remain stationary in their final application. On the other hand, continuous flex control cables can move constantly. If an application requires twisting, choose torsion cable. For fast data transmission in bus systems, choose bus cable. Or consider flexible specialty cables for other challenging flexible cable applications.

Often called flat flexible cable, wire stranded in layers is the cheapest kind of cable to produce, allowing most companies to make it quickly and easily. However, flat flexible cable wire wears out quickly compared to most other kinds of flexible cable because of its construction. Flat flexible cable can be purchased in bulk, by the foot or yard, or in predetermined amounts from most manufacturers, although most suppliers will require you to submit information on the quantity, type and diameter you'll need to receive a quote. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1.00 to $8.00 a foot, depending on the diameter and type of cable.

Flexible wiring that has been stranded in bundles reduces pressure on the inner part of the cable and strain on the outer, leading to very high durability and a long lifespan. This kind of cable is more expensive to purchase upfront, but can end up costing less in the long run, particularly if the cables will need to move. As with most purchases directly from the manufacturer, you'll usually need to submit information on the quantity, diameter and type before receiving a quote. If you're buying a lot, be sure to ask about discounts for bulk orders. You'll find bundled flexible cable can cost anywhere from $2.00 to $10.00 per foot.