OKI offers custom long flexible circuits for low-volume space tech production
Manufactured at the company's Gunma Factory in Japan, the new FPCs can reach lengths of up to 100 meters. Their flexible, lightweight design supports development of more compact, lower-mass, and thinner space equipment. The company's proprietary production systems allow delivery even from single prototype lots, targeting applications in research, development, and rapid prototyping. OKI aims to generate 50 million yen in revenue from this offering in fiscal year 2026.
Flexible printed circuits consist of conductive metals like copper bonded to durable, heat- and radiation-resistant substrates such as polyimide. Their bendable properties make them ideal for tight or dynamic installations where traditional rigid circuits are impractical. The technology has previously been deployed in space missions, including on JAXA's IKAROS solar sail spacecraft.
OKI's dual production lines - a sheet-fed line for small-lot flexibility and a roll-to-roll line for higher volumes - provide tailored support for projects of varying scale. The systems accommodate different shapes and specs, enabling integration across diverse equipment configurations. This adaptability aligns with broader trends in space miniaturization and cost-efficient launches.
As part of its Medium-Term Business Plan 2025, OKI has prioritized the aerospace sector for its electronic manufacturing services. The company is leveraging its experience in space-grade design, manufacturing, and simulation to expand its global presence in aerospace technologies.
Related Links
OKI Electric Cable
Space Technology News - Applications and Research
