RAYPCB / Rigid-flex engineering
KiCad & Altium for Rigid-Flex: Fabrication Handoff
Evaluate the documentation handoff and the features of your installed CAD version.
KiCad and Altium: compare the manufacturing handoff
Documentation basis: KiCad 9.0 PCB Editor manual and the linked Altium rigid-flex documentation, checked September 16, 2026. This is a documentation-based workflow comparison; it is not a hands-on benchmark of installed CAD versions.
| Task | KiCad 9.0 documented workflow | Altium documented rigid-flex workflow |
|---|---|---|
| Layer definition | Board Setup → Physical Stackup defines copper count and dielectric parameters | Layer Stack Manager defines substacks for different regions |
| Regional construction | Supply an explicit regional drawing in the manufacturing handoff; do not assume a global stackup describes local removal | Assign substacks to board regions and align them in the Z direction |
| Installed shape | Include an independently checked installed view with the manufacturing files | Use bend definitions and folded views; still check the intended assembly sequence |
| Release files | Plot fabrication layers and generate drill data; review outputs with the region drawing | Generate agreed fabrication outputs and review them against the regional definition |
This comparison does not establish that KiCad lacks every possible rigid-flex workflow, or that Altium automatically approves manufacturability. Features, add-ons and exported semantics must be checked for the version actually used.
- Use one example: six total copper layers, with L3–L4 continuing through a two-region bridge. Give every layer and region a stable name.
- Produce the copper, drill, profile and coverlay outputs together with a PDF regional stackup and flat/installed views.
- Open the generated outputs for review. Check the retained flex copper, holes, region boundaries, opening geometry and file revision.
- Ask the receiving CAM engineer to reconcile the file set before fabrication. Resolve discrepancies in the drawing rather than relying on the visual appearance of a CAD screenshot.
Sources: KiCad 9.0 PCB Editor manual and Altium rigid-flex documentation.
Construction reference
Gallery references illustrate board forms. They do not certify the construction, dimensional limits or operating life of your design.
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Reference documentation
Use the documentation for your installed software version and the selected material grades. Altium rigid-flex design documentation describes its region and bending workflow. KiCad documentation provides version-specific PCB setup and export instructions. These references support design communication; they are not manufacturing approval for a particular board.
Send a complete project brief
Include the flat outline and installed view, layer/region mapping, material grades, finished thicknesses, bend duty, copper artwork, drill information and quantities. Add the BOM, placement file and acceptance requirements when assembly is included.
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