IEC 62899-303-1:2018

Overview

IEC 62899-303-1:2018 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the reference IEC 62899-303-1:2018(E). This part of the IEC 62899 series focuses on printed electronics, specifically providing guidelines for the standard mechanical dimensions of roll-to-roll (R2R) printing equipment. The main objective is to establish consistency in web size and related measurements for web-based printing machines used in producing printed electronics. While the primary focus is on web-based systems, these guidelines are also applicable to sheet-based products. Standardizing mechanical dimensions enables streamlined equipment development, compatibility, and efficient manufacturing processes in the rapidly growing field of printed electronics.

Key Topics

• Roll-to-roll Process (R2R): Defines the continuous printing process on a flexible web supplied in roll form, which is fundamental for high-volume production of printed electronics.
• Mechanical Dimensions: Specifies the critical dimensional parameters such as web width and printable width to ensure interoperability among various equipment.
• Measurement Conditions: Recommends that measurements for mechanical dimensions be conducted at room temperature and humidity, and these conditions should be reported.
• Nominal Web Widths: Provides suggested web width values (e.g., 300 mm, 500 mm, 600 mm, 900 mm, 1200 mm, 1500 mm) as standard reference points for industry, unless otherwise agreed upon between supplier and customer.
• Printable Area: Clarifies that the maximum printable width should include not only the desired printed area but also necessary alignment marks used in subsequent processes.
• Alignment and Trigger Marks: Discusses the role of alignment marks for process accuracy and trigger marks for initiating the printing process.

Applications

Implementing IEC 62899-303-1:2018 brings practical benefits to manufacturers, engineers, and stakeholders involved in the design and operation of printed electronics equipment:

• Equipment Design & Manufacturing: Ensures that new roll-to-roll and sheet-based printed electronics machines are designed with standardized mechanical dimensions, facilitating equipment compatibility and modular upgrades.
• Process Scaling: Supports the scale-up of printed electronics processes from prototyping to mass manufacturing by enabling seamless integration of different equipment.
• Supply Chain Efficiency: Reduces the risk of incompatibility between machines from various suppliers and helps streamline logistics and maintenance with standard component sizing.
• Quality Assurance: Facilitates consistent product quality by standardizing the maximum printable area and ensuring that alignment and trigger marks are appropriately included during manufacturing.
• Innovation in Printed Electronics: Enables companies to focus on advancing print technologies and materials without encountering mechanical interoperability issues.

Related Standards

Several other documents and standards relate to IEC 62899-303-1:2018 for those interested in broader aspects of printed electronics and industrial printing:

• IEC 62899 Series: The IEC 62899 family encompasses multiple standards related to printed electronics, including materials, processes, and additional equipment specifications.
• IEC Electropedia and ISO Online Browsing Platform: Offer terminological databases that provide definitions and consistent vocabulary for terms used throughout the standard.
• ISO/IEC Directives: General guidelines on drafting and maintaining international standards.

By adopting IEC 62899-303-1:2018, organizations can leverage international best practices for the mechanical design of roll-to-roll printing equipment, foster global interoperability, and drive innovation in printed electronics manufacturing. This standard is a foundational tool for companies aiming to remain competitive in the evolving market of flexible, printed, and hybrid electronics.