IEC 62899-402-8:2026

Overview

IEC 62899-402-8:2026 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focusing on printed electronics. Titled "Printed electronics - Part 402-8: Printability - Measurement of qualities - Shape pattern dimension," this standard defines the measurement methods for the dimensions of two-dimensional shape patterns in printed electronics. These shape patterns include typical geometries such as circles, rectangles, ellipses, lines, and their combinations, which are integral components of printed electronic devices. Accurate measurement of these shapes is essential for ensuring the quality, performance, and reliability of printed electronic devices.

The standard emphasizes consistency in evaluating printability by standardizing how pattern dimensions are measured and reported. It covers printed patterns that are considered two-dimensional on various substrates, with more complex three-dimensional effects referenced separately in IEC TR 62899‑402‑4.

Key Topics

• Measurement Scope: The standard outlines specific procedures for measuring the dimensions of basic shape patterns (circle, rectangle, line) and their combinations on printed electronics substrates.
• Measuring Methods:
  • Simple measurement: Directly measures and compares pattern dimensions to original designs.
  • Advanced measurement: Quantifies detailed attributes such as variations in diameter, circularity, length, width, and other quality indicators.
• Instrument Requirements: Specifies imaging instruments with sufficient repeatability and accuracy, requiring image files to include precise pixel and resolution information.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Defines standard testing atmospheres for different substrate materials, such as plastic and paper, to ensure measurement consistency.
• Reporting: Details mandatory information for measurement reports, including identification, environmental conditions, instrument specs, specimen information, and measured results.
• Terminology: Utilizes globally recognized terms and definitions related to shape pattern, basic pattern, reference lines, and measurement region.
• Exclusions: Specifically excludes measurement system standardization and three-dimensional characterization (covered in referenced documents).

Applications

The methods and requirements found in IEC 62899-402-8:2026 have broad practical applications, notably within:

• Printed Electronics Manufacturing: Ensures dimensional accuracy in conductive and functional printed patterns used in devices like flexible displays, sensors, RFID, and wearables.
• Quality Assurance: Provides a standardized approach for manufacturers and QC labs to evaluate pattern fidelity, printability, and process consistency.
• Design Verification: Assists engineers in comparing printed results to original pattern designs, helping optimize processes and material selections.
• Supplier-Customer Agreements: Enables clearer technical communication and compliance verification by referencing globally accepted measurement methods.
• R&D and Process Development: Facilitates the development and refinement of new printing techniques, materials, and pattern geometries in the field of printed electronics.

By implementing this standard, organizations can reduce defects, minimize distortions, and improve the reproducibility of printed electronic components.

Related Standards

IEC 62899-402-8:2026 is one component in the broader series of IEC standards for printed electronics, including:

• IEC 62899-402-1: Measurement of line pattern widths
• IEC 62899-402-2: Measurement of pattern edge boundaries
• IEC 62899-402-3: Measurement of voids in printed patterns
• IEC TR 62899-402-4: Measurement methods for vertical variance (3D effects)
• IEC 62899-403 series: Basic patterns for evaluation of printing and plating
• IEC 62899-301-2: Plate master pattern dimension measurement

These documents collectively provide comprehensive guidelines for the dimensional quality and evaluation of printed electronic patterns.

Keywords: IEC 62899-402-8:2026, printed electronics standard, shape pattern dimension measurement, printability, pattern quality, dimensional accuracy, measurement method, quality assurance in printed electronics, pattern evaluation.