IPC-4202B Flexible Base Dielectrics for Use in Flexible Printed Cards

In the IPC-4202B standard published by the Printed Circuits Institute (IPC), a trade association established to standardize the assembly and production requirements of electronic equipment and assemblies, the classification system, qualities and quality conformity conditions of flexible-based dielectric materials used in the production of flexible printed sheets are explained.

This standard supersedes the IPC-FC-231C standard and the requirements there meet or even exceed the Class 3 requirements of this legacy document. Compliance with Class 3 meets or even exceeds compliance with Classes 1 and 2. The IPC-4202B standard no longer uses the 3-class system.

The classification system described in this standard describes flexible basic dielectrics. The non-specific description is intended for use by designers in master drawings to determine material selections. At the end of this standard is a set of material specification sheets identified by specification sheet numbers. Each page summarizes the engineering and performance data for a flexible base dielectric and specifies the base material type and reinforcement method.

Example: IPC-4202/1

• 1: Refers to the specification sheet detailing unsupported flexible polyimide-based dielectrics.

If more material specification details (such as dielectric thickness) are required, these should be highlighted in the section views or notes in the master drawing.

The specific identification should be in the form shown in the example below and is intended for manufacturers to use in material purchase orders. The specific description should not be used by designers in master drawings to indicate material selections. Because the description is lengthy and requires manufacturer-level knowledge when making detailed selections, master drawings should show designers' material design on master drawings to indicate material selections.

Example: IPC-4202/1 - E1E2

• IPC-4202/1: Non-specific identification for unsupported flexible polyimide-based dielectrics
• E: Base dielectric material type designation (indicates polyimide)
• 1: Reinforcement method definition (indicates non-reinforced ones)
• E: Reinforcement type designation, indicating the non-reinforced film
• 2: Basic dielectric material thickness designation specifying 50 µm thickness

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations our organization provides for businesses in various sectors, we also offer flexible-based dielectric testing services for use in flexible printed circuit boards, in accordance with the IPC-4202B standard, thanks to our trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.