Overview
IEC 62715-6-3:2020 defines standardized mechanical test methods for flexible display devices, focusing on impact and hardness tests that evaluate the mechanical robustness of display modules (LCD, e-paper, OLED). The standard specifies sample preparation, standard atmospheric conditions, test apparatus and procedures for point impacts, side impacts, tapping, scratching and abrasion to assess how external forces affect panel image quality (luminescence, colour chromaticity, uniformity, line/point defects).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and specimen: Tests are performed on the assembled display module (not just the film or substrate) so results reflect final image quality and device performance.
- Standard atmospheric conditions: Default test environment follows IEC 62341-5:2009 - temperature 25 °C ± 3 °C, relative humidity 25–85 % RH, atmospheric pressure 86–106 kPa.
- Sample preparation: Modules must be flat and fixed to a plate or holder that does not affect measurements; storage time and pre-test conditions (e.g., 24 h) must be reported.
- Impact tests:
- Ball drop test - evaluates point shock using metal/rubber/plastic balls. Test parameters (ball material, diameter, weight - e.g., 10 g to 50 g, drop height - e.g., 5–10 cm, impact positions, number of drops) and hard‑plate properties must be defined.
- Pendulum side impact test - assesses side-impact robustness using a pendulum arrangement.
- Hitting/tapping test - simulates repeated tapping events; apparatus and force profile are specified.
- Hardness, scratch and abrasion tests:
- Stylus scratch test - instrumented stylus with controlled load to measure scratch resistance.
- Steel wool abrasion test - uses fine steel wool (type #0000, average fibre ≈ 0.012 mm) to evaluate surface abrasion and wear.
- Reporting: Test method, apparatus, environmental conditions, sample fixation, and measured effects on image quality must be documented.
Applications and users
IEC 62715-6-3 is used by:
- Display manufacturers (LCD, OLED, e‑paper) for design validation and product development.
- Quality assurance and reliability engineers for production and incoming inspection.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies performing standardized robustness testing.
- OEMs, suppliers and customers specifying acceptance criteria for flexible display modules.
Practical uses include design verification, failure analysis, supplier acceptance testing, and comparative benchmarking of display mechanical robustness.
Related standards
- IEC 62341-5:2009 - environmental testing methods for OLED displays (referenced for atmospheric conditions).
- ISO 19252 - determination of scratch properties of plastics (normative reference).
- ASTM D7207-13 - instrumented scratch testing for plastics (normative reference).
Keywords: IEC 62715-6-3, flexible display devices, mechanical test methods, impact and hardness tests, ball drop test, pendulum side impact, scratch resistance, LCD, OLED, e-paper, display module robustness.