Overview
IEC TR 62899-302-5:2023 is a Technical Report in the IEC 62899 printed‑electronics series that identifies the significant characteristics, parameters and system properties relevant to functional inkjet printing for printed electronics. Rather than prescribing test methods, the report maps the critical physical and operational features of inkjet equipment, inks and substrates that influence the ability to produce functional electronic devices (for example, printed thin‑film transistors and emissive layers). Where appropriate, it refers to existing measurement standards and specifications.
Key topics covered
The report organizes the significant characteristics of inkjet printing across equipment, materials and processes, including:
- Inkjet head characteristics
- Static physical properties (nozzle layout, mechanical dimensions)
- Dynamic physical properties (droplet formation dynamics, firing performance)
- Head control and droplet parameters
- Driving/control parameters and droplet characteristics (volume, velocity, placement accuracy)
- Substrate characteristics
- Wettability, surface homogeneity, chemical resistance, surface flooding, thermal conductance and substrate temperature effects
- Ink properties
- Functional ink characteristics relevant to electrical performance and printability (rheology, solids content, compatibility)
- System‑level considerations
- How components (heads, inks, substrates, control electronics) interact in a fragmented supply‑chain environment for functional printing
The report also includes figures and tables summarizing nozzle layouts, head properties, droplet parameters and recommended material measurement approaches.
Practical applications
IEC TR 62899-302-5 is applicable to any activity where accurate, functional inkjet deposition is essential, for example:
- Printed electronics manufacturing (printed TFTs, conductive tracks, sensors, emissive layers)
- Development and qualification of functional inks and substrates
- Equipment design and selection for R&D and pilot production of flexible and printed devices
- Process control and failure analysis where droplet placement and layer integrity determine device functionality
Because functional printing places far stricter demands on placement accuracy and material compatibility than imaging printing, this report helps practitioners focus on the right performance parameters to achieve reliable electronic function.
Who should use this standard
- Inkjet equipment and print‑head manufacturers
- Functional ink formulators and material suppliers
- Substrate and film manufacturers
- System integrators, process engineers and test laboratories
- R&D teams in printed electronics and flexible electronics
Related standards and resources
- Part of the IEC 62899 printed electronics series (see IEC webstore for other parts)
- The report cites existing measurement standards where available and points users to IEC resources (IEC Electropedia, IEC webstore) for terminology and normative documents.
Keywords: IEC TR 62899-302-5:2023, printed electronics, inkjet printing, inkjet head characteristics, droplet placement, substrate wettability, functional printing.