American Made Advocacy: New Congress, New Opportunities
The Government Circuit: News on Defense Electronics, Europe, and Sustainability
Defense Speak Interpreted: SWaPing Nanosatellites for Defense Systems
IPC Introduces First Standard for In-Mold Electronics
November 18, 2024 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
IPC announces the release of IPC-8401, Guidelines for In-Mold Electronics. IPC-8401 addresses in-mold electronics (IME) technology, providing industry consensus on guidelines for manufacturing processes, part structures, material selection, and production test methods to integrate printed electronics and components into 3D smart structures.
IPC-8401 is the first of what is expected to be a series of standards that will move beyond the automotive industry and cover IME for smart home products and aviation.
The standard was developed by the D-83A In-Mold Electronics Interconnection Task Group, a group comprised of experts worldwide, led by Paavo Niskala from TactoTek and Iker Arroyo Moso from Eurecat. Niskala says, “The automotive industry has driven the development of IME because it significantly reduces the cost, weight, waste, and energy required to produce vehicle interior parts. Rather than using a PCB in a plastic molding with features interacting with PCB sensors, IME components are integrated directly into the plastic molding, making the manufacturing process more streamlined, sustainable, and efficient.
Key guidelines covered in IPC-8401 include:
- Manufacturing Processes: Introduction to the manufacturing processes involved in producing in-mold electronics.
- IME Part Structure: This defines a standardized IME part structure supporting the design and processing of IME parts for mass production.
- Candidate Materials: Provides material selection criteria and recommendations as industry-adopted practices, covering all materials, including substrates, functional inks, SMT components, SMT adhesives, and injection molding resins.
- Production Test Methods: Defines best practices and criteria for process controls-driven testing throughout the manufacturing processes.
To purchase IPC-8401, visit the IPC Store. To participate in IPC standards development committee meetings like the D-83A In-Mold Electronics Interconnection Task Group, visit the IPC’s committee page.
Share on:
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
02/21/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007When I first started covering trade shows for I-Connect007 about six years ago, my calendar would see me attending shows 13 of the 23 weeks over the winter. Much has changed since the pandemic, and I bring this up because my picks for the week reflect on that. Which makes sense, because we’re already launched into a new and important trade show season. From Brittany Martin’s invaluable tips for making the most of your marketing efforts, to SMTA’s new scholarship, there’s a lot of information to be had. I hope you read it the first time around, but if not, it’s worth checking out. Share it with your colleagues. Let’s get this news out there.
The Test Connection Celebrates Its 45-Year Test and Training Legacy at IPC APEX EXPO 2025
02/20/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, is proud to announce its participation in the 2025 IPC APEX EXPO.
Marcy's Musings: It's Show Time!
02/20/2025 | Marcy LaRont -- Column: Marcy's MusingsIt’s hard to believe another year has gone by and it is time, once again, for IPC APEX EXPO. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this iconic show for the electronics industry and, in addition to all the usual suspects, there are some special things in store to celebrate this milestone. Last year, IPC themed the event, “What’s Next is Now.” This year’s theme, “Reimagine the Possibilities,” feels like a wholly appropriate follow-on.
It's Show Time! PCB007 Magazine Previews IPC APEX EXPO 2025
02/19/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn this month’s issue of PCB007 Magazine we reimagine the possibilities featuring stories all about IPC APEX EXPO 2025—covering what to look forward to, and what you don’t want to miss.
One World, One Industry: Mapping the Future of the Electronics Workforce
02/21/2025 | John Mitchell -- Column: One World, One IndustryWhen we think of everything that impacts the world economy, I can’t help but think of electronics. They impact everything. As you have heard me say over the past few years, electronics is no longer a vertical, it’s a horizontal. As practically every industry sector relies on natural resources like water and fossil fuels, they also rely on a manmade resource—electronics. From agriculture to automotive and AI to aerospace, I can’t think of any industry that does not rely heavily upon electronics as it maps out the future.