IPC-6012E specification covers qualification and performance of rigid printed boards, including single-sided, double-sided, with or without plated-through holes, multilayer with or without blind/buried vias and metal core boards. It addresses final finish and surface plating coating requirements, conductors, holes/vias, frequency of acceptance testing and quality conformance as well as electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements. IPC-6012E incorporates many new and expanded requirements in areas such as back-drilled structures, alternative surface finishes, copper wrap plating, marking inks, solderability testing, plating overhang, microsection evaluation, thermal shock and performance-based testing for microvia structures.

IPC-6012E was developed by the Rigid Printed Board Performance Specifications Task Group (D-33a) of the Rigid Printed Board Committee (D-30) of IPC

Number of Pages: 76 | Release Date: 2/20/2020 | ISBN: 978-1-951577-09-4

Available at IPC: https://shop.ipc.org/IPC-6012E-English-P

 

1.1 Statement of Scope
This IPC-6012E specification establishes and defines the qualification and performance requirements for the fabrication of rigid printed boards.

1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this specification is to provide requirements for qualification and performance of rigid printed boards based on the following constructions and/or technologies. These requirements apply to the finished product unless otherwise specified:

  • Single-sided, double-sided printed boards with or without plated-through holes (PTHs).
  • Multilayer printed boards with PTHs with or without buried/blind vias/microvias.
  • Active/passive embedded circuitry printed boards with distributive capacitive planes and/or capacitive or resistive components.
  • Metal core printed boards with or without an external metal heat frame, which may be active or non-active.

1.2.1 Supporting Documentation
IPC-A-600, which contains figures, illustrations and photographs that can aid in the visualization of externally and internally observable acceptable/nonconforming conditions, may be used in conjunction with this specification for a more complete understanding of the recommendations and requirements.

1.3 Performance Classification and Type

1.3.1 Classification
This specification establishes acceptance criteria for the performance classification of rigid printed boards based on customer and/or end-use requirements. Printed boards are classified by one of three general Performance Classes as defined in IPC-6011.

1.3.1.1 Requirement Deviations
Requirements deviating from these heritage classifications shall be as agreed between user and supplier (AABUS).

1.3.1.2 Space Requirement Deviations
Space performance classification deviations are provided in the IPC-6012ES Addendum and are applicable when the addendum is specified within the procurement documentation.

1.3.2 Printed Board Type
Printed boards without PTHs (Type 1) and with PTHs (Types 2-6) are classified as follows and may include technology adders as described in Table 1-1:

Type 1 — Single-Sided Printed Board
Type 2 — Double-Sided Printed Board
Type 3 — Multilayer Printed Board without blind or buried vias
Type 4 — Multilayer Printed Board with blind and/or buried vias (may include microvias)
Type 5 — Multilayer metal core Printed Board without blind or buried vias
Type 6 — Multilayer metal core Printed Board with blind and/or buried vias (may include microvias)

1.3.3 Selection for Procurement
Performance Class shall be specified in the procurement documentation. The procurement documentation shall provide sufficient information to fabricate the printed board and ensure that the user receives the desired product. Information that should be included in the procurement documentation is to be in accordance with IPC-2611 and IPC-2614.

Preview the IPC-6012E table of contents .pdf file.