IEC 61189-2:1997/AMD1:2000

INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
61189-2
AMENDMENT 1
2000-01
Amendment 1
Test methods for electrical materials,
interconnection structures and assemblies –
Part 2:
Test methods for materials for interconnection
structures
Amendement 1
Méthodes d'essai pour les matériaux électriques,
les structures d'interconnexion et les ensembles –
Partie 2:
Méthodes d'essai des matériaux pour structures
d'interconnexion
 IEC 2000  Copyright - all rights reserved
International Electrotechnical Commission 3, rue de Varembé Geneva, Switzerland
Telefax: +41 22 919 0300 e-mail: inmail@iec.ch IEC web site http://www.iec.ch
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
PRICE CODE
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International Electrotechnical Commission
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E)

FOREWORD
This amendment has been prepared by IEC technical committee 52: Printed circuits.

The text of this amendment is based on the following documents:

FDIS RVD
52/832/FDIS 52/840/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this amendment can be found in the report on

voting indicated in the above table.
A bilingual version of this amendment may be issued at a later date.
___________
Page 3
CONTENTS
Add the following table to the list of tables:
Table 5 – Number of plies per specimen as a function of glass thickness
Add the following figures to the list of figures:
Figure 13 – Thickness measuring points
Figure 14 – Test fixture
Figure 15 – Example of prepreg melting viscosity
Figure 16 – Position of specimens for resin content
Figure 17 – Differential scanning colorimeter
Figure 18 – Thermomechanical analysis (expansion mode)
Figure 19 – Scaled flow test specimen before lamination

Figure 20 – Scaled flow test specimen measurement points
Figure 21 – Location of specimens on original sheet for dimensional stability test
Figure 22 – Location of marks on specimen for dimensional stability
Add the following annexes to the list of annexes
Annex C (normative) Laboratory pro forma (form)
Annex D (informative) Laboratory pro forma (form)

61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E) – 3 –

Page 9
2 Normative references
Insert, in the existing list, the titles of the following standards:

IEC 60068-1:1988, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance

IEC 60249-1:1982, Base materials for printed circuits – Part 1: Test methods

IEC 60326-3:1991, Printed boards – Part 3: Design and use of printed boards
IEC 60707:1981, Methods of test for the determination of the flammability of solid electrical
insulating materials when exposed to an igniting source
ISO 3274:1996, Geometrical Products Specifications (GPS) – Surface texture: Profile method –
Nominal characteristics of contact (stylus) instruments
ANSI/UL-94:1996, Standard for tests for flammability of plastic materials for parts in devices
and appliances
Page 17
7.1 Test 2D01: Thickness
(under consideration)
Replace this subclause by the following subclause:
7.1 Test 2D01: Thickness of base materials and rigid boards
7.1.1 Object
This test method covers the procedure for the determination of the thickness of base materials,
clad or unclad.
7.1.2 Test specimens
Standard sheet sizes of metal-clad or unclad base materials.

Standard panel sizes of metal-clad or unclad base materials.
7.1.3 Test apparatus and material
A suitable micrometer having a resolution of 0,01 mm or better shall be used.
7.1.4 Procedure
a) General conditions
– Test specimens shall be placed between the two faces of the micrometer, so that the
whole face of the pressure-foot will fall within the area of the material. The pressure-foot
shall be lowered gently, slowly and with great care onto the test specimen so that all
punching effect is avoided.
– 4 – 61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E)

– No stress shall be imposed by hand on the instrument or the material when a reading is

being taken. The reading shall be taken as soon as the pointer has ceased to move. It

is necessary to take care in avoiding parallax errors and vibrations which may

significantly affect the results.

b) Method 1
– This procedure is intended for the thickness measurement of the sheets of metal-clad

or unclad base materials.
– The specimen shall be held vertically or horizontally.

– Thickness to the nearest 0,01 mm at two points 25 mm or more inside each edge, at

eight points, and additionally at two points in the middle parts, so that a total of

10 points, shall be measured as shown in figure 13.
– The measurement shall be made twice at each point and the mean value shall be
determined as the thickness of each point.
– For automatic thickness inspection, continuous measuring shall be performed in
three measuring tracks parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sheet, two at least
25 mm from the longitudinal edges and the third near the midline.
25 min.
Measuring
points
25 min.
IEC  1890/99
Figure 13 – Thickness measuring points
c) Method 2
– This procedure is intended for the thickness measurement of panels of metal-clad or
unclad base materials. The thickness of the specimens held vertically or horizontally
shall be measured at the places which are agreed between the interested parties.
7.1.5 Report
The report shall include
a) the test method number and revision;
b) the date of the test;
c) the identification of the material tested;
d) a statement certifying that the test was carried out for as-received metal-clad or unclad
base materials;
e) the thicknesses measured and the nominal thickness with its tolerance;
f) any deviation from this test method;
g) the name of the person conducting the test.

61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E) – 5 –

7.1.6 Additional information
The use of a micrometer with a damping device, or controlled rate of movement of the
pressure-foot, is advantageous.

Page 39
8.6 Test 2C06: Flammability, vertical (under consideration)

Replace this subclause by the following subclause:
8.6 Test 2C06: Flammability, vertical burning test for rigid materials
8.6.1 Object
This test method is intended as a laboratory quality control technique using a low energy
source of ignition. Results from this test should not be used to attempt to predict the behaviour
of materials in a large-scale fire.
This test should be used for materials having good resistance to ignition. The test is carried out
using a small test flame having an intensity similar to that of an actual source of fire.
Timings measured by this test are an indication of the ability of the material(s) to self-
extinguish. There is no correlation with other properties of the material(s), such as the oxygen
index.
Materials suitable for testing in accordance with this technique include rigid substrates and
rigid substrates in combination with any surface coating(s).
8.6.2 Test specimens
The test specimens shall be prepared from a sample of the metal-clad base material under
test. The metal shall be completely removed using any etching method of commercial practice.
The specimen strip shall be (125 ± 5) mm long and (13 ± 0,3) mm wide. The edges shall be
smooth. The corners of the specimens shall be rounded with a radius not exceeding 1,3 mm.
The corners of the specimens shall be rounded with a radius not exceeding 1,33 mm. The
thickness of the sample will prejudice the results obtained.

A minimum of 10 specimens shall be tested. However, it is usual to take a total of
20 specimens for conditioning and testing to cover the eventuality of a failure during the test
of the first set of specimens.
8.6.3 Test apparatus and materials
The following test apparatus and materials shall be used.
a) A draught-free room, test chamber or enclosure which provides a means of venting the
fumes from burning specimens. A hood may be used, but its exhaust fan shall be disabled
during the tests and allowed to operate only between tests in order to clear fumes. Subdued
light is advantageous.
b) The igniting source consisting of a blue flame, (20 ± 2) mm high, produced using a
laboratory burner (Bunsen or Tirril burner) having a tube with a length of 100 mm and an
inside diameter of (9,5 ± 0,5) mm. The tube shall not be equipped with end attachments
such as stabilizers.
– 6 – 61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E)

c) A supply of technical grade methane gas with a suitable regulator and meter to produce a

uniform gas flow. If natural gas is used as an alternative to methane, it should have a heat

content of approximately 37 MJ/m . This has been found to produce similar results.

The required flame shall be obtained by adjusting the gas supply and air inlets of the burner

until a yellow-tipped blue flame of the specified height is produced, and then by increasing

the air supply until the yellow tip has just disappeared. The height of the flame shall then be

measured again and corrected if necessary.

d) A test fixture shall be comprised of a ring stand with two clamps or similar apparatus which

is adjustable for vertical positioning of the specimen. Each specimen is to be held by

clamping the upper 6 mm of the specimen with the long dimension oriented vertically, so

that the lower end of the specimen is 10 mm above the top of the burner tube and 300 mm

above a horizontal layer of dry tissue paper (50 mm × 50 mm swatch). An adjustable,
movable holder maintains the burner tube centrally under the lower end of the specimen to
an angle of 5° and the 10 mm distance between the lower end of the specimen and the top
of the burner is to be maintained during the flame applications.
e) A hand-operated timing device with a resolution of 1 s or better.
8.6.4 Procedure
Ten specimens shall be preconditioned in accordance with the requirements of 5.3 of
IEC 60068-1 for a period of 48 h as a referee and 24 h for normal quality conformance prior to
testing. The detail requirements are
a) a temperature of 15 °C to 35 °C;
b) a humidity of 25 % RH to 75 % RH;
c) an air pressure of 86 kPa to 106 kPa.
Fluctuations shall be kept to a minimum.
The remaining 10 specimens shall be preconditioned in a circulating air oven for 24 h at
(125 ± 2) °C. They shall then be allowed to cool in a desiccator until specimens reach room
temperature prior to testing.
Each specimen shall be held in the test fixture by clamping the upper 6 mm of the specimen
with the long direction oriented vertically so that the lower end of the specimen is 10 mm above
the top of the burner tube and 300 mm above a horizontal layer of dry tissue papers (50 mm ×
50 mm swatch).
The burner, in a remote position from the specimen, shall be adjusted by controlling the gas
supply and air inlets of the burner until a yellow-tipped blue flame (20 ± 2) mm in height is

produced. The air supply is then increased until the yellow tip has disappeared. The height of
the flame shall then be measured again and corrected if necessary.
The burner shall be placed centrally beneath the lower end of the specimen and allowed to
remain for 10 s. The burner shall then be moved at least 150 mm away from the specimen, and
the time taken by the specimen to self-extinguish shall be measured. This shall be defined as
the time from removal of the test flame from the specimen until the time when the specimen
ceases to burn. Record the burn time on the laboratory pro forma in annex C.
When the specimen ceases to burn, the burner shall immediately be replaced in its original
position beneath the specimen. After 10 s, the test flame shall again be withdrawn and the
duration of flaming shall again be measured. Record the burn time on the laboratory pro forma
in annex C.
61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E) – 7 –

If the test flame is extinguished during either application, it shall be reignited immediately and
reapplied so that the total time of application is still 10 s. There shall be no more than three

applications of the test flame during any 10 s ignition period, otherwise the material cannot be

evaluated by this technique.
If the specimen drips molten or flaming material during either application of the test flame, the

burner may be tilted to an angle of up to 45° and also slightly withdrawn from one of the 13 mm

sides of the specimen during the flame application to avoid material dripping into the tube of

the burner.
If the specimen drips molten or flaming material, or is consumed during the test, the burner

shall be hand-held and the 10 mm distance between the bottom of the specimen and the top of
the burner tube shall be maintained throughout the flame application. Any molten strings of
material shall be ignored, and the flame shall be applied to the major part of the specimen.
Record observed dripping or other significant observations on the laboratory pro forma in
annex C.
If the total of the ten burn times meets the requirements of the relevant specification but
individual burning times exceed the relevant requirements, a further set of five specimens shall
be tested. If the second set meets all the requirements, these requirements shall be deemed to
be satisfied.
If the total of ten burning times for any set of five specimens exceed the specified requirements
by no more than 5 s, a second set of five specimens shall be tested, and if the requirements for
total and individual burning times are met, these requirements shall be deemed to be
satisfactory.
8.6.5 Report
In addition to the general requirements for reporting, the report shall include
a) test number and revision;
b) identification of the material tested;
c) testing date;
d) the thickness of the specimen;
e) the duration of flaming of each specimen after the first removal of the test flame;
f) the duration of flaming of each specimen after the second removal of the test flame;
g) whether the specimen burns up to the holding clamp;
h) whether the specimen drips flaming particles which ignite the tissue paper;

i) any deviation from this test method;
j) the name of the person performing the test;
k) the type of combustion. Flaming combustion is the combustion of the specimen in the
gaseous phase with the emission of light. Glowing combustion of the specimen is the
combustion without flame;
l) the evaluated results.
8.6.6 Additional information
Annex C shows a suggested pro forma for reporting.
There are obvious hazards associated with flammability testing. Training of test operators, and
familiarity with laboratory safety procedures is of paramount importance.
All fire effluent should be considered to be toxic, for the purposes of safety if not in fact.

– 8 – 61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E)

Uncertainty of measurement calculations for burn times, although a variable, prove to be

impractical. The result of the test is an attribute; the FV-0, FV-1 rating etc.

This test method is based upon the method given in IEC 60707. Some minor technical

differences do exist between this test method and that given in IEC 60707.

It is understood that a nominal substrate thickness of 1,6 mm will be used throughout the
industry. IEC 60707 specifies a thickness of (3 ± 0,2) mm. Differences in thickness will

prejudice test results.
IEC 60707 requires a specimen width of 13 mm with a tolerance of ±0,3 mm. The previous

edition of this method as published in IEC 60249-1 required a tolerance of ±1,0 mm. American

industry requirements (Underwriter’s Laboratory Specification ANSI/UL-94) detail a specimen
width of 12,7 mm to 13,2 mm.
The specimen width of (13 ± 0,3) mm has therefore been chosen since this will accommodate
both IEC 60707 and ANSI/UL-94.
The smoothness of the specimen edges can be critical to the performance of the specimen. A
polished finish is recommended. A rough finish (for example blanked) will significantly degrade
performance due to the increase in surface area available to the flame.
Small-scale flammability tests, such as the one described herein, are an indicator of the
behaviour of the material(s) tested. Fire integrity of equipments in which printed boards are
used can only be assessed by equipment level testing.
Materials in combination may produce results that are different to those of the separate
materials.
A material that is rated FV-1 or FV-2 when bonded to an inert substrate may produce an FV-0
performance (for example rigid polyimide/glass constrained with copper-invar). A FV-0 material
in combination with a surface coating (for example solder resist) may be degraded to FV-1.
8.7 Test 2C07: Flammability, horizontal (under consideration)
Replace this subclause by the following subclause:
8.7 Test 2C07: Flammability; horizontal burning test for rigid materials
8.7.1 Object
This test method is intended as a laboratory quality control technique using a low energy
source of ignition. Results from this test should not be used to attempt to predict the behaviour

of materials in a large-scale fire.
This test is significantly less onerous than the similar vertical burn test and is intended to be
used for materials having a limited resistance to ignition. The test is carried out using a small
test flame having an intensity similar to that of an actual source of fire. This method does have
an obvious application for printed board assemblies used in a horizontal configuration.
Otherwise, due consideration should be given to its applicability.
Reference should be made to 8.3 of IEC 60326-3, with regard to the fire integrity of printed
circuit boards and the suitability of test methods.
Timings measured by this test are an indication of the ability of the material(s) to self-
extinguish. There is no correlation with other properties of the material(s), such as the oxygen
index.
Materials suitable for testing in accordance with this technique include rigid substrates and
rigid substrates in combination with any surface coating(s).

61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E) – 9 –

8.7.2 Test specimen
The test specimens shall be prepared from a sample of the metal-clad base material under

test. The metal shall be completely removed using any etching method of commercial practice.

The specimen strip shall be (125 ± 5) mm long and (13 ± 0,3) mm wide. The edges shall be

smooth. The corners of the specimens shall be rounded with a radius not exceeding 1,3 mm.

The thickness of the sample will prejudice the results obtained.

The specimens shall be marked with an indelible line (for example by scribing) which is

perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and which is (25 ± 0,5) mm away from the end which is

to be ignited.
A minimum of four specimens shall be tested.
8.7.3 Test apparatus and materials
The following test apparatus and materials shall be used.
a) A draught-free room, test chamber or enclosure which provides a means of venting the
fumes from burning specimens. A hood may be used, but its exhaust fan shall be disabled
during the tests and allowed to operate only between tests in order to clear fumes. Subdued
light is advantageous.
b) The igniting source consisting of a blue flame, (25 ± 1) mm high, produced using a
laboratory burner (Bunsen or Tirril burner) having a tube with a length of 100 mm and an
inside diameter of (9,5 ± 0,5) mm. The tube shall not be equipped with end attachments
such as stabilizers.
c) A supply of technical grade methane gas with a suitable regulator and meter to produce a
uniform gas flow. If natural gas is used as an alternative to methane, it should have a heat
content of approximately 37 MJ/m . This has been found to produce similar results.
The required flame shall be obtained by adjusting the gas supply and air inlets of the burner
until a yellow-tipped blue flame of the specified height is produced, and then by increasing
the air supply until the yellow tip has just disappeared. The height of the flame shall then be
measured again and corrected if necessary.
d) A test fixture comprised of a ring stand with two clamps, adjustable for horizontal
positioning of the specimen, and of a wire gauze. This shall enable the test specimen to be
fixed with its long dimension horizontally, and with its transverse axis inclined at 45° to the
horizontal line.
e) A wire gauze (100 mm × 100 mm, 8 meshes per cm or 20 meshes per inch, 0,043 mm
diameter steel wire) shall be clamped horizontally beneath the test specimen. An adjust-

able, movable holder maintains the burner tube in the same vertical plane as the lower
longitudinal edge of the specimen and at an angle of approximately 45° to the horizontal
line.
f) A hand-operated timing device with a resolution of ±1 s or better.
8.7.4 Test procedure
The specimens shall be preconditioned in accordance with the requirements of 5.3 of
IEC 60068-1 for a period of 48 h as a referee or 24 h as normal quality conformance prior to
testing. The detail requirements are
a) a temperature of 15 °C to 35 °C;
b) a humidity of 25 % RH to 75 % RH;
c) an air pressure of 86 kPa to 106 kPa.
Fluctuations shall be kept to a minimum.

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61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E) – 11 –

8.7.6 Additional information
Annex D comprises a suggested pro forma for reporting.

There are obvious hazards associated with flammability testing. Training of test operators, and

familiarity with laboratory safety procedures is of paramount importance.

All fire effluent should be considered to be toxic, for the purposes of safety, if not in fact.

Uncertainty of measurement for burn times, although a variable, prove to be impractical.

The result of the test is an attribute; the HB rating, etc.
This test method is based upon the method given in IEC 60707. Some minor technical
differences do exist between this test method and that given in IEC 60707.
It is understood that a nominal substrate thickness of 1,6 mm will be used throughout the
industry. IEC 60707 specifies a thickness of (3,0 ± 0,2) mm. Differences in thickness will
prejudice test results.
IEC 60707 requires a specimen width of 13 mm with a tolerance of ±0,3 mm. The previous
edition of this method as published in IEC 60249-1 required a tolerance of ±1,0 mm. American
Industry requirements (Underwriter’s Laboratory Specification ANSI/UL-94) detail a specimen
width of 12,7 mm to 13,2 mm .
The specimen width of (13 ± 0,3) mm has therefore been chosen since this will accommodate
both IEC 60707 and ANSI/UL-94.
The smoothness of the specimen edges can be critical to the performance of the specimen. A
polished finish is recommended. A rough finish (for example, blanked) will significantly degrade
performance due to the increase in surface area available to the flame.
Small-scale flammability tests, such as the one described, herein are an indicator of the
behaviour of the material(s) tested. Fire integrity of equipment in which printed boards are used
can only be assessed by equipment level testing.
8.9 Test 2C09: Melting viscosity of prepregnation materials (under consideration)
Replace this subclause by the following subclause:

8.9 Test 2C09: Melting viscosity of prepreg materials
8.9.1 Object
This test method covers the procedure for the determination of the isothermic melting viscosity
of prepregs at elevated temperatures using a rotating cone-and-plate viscosimeter.
8.9.2 Test specimens
The test specimens shall be cut not less than 25 mm from the edge or selvedge of the prepreg.
The test specimens shall be prepared from a sample of the prepreg material under test by
cutting rectangular pieces of approximately 200 mm × 300 mm, separating the resin from the
reinforcement material by folding and crushing the prepreg and collecting it in a plastic bag.

– 12 – 61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E)

Any glass fibres present shall be removed by sieving with a wire mesh of 0,5 mm mesh width.

(200 ± 20) mg resin powder shall be taken with the measuring scoop.

A single specimen should suffice.

8.9.3 Test apparatus and materials

The following apparatus and test material shall be used.

a) A plate-and-cone rotating viscometer with a heatable plate and an adjustable revolution

speed.
Cone material: Stainless steel type X12CrNiS18;
Cone diameter: (20 ± 0,5) mm;
Cone height: 2 mm;
Cone angle: 2°;
Cone surface: Roughness R = (6,3 ± 0,1) μm;
Distance between cone and plate:
– if spring-supported, the cone shall touch the surface of the plate; it can be lifted off with
spring force (2 ± 1) mm;
– if fixed, the cone shall not touch the surface of the plate; the gap between cone and
plate shall be constant during all measurements and is an item to be negotiated
between customer and supplier.
b) An X/Y chart recorder adjusted to the viscometer.
The zero of the chart recorder shall coincide with the zero of the viscosimeter. The
adjustment shall be made with the rotating cone not resting on the plate.
The revolution speed of the cone shall be selected suitable to the plot width. If the total
width is 250 mm, the plot width measured shall be between 50 mm and 100 mm.
For the defined cones 1 mm plot width corresponds to the following viscosity values at
different revolution speeds:
Revolution speed Viscosity factor
r/min Pa·s
6 2,048
12 1,024
24 0,512
48 0,256
c) A measuring scoop whose volume represents approximately 200 mg of resin powder.
d) A wire mesh screen of 0,5 mm mesh width.
e) A timer.
f) A ruler with a millimetre scale (overall length 30 cm).
g) Plastic bags large enough to hold prepreg sample.
8.9.4 Procedure
The surface temperature of the viscosimeter plate shall be adjusted and preheated to
(140 ± 0,3) °C. The viscosimeter plate shall be preheated for a minimum of 30 min. The
measuring cone, which is not heated, shall be lowered onto the preheated plate and shall be
held in contact with it for 2 min ± 10 s. Then the cone shall be lifted, and the specimen of resin
powder shall be placed on the heated plate concentric under the cone within 5 s.

61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E) – 13 –

As soon as the main amount of the specimen is placed on the plate and the revolution speed

required is adjusted, the rotation of the viscosimeter and the timer shall be started. The

recording head shall be lowered onto the recording paper and the paper transport shall be

started with a speed of 20 mm/min.

(30 ± 3) s after placing the resin powder on the heated plate, the rotating cone shall be lowered

onto the molten resin.
The graph of viscosity versus time is recorded automatically. The measurement is completed,

when a point of greatest inflection of the curve has been observed (see figure 15) after the

curve has been stabilized.
Then the cone is lifted from the plate, and the rotation is stopped.
In order to evaluate the graph the chart recording paper shall be taken from the X/Y chart
recorder, the distance between the time base line and the minimum of the curve measured with
the ruler, and this value multiplied with the viscosity factor for the selected revolution speed
(see 5.9.3). The resulting product is the melting viscosity in pascal seconds.
8.9.5 Report
The report shall include
a) the test number and revision;
b) the identification of the sample prepreg tested;
c) the date of the test;
d) identification and description of the specimens of resin powder;
e) the distance between cone and plate, if fixed;
f) the revolution rate of the cone;
g) the melting viscosity;
h) any deviations form the parameters defined (for example plate temperature or cone type).
8.9.6 Additional information
As several cones may exhibit small differences of their geometry, it is necessary to calibrate
each cone to be used with the viscosimeter. This can be carried out:
– either by the manufacturer, who gives the corresponding calibration factors;

– or by the user with a qualified calibration oil.
Cleaning of the cone and the heating plate. The following steps are recommended:
– rough cleaning with a bronze scraper;
– afterwards fine cleaning with an appropriate solvent.

– 14 – 61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E)

Graph
Distance to be measured
Rotating speed 6 upm
75 mm
Pa ⋅ s
75 mm × 2,048      = 153,6 Pa ⋅ s
mm
0 102030 405060 708090 100
IEC  1892/99
Figure 15 – Example of prepreg melting viscosity
8.10 Test 2C10: Resin content of prepregnation by sublimation (under consideration)
Replace this subclause by the following subclause:
8.10 Test 2C10: Resin content of prepreg materials by sublimation
8.10.1 Object
The purpose of this test method is to provide a means for measuring the resin content of resin
impregnated B-stage glass fabric for use as bonding sheet material for base materials and
printed boards using the resin sublimation method.
8.10.2 Test specimens
Each specimen shall be comprised of three squares (100 ± 10) mm by (100 ± 10) mm as taken
from positions along a line normal to the warp of the fabric with the diagonals of the squares
parallel to the warp and weft threads. One square shall be taken from the position equidistant
from the edges, and the other two squares from positions on opposite sides of the first with
their outer extremities (50 ± 25) mm from each edge or selvedge (see figure 16).
All loose particles and projecting fibres shall be removed from the squares.
8.10.3 Test apparatus and materials

The following test apparatus and material shall be used.
a) An analytical balance with an accuracy of 0,001 g.
b) A muffle furnace capable of maintaining a temperature between 550 °C and 800 °C. The
muffle furnace must be placed in a ventilation hood.
c) A ceramic crucible of sufficient size to hold the specimen.
d) A stabilization chamber (drying cabinet desiccator) capable of maintaining less than 20 %
RH at room temperature.
61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E) – 15 –

8.10.4 Procedure
For a referee, the crucible shall be heated in a muffle furnace between 550 °C and 800 °C for
15 min, and allowed to cool to room temperature in a desiccator and weighed to the nearest
0,001 g (M ). For normal conformance testing, the crucible may simply be weighed to the
nearest 0,001 g.
The test specimen shall be placed in the crucible. It is permissible to cut the 100 mm × 100 mm
square into pieces to allow it to fit into the crucible.

The specimen and crucible shall then be weighed to the nearest 0,001 g (M ).
The specimen and crucible shall be heated in the muffle furnace at a temperature of between
550 °C and 800 °C for 1 h and placed in the desiccator and allowed to cool to room
temperature.
The specimen and crucible shall again be weighed to the nearest 0,001 g (M ).
The heating, cooling, and weighing shall be repeated until two consecutive weighings (M )
agree within 0,002 g.
The per cent resin content shall be calculated as follows:
100MM−
()
C = − C
rv
MM−
where
C is the percentage resin content (%);
r
M is the weight of crucible (g);
M is the initial weight of crucible and specimen (g);
M is the final weight of crucible and specimen (g);
C is the percentage volatile content (%).
v
8.10.5 Report
The report shall include
a) the test number and revision;

b) the date of the test;
c) the identification of the material tested;
d) the resin content for each of the three specimens;
e) any deviation from this test method;
f) the name of the person conducting the list.
8.10.6 Additional information
The resin content of prepreg may also be determined by the treated weight method as
described in test 2C03.
The fumes from burning resin are toxic, so the muffle furnace shall be placed in a ventilation
hood.
– 16 – 61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E)

Edge or selvedge Edge or selvedge

As specified
As specified
Direction
of warp
(50 ± 25) mm
(50 ± 25) mm
IEC  1893/99
Figure 16 – Position of specimens for resin content
9.1 Test 2M01: Bow/twist (under consideration)
Replace this subclause by the following subclause:
9.1 Test 2M01: Test method for bow and twist
9.1.1 Object
This test method covers the procedure for determination of the deviation from flatness of the
metal-clad sheet in a direction parallel to its edges or diagonal.
This test is not applicable to sheets thinner than 0,8 mm or with copper thickness differences
side to side of more than 70 μm (610 g/m ).
9.1.2 Test specimens
Test specimens shall be taken from the panel or sheet in such a manner that they are at least
25 mm from the edge.
Specimens shall be prepared from a sample of the metal-clad base material under test.
Specimen size shall be (300 ± 5) mm in both length and width. Other specific panel sizes may
be tested upon agreement between customer and supplier.
For referee, the specimen will be conditioned at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH for a minimum
of 18 h prior to measurement of bow or twist.
A minimum of three specimens shall be tested.

61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E) – 17 –

9.1.3 Test apparatus and materials

A taper gauge or feeler gauge shall be used.

9.1.4 Procedure
a) Bow measurement
– Bow shall be measured by placing the specimen unrestrained on a flat horizontal

surface with its predominantly convex surface upward. The maximum vertical distance
from the flat surface to the bottom side of the laminate shall be determined using a
taper gauge or a feeler gauge.
– The result shall be expressed as a percentage of the length of the side where the
vertical displacement was measured.
b) Twist measurement
– Twist shall be measured by placing the specimen unrestrained on a flat horizontal
surface with its predominantly convex surface upward and with three corners in contact
with the flat surface. The maximum vertical distance from the flat surface to the bottom
side of the remaining corner of the laminate shall be determined using a taper gauge or
a feeler gauge.
– The result shall be expressed as a percentage of the diagonal length of the specimen.
– The bow and twist shall be reported as the average of the three specimens tested and
the highest measurement for both bow and twist.
9.1.5 Report
The report shall include
a) the test number and revision;
b) the testing date;
c) the identification of the material tested;
d) the average and highest measurement of bow;
e) the average and highest measurement of twist;
f) any deviation from the test method, including panel size if not 300 mm × 300 mm;
g) the name of the person conducting the test.
9.1.6 Additional information
None
9.2 Test 2M02: Bow/twist after etching and heating (under consideration)
Replace this subclause by the following subclause:
9.2 Test 2M02: Bow/twist after etching and heating
9.2.1 Object
This test method covers the procedure for the determination of the deviation from flatness of
the metal-clad sheet in a direction parallel to its edges, or diagonal after etching and heating,
simulating two process steps of printed board fabrication.

– 18 – 61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E)

This test is not applicable to sheets thinner than 0,8 mm or with copper thickness differences

side to side of more than 70 μm (610 g/m ).

9.2.2 Test specimens
Specimens shall be taken from the panel or sheet in such a manner that they are at least

25 mm from the edge.
Specimens shall be prepared from a sample of the metal-clad base material under test.

Specimen size shall be (300 ± 5) mm in both length and width. Other specific panel sizes may

be tested upon agreement between user and supplier.
The specimens shall be maintained at standard laboratory conditions of (23 ± 2) °C and
(50 ± 2) % RH during the test. As a referee the specimen will be conditioned for a minimum of
18 h prior to measurement of bow or twist.
A minimum of three specimens shall be tested.
9.2.3 Test apparatus and materials
The following test apparatus and materials shall be used.
a) Any etching method of commercial practice shall be used. In case of dispute between
customer and supplier, the etching shall be carried out with a spray, or equivalent method
3 3
with an aqueous solution of ferric chloride of density 1,32 g/cm to 1,41 g/cm , as
measured at room temperature. The temperature of the etching solution shall not exceed
37 °C.
b) A suitable chamber (air-circulating oven) capable of maintaining the temperature as called
for in the relevant material specification with a tolerance of ±2 °C.
c) A taper gauge or feeler gauge.
9.2.4 Procedure
9.2.4.1 Etching
The metal of the specimen shall be completely removed by etching. Immediately after it is
etched, the specimens shall be washed with cold running water of resistivity of not less than
10 Ω for as long as necessary to remove surface contamination (normally 15 min to 30 min).

9.2.4.2 Heating
The etched specimen shall be placed unrestrained on a flat horizontal surface and shall be
subjected to dry heat as specified in 3.1 of IEC 60068-2-2 in a test chamber with the
temperature indicated in the relevant material specification, a temperature tolerance of ±2 °C
and for a duration of (30 ± 5) min.
9.2.4.3 Conditioning
After the process steps of etching and heating, for referee purposes the specimens shall be
preconditioned at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH for 18 h as the conditioning step. As a quality
conformance procedure, at least 2 h of conditioning shall be used.

61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E) – 19 –

9.2.4.4 Bow measurement
Bow shall be measured by placing the specimen unrestrained on a flat horizontal surface with
its predominately convex surface upward. The maximum vertical distance from the flat surface
to the bottom side of the laminate shall be determined using a taper gauge or feeler gauge.

The result shall be expressed as a percentage of the length of the side where the vertical
distance was measured.
The bow value after etching and heating reported shall be the average of the percentages of
the three test specimens as well as the highest measurement.

9.2.4.5 Twist measurement
Twist shall be measured by placing the specimen unrestrained on a flat horizontal surface with
its predominantly convex surface upward and with three corners on the bottom side of the
specimens in contact with the flat surface. The maximum vertical distance from the flat surface
to the bottom side of the remaining corner of the laminate shall be determined using a taper
gauge or feeler gauge.
The result shall be expressed as a percentage of the diagonal of the specimen.
The twist value after etching and heating reported shall be the average of the percentages of
the three test specimens as well as the highest measurement.
9.2.5 Report
The report shall include
a) the test number and revision;
b) the date of the test;
c) the identification of the material tested;
d) the average and highest measurement of bow;
e) the average and highest measurement of twist;
f) any deviation from this test method;
g) the name of the person conducting the test.
9.2.6 Additional information
The etching solution described in 8.2.3 of this test method is a powerful acid chemical. It shall
be handled with care preventing eye and skin contact by wearing protective glasses and
chemically resistant gloves respectively.

– 20 – 61189-2 Amend. 1 © IEC:2000(E)

Page 55
9.10 Test 2M10: Delta glass transition (DSC) (under consideration)

Replace this subclause by the following subclause:

9.10 Test 2M10: Glass transition temperature of base materials by differential

scanning calorimetry (DSC)
9.10.1 Object
This test method covers the procedure for the determination of the glass transition temperature
of base materials by differential scanning calorimetry. The glass transition temperature is
indicated by an endothermic shift in the differential heat flow resulting from a change in the
heat capacity of the material at that temperature.
9.10.2 Test specimens
The specimen shall be taken from the sheet in such a manner that it is not less than 25 mm
from the edge.
The test specimens shall be of suitable size and shape for the specimen holder of the
measuring system and weigh (0,010 + 0,030) g. The specimens may be prepared by sawing or
punching.
For referee testing, a minimum of three specimens shall be tested.
9.10.3 Test apparatus and materials
The following test apparatus and materials shall be used.
a) Differential scanning calorimeter or differential thermal analyser capable of heating
(cooling) at rates up to at least (20 ± 1) °C/min, and of automatically recording differential
heat flow or differential temperature between the specimen and a reference, to the required
sensitivity and precision.
b) Aluminum or other metal pans of high thermal conductivity specimen holders.
c) An empty specimen pan or a reference pan filled with an inert reference material with a
heat capacity approximately equivalent to the specimen (for example aluminum oxide).
d) Recording charts for temperature-recording apparatus, with suitable graduations for
recording of differential heat flow or differential temperature as a function of temperature.
Instruments with digital data processing require an appropriate plotter or printer plotter.
e) Nitrogen of 99,9 % purity or other inert gas supply, for blanketing specimen oxidation. If
oxidative reactions are excluded, inert gas supply is not necessary. The dew point of the
selected gas must be below the lowest operating temperature.
9.10.4 Procedure
Use a specimen mass appropriate to the material to be tested. In most cases, a specimen
mass of 0,010 g to 0,030 g specimen is satisfactory. As a
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