Overview
IEC 62715-6-1:2018, "Flexible display devices - Part 6-1: Mechanical test methods - Deformation tests", is an IEC international standard that defines standardized mechanical test methods to evaluate the deformation resistance and mechanical stability of flexible display modules (LCD, e-paper, OLED). This second edition (2018) replaces the 2014 edition and introduces a revised part title, additional bending test methods and more detailed testing procedures. The standard focuses on deformation modes such as bending, rolling, twisting (torsion) and stretching (tension) and requires visual and measured evaluation of panel image quality after testing.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and specimen: Tests apply to the complete display module; final evaluation is based on panel image quality (luminance, chromaticity, uniformity, line defects, point defects).
- Atmospheric conditions: References IEC 62341-5:2009 standard conditions (typically around 25 °C and normal atmospheric pressure). The standard emphasizes that temperature and humidity shall be reported, since these parameters critically affect bending/rolling stability.
- Test methods covered:
- Cyclic bending test - apparatus, procedure, cycle counts and reporting requirements.
- Static bending test - displacement/deflection and visual inspection criteria.
- Combined bending test - combining cyclic and static loads to simulate use conditions.
- Rolling and static rolling tests - apparatus and procedures for curvature and rollability assessment.
- Torsion (twisting) test - methods to evaluate twisting resilience.
- Tension (stretching) test - assess tensile stability of flexible modules.
- Specimen preparation and mounting: Guidance on supports, adhesive bonding (e.g., transfer tape), and preventing unintended stretching during folding.
- Reporting: Test conditions, apparatus configuration, environmental data and post-test image quality metrics must be documented.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
- Display manufacturers use IEC 62715-6-1 for design verification and to qualify flexible LCD, OLED and e‑paper modules for foldable/rollable products.
- R&D and reliability labs apply the deformation tests to compare materials, mechanical designs and protective layers.
- Quality assurance and production testing implement standardized procedures for acceptance testing and failure analysis.
- Buyers, integrators and certification bodies rely on the standard to define contractual test methods and to assess mechanical durability claims for consumer electronics (foldable phones, rollable displays, wearable screens) and industrial flexible displays.
Related standards
- IEC 62341-5:2009 - referenced for environmental (atmospheric) conditions.
- Other parts of the IEC 62715 series - for additional functional, environmental and reliability requirements applicable to flexible display devices.
Keywords: IEC 62715-6-1:2018, flexible display, mechanical test methods, deformation tests, bending test, rolling test, torsion test, tension test, OLED, LCD, e-paper, display module testing.
