Overview
IEC 62899-202-4:2021 is an international standard in the Printed Electronics series that specifies terminology and measurement methods for properties of stretchable printed layers (conductive and insulating). It focuses on the test methods used to evaluate printed stretchable conductive inks and insulating layers intended for stretchable wiring on substrates such as textiles and skin-contact devices (e.g., fabric-integrated wearables and skin‑patchable electronics).
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard provides structured, reproducible measurement methods and reporting requirements for stretchable printed layers. Major technical topics include:
- Stretch dependence of resistance
- Methods for measuring how electrical resistance of printed conductive layers changes under strain, including step-by-step (static) and cyclic (dynamic) stretch tests. Test-piece geometries (I-shape and U-shape) and required test setups are defined.
- Durability tests
- Washing durability (test pieces with cover insulators) and sweat durability-procedures to assess functionality after exposure to laundering or artificial sweat.
- Insulation performance
- Insulation resistance and electric strength tests between conductive lines, for cover insulation side and substrate side, with defined test pieces and measurement circuits.
- Atmospheric and conditioning requirements
- Reference to standard atmospheric conditions for measurements and conditioning prior to testing.
- Reporting and normative references
- Guidance on how to document results and which related standards to use for specific electrical or dielectric measurements.
The document cross-references relevant standards such as IEC 60243-1, IEC 61557-2, IEC 62631-3-1 and the parent IEC 62899-202 series.
Practical applications and target users
IEC 62899-202-4:2021 is essential for organizations developing, testing or certifying stretchable printed electronics:
- Conductive ink manufacturers - to validate ink performance under mechanical deformation and environmental exposure.
- Printed electronics test laboratories - to implement standardized test methods for reproducible data and customer reporting.
- Wearable device designers and textile engineers - to select and qualify printed conductive and insulating layers for garments, patches and skin-contact systems.
- Quality assurance and regulatory teams - to support compliance, reliability assessments and supplier specifications.
Using these methods helps predict device lifetime, ensure electrical safety, and improve comparability of materials across suppliers.
Related standards
- IEC 62899-202 (parent specification for conductive ink)
- IEC 60243-1 (electric strength of insulating materials)
- IEC 61557-2 (insulation resistance testing)
- IEC 62631-3-1 (dielectric and resistive properties)
- ISO 105-C10 (textile color fastness – referenced for washing conditions)
Keywords: IEC 62899-202-4:2021, printed electronics, stretchable conductive ink, measurement methods, stretchable printed layers, insulation resistance, electric strength, wearable devices.
Open preview (PDF)Printed electronics - Part 202-4: Materials - Conductive ink - Measurement methods for properties of stretchable printed layers (conductive and insulating)
