Visual Inspection Acceptability

of Flexible Printed Circuits

Industrial Development Bureau

Ministry of Economic Affairs
Taiwan Printed Circuit Association
Published

TPCA-F-001A
 C ha i rma n ’s P r efa ce

As w e pa ssed the ec onom y s tor m i n 2 0 0 8 , th ro u g h m o re t h an o n e y ea r

b r e a k, F P C m a r k e t r a m p e d c l e a r l y a s t h e d e m a n d s o f L E D a n d N B a n d
S m a r t P h o n e a p p l i c a t i o n s g r o w i n g. A c c o r d i n g t o J a p a n Ye n c h a n g i n g r a t e
ra mped a ls o, Tai wan 's FPC m akers ha v e b ett e r co mp e t i t i ve n e s s t h an Ja pa n ' s
makers. Now local makers can perform better jobs than last several years
a nd w ill s h ow good p erforma nc e in P C B i n du s t ry i n t h e fu tu re .

W h i l e e l e c t r o n i c d e v i c e s d e s i g n m a k e s p r o d u c t s t h i n n e r, l i g h t e r,
s h o r t e r a n d s m a l l e r, F P C c a n o f f e r b e t t e r s p a c e f l e x i b i l i t y a n d l e t F P C
a p p l i c a t i o n g r o w f a s t . I n Ta i w a n , h o w e v e r w e d i d n ' t h a v e a g o o d a n d
c o m m o n v i s u a l i n s p e c t i o n s t a n d a r d s f o r F P C m a k e r s a n d u s e r s . To
e ff e c t i v e l y r e d u c e t h e a rg u m e n t b e t w e e n m a k e r s a n d u s e r s, w e i n v i t e d
Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs to
co - de v el o p t hi s s tan d a rd . Hope it c a n b e fa i r a n d ob j ect i v e.

T h i s s t a n d a r d w a s c o o r d i n a t e d b y D r. A l e x K i n g f r o m I T R I a n d
cooperated with local main FPC makers. It takes more than one year to
c o m p l e t e a l l t h e p r e p a r a t i o n a n d c o m p i l a t i o n . I n t h i s d o c u m e n t, w e h a v e
p l e n t y p i c t u r e s a n d d e t a i l e x p l a n a t i o n s. We s u c c e s s f u l l y s e t t h e f i r s t F P C
v i s u a l i n s p e c t i o n a c c e p t a b i l i t y s t a n d a r d a s a r e f e r e n c e d o c u m e n t. H o p e i t
c a n b e a go od re fe re nc e fo r relat e d p ers o ns an d ca n o ff er g oo d a nd exp l i cit
d e s c r i p t i o n s, w h i c h c a n b e n e f i t o u r m e m b e r t o d o t h e c o m m u n i c a t i o n
as well. Any suggestion or recommendation from readers will be really
a p pr e c ia t e d .

Simon Chen
Chairman,Taiwan Printed Circuit Association

Feb,2010

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 C o nv e ne r ’s P r efa ce

A s I h a v e w o r k e d i n t h e P C B r e s e a r c h f i e l d s f o r t o t a l l y 2 5 y e a r s,
peo ple woul d t h in k the gu y mi g ht b e v er y o l d a s t h ey he ar d a b ou t t h at
d e s c r i p t i o n f r e q u e n t l y. H o w e v e r, a c c o r d i n g t o m y s e l f g o t i n v o l v e d i n
thi s f ield earl ie r, e ven if th e pe ri od is l on g , it ca n s ti l l k e ep me y o un g .
Fo r tun ately I ca n ha ve t h e op po rt un i ty wo r k in g w it h TP C A f o r l o n g t im e
a s a s pe a ke r, e du ca to r, ed ito r an d s t an d ar ds com po s er. I fe el m y s el f as a
f o r ma l m e mb e r i n TPCA.

E v e n t h o u g h m y m a i n p o s i t i o n i s I T R I's r e s e a r c h e r a n d i t a l m o s t
r u n s o u t a l l m y s p i r i t, b e i n g a v o l u n t e e r t o c o n t r i b u t e s o m e t h i n g f o r
TPC A i s s ti ll m y plea s ure. It m i gh t co m e fro m m y n at ur e st y l e, he l pi ng
o t he r s a n d m ake fri e nd wi th po pu la t i on .

Wi t h l o n g - t e r m w o r k , I h a v e k n o w n m o r e a b o u t T P C A a n d h a v e
b e e n d e e p e r a w a r e o f i t. D u e t o t h i s I f e e l Ta i w a n P C B i n d u s t r y h a s a
r e a l l y c o n s i s t e n t p o t e n t i a l. B e i n g a r e s e a r c h e r i n e l e c t r o n i c p a c k a g i n g
an d PCB m a n ufac ture , I th ink I nee d t o d o so m et hi n g f or Tai w an P C B .
A b o u t o n e a n d h a l f y e a r s a g o, I m e t C h a i r m a n H w a n g a n d P r e s i d e n t
Wu f r om I c h ia and C are er Cooper at i on i n a m ee t in g . T he y t o l d m e t hat
without standard of visual inspection acceptability for flexible printed
ci rc u it s m akers and us ers w il l get co nf us ed o n bot h s i de. An d t hi s wi l l
hi nde r the in du stry prog res s g re atl y.

I n t h a t m e e t i n g, w e a g r e e t h a t s e t t i n g a "Vi s u a l I n s p e c t i o n
Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits" standard is really important
a n d t h a t c a n b e a c r i t e r i a f o r m a k e r s a n d u s e r s t o f o l l o w. I T c a n
e l i m i n a t e t h e a rg u m e n t s b e t w e e n e a c h o t h e r a n d c a n s a v e m u c h o f t h e
s c ra pe d boards. Of course th is ca n al so r edu ce t h e e nv i ro nm e nt al bu rd en
at th e s a m e ti m e. As a int e gra t or of th i s st an da rd co mm i t te e, I h av e b ee n
a s s ig n ed t h e p ro po s al' s res pons er b y t ho se p ar ti ci p an ts . 　

I n my o p in io n , TPCA has t o e x pan d i ts fu nc ti o n an d g o d ee per on

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 t he service domain. Setting standards is one of the duties, which can make the
industry more international and powerful. Moreover, it can help the industry
p r o g r e s s a n d l e t t h e m e m b e r s m o r e f o r w a r d s m o o t h l y. B a s e d o n t h e s e
f a c ts I a gree t o take t h e mi ss i on an d d ed i ca t e my s el f t o t h e j o b . Si n ce
no previous case can be followed, the mission is harder than what we
t h o u g h t. To f a c i l i t a t e t h i s p r o j e c t I d e c i d e t o p u t t h i s i n t o " I n d u s t r i a l
Dev el opm en t B ure au Mi ni st ry " ye ar l y p la n an d ge t fi na n ce s u ppo r t fr o m
t he m. At the sa m e tim e t his pl an w as su bc o nt ra ct ed t o I TR I t o e x e cut e .
F i n a l l y I n d u s t r i a l D e v e l o p m e n t B u r e a u M i n i s t r y o f E c o n o m i c A ff a i r s
a nd TP CA ha ve pass ed and th en pu bl i sh ed i t .

A s t h e d e s c r i p t i o n m e n t i o n e d p r e v i o u s l y, t h i s s t a n d a r d h a s p a s s e d
t h r o u g h l o n g a n d c o m p l i c a t e d p r o c e d u r e s. T h e c o n t e n t, s t r u c t u r e,
de f i ni ti o ns , j udgme nt , le ve l se tti ng an d so on , ha ve al l bee n tak e n in t o
c o n s i d e r a t i o n f o r o n e y e a r a n d t h e n c a n b e a c h i e v e d. T h e s t a n d a r d s
p u b l i s h e d i n t i m e n o t o n l y d e p e n d o n t h o s e e x p e r t i e s ' h a r d w o r k, b u t
a l s o g e t t h e s u p p o r t f r o m T P C A' s t e a m m e m b e r s , i n c l u d i n g M i c h e l l e
H u n g 、 S o p h i a H u a n g a n d K e i t h Yo u n g . Wi t h o u t t h e m , t h i s d o c u m e n t
wo n ' t b e c o m pleted t hat fast a nd can't be p ub l is h ed i n t im e .

F i n a l l y I w o u l d l i k e t o g i v e m y d e e p a p p r e c i a t i o n t o "I n d u s t r i a l
Development Bureau Ministry of Economic Affairs and "TPCA",
since they gave this program a plenty finance support. Plus I would
like to give thanks to my boss and all colleagus in this plan for their
u n d e rs ta ndi ng a nd ful l su pport . In fa ct t h is s t and a rd is j u s t a b eg i nni n g ,
a n d i t s t i l l h a s l a rg e r o o m t o i m p r o v e . A s t h e a d v a n c e r t r y t o c o r r e c t
o r r e m i n d s o m e t h i n g, p l e a s e d o n't f o rg e t t o g i v e a l l t h e m e m b e r s
e n co ur a ge ment a nd applaus e.

Alex King
Chairman of TPCA Standard Committee
Feb,2010

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 Int ro d u c tio n

Recent years the power saving and green technology have been
r e a l l y h o t t o p i c s . T h i s s i t u a t i o n i n i t i a t e d m a n y n e w p o w e r a n d e n e rg y
i n d u s t r i e s s u c h a s s o l a r c e l l, w i n d p o w e r s u p p l y s y s t e m a n d L E D
d ev elo pm ent s. Of c ou rs e thes e t op ic s wi l l i m pa ct th e e x i st i n g i n d u str i al
e n v i r o n m e n t, f o r i n s t a n c e m a n u f a c t u r i n g w i t h n o n t o x i c m a t e r i a l,
w a s t e R e d u c t i o n, m a t e r i a l R e c y c l i n g a n d R e u s e . T h e s e 3 R w i l l b e t he
n e w m o d e l f o r m a n u f a c t u r e r s . Ta i w a n , o n e o f t h e m a i n F P C m a k e r s
in the world, has a good supply chain including material, equipment,
m a n u f a c t u r i n g a n d a s s e m b l y. H o w e v e r, w e d o n ' t h a v e a s t a n d a r d t o
f o l l o w a s a c o m m o n r u l e f o r a l o n g t i m e. T h i s s i t u a t i o n m a k e s F P C
m a k e r s a n d u s e r a rg u e w i t h e a c h o t h e r, a n d e v e r y y e a r t h e a m o u n t o f
scraped FPC is huge. How to find the solution to cope with problems
h a s b e e n a n e x p e c t a t i o n o f m a k e r s a n d u s e r s. I n a d d i t i o n, i f m o s t
o f F P C-r e l a t e d p e o p l e c a n b e a w a r e o f s t a n d a r d s t h e n t h e s c r a p e d
FPC shall be reduced while manufacturers are able to improve their
t ech no l o g ie s . We b e li e ve th os e wi ll be b ene f ici a l fo r th e i nd us t ry.

I n d u s t r i a l D e v e l o p m e n t B u re a u , M i n i s t r y o f E c o n o m i c A f f a i r s
are p r om o t in g t h e g r een e nv iro n men t p ro t ect i o n s t rat e gi es . T he y i n vi t ed
I T R I t o i n t e g r a t e t h e“ P r o j e c t o f t e c h n i c a l c o u n s e l i n g a n d p r o m o t i o n
f o r e n v i r o n m e n t a l f r i e n d l y o f o p t o-e l e c t r o n i c m a t e r i a l s＂ , o n e o f t h e m
i s o u r c o u n t r y's “F P C's v i s u a l i n s p e c t i o n a c c e p t a b i l i t y s t a n d a r d＂,
wh i c h i s o n e o f t he imp o rtan t p rom o t i ng it em s . Ow in g t o s u pp or t fr om
Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), the plan was organized by
I TR I an d TPCA , an d t hu s a workin g gr ou p was t eam ed u p. We re fer red
t o in t er n at i on a l s t and ard s (IPC、J P C A) a nd l o cal F P C ma ke r's i nt er na l
s pe cs , d i sc u ss i o n and com m uni cat i o n. E ve n tua l l y t h e v ery fi r s t v e rs io n
o f“F P C 's v i s u a l i n s p e c t i o n a c c e p t a b i l i t y s t a n d a r d ＂w a s e s t a b l i s h e d .
We h o p e t h i s s t a n d a r d c a n b e a g u i d e f o r F P C m a k e r s, m a n u f a c t u r e r s
a nd us ers . Fu rt he rmore, it not on ly s e t s a c onv e nt io n a l r u le fo r q u a li t y
ins pe c tion, but a l so c an be h el pful t o t h e gr een env i r o n men t p o l icy.

T his do cu me nt wa s e di ted b y t h e w ork i n g t eam m em b e rs, i nc l u d in g

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 ID B , TP CA s tanda rd dev elo p in g co m m i tt e e, ITR I 's Ma t er ial & C h em i cal
R e s e a r c h L a b o r a t o r i e s a n d 7 l o c a l F P C m a k e r s. S i n c e n o p r e v i o u s
a r t s c a n b e a r e f e r e n c e , t h e t e a m h a s d o n e a l l t h e o rg a n i z a t i o n -r e l a t e d
wo rk an d d is c uss ion . If t h ere a re an y m i s si n g i s s ue s in si d e, t he r ead er
r e s p o n s e a n d c o m m e n t w i l l b e h i g h l y a p p r e c i a t e d . Yo u r o p i n i o n s w i l l
be v a lua ble for thi s st and ard e s ta b l is h m en t an d ca n fu rt h er no ur is h th is
d o c u me nt . Al l t h e content s of th is do cu m en t wi l l ke ep b ei ng re v is ed b y
w o rk in g t ea m, an d we hope i t ca n r eal l y he l p t he i n du s tr y.

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 Table of Contents

Ch air ma n' s Prefac e… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … E 2

Co nve ne r' s Pre fac e… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … E 3

Introduction …………………………………………………………E5

F l e x i b l e P r i n t e d C i r c u i t s Vi s u a l i n s p e c t i o n a c c e p t a b i l i t y … … E 8

FPC user's guide ……………………………………………………E10

FPC Visual Inspection Acceptability Standard …………………E12

1.Bare FPC……………………………………………………………E12

1-1 Board Edges condition………………………………………E12

1- 2 C onducto rs …………… …… … … … … …… … … … … … … … E1 9

1-3 Cover layer film………………………………………………E25

1-4 Printing Ink……………………………………………………E34

1-5 Stiffener Attachment…………………………………………E35

1 - 6 S u r f a c e F i n i s h （ P l a t i n g o r c o a t i n g ） … … … … … … … … E3 8

2 . As s em b l ed B oa rds … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … E43

2-1 Components soldering………………………………………E43

2 -2 C on n e ct o r so l deri ng … … … … ……… … ……… … …… …… E 5 0

P o s ts c ri p t… … … … … …… … …… …… … ……… … ……… … …… E 5 6

Visual Inspection Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits Improvement …E 57

Ap p e nd ix … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … E 5 8

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 Flexible Printed Circuits Visual
Inspection Acceptability Standard

S cope
This document describes the visual inspection acceptance
c o n d i t i o n s f o r t h e s i n g l e s i d e d; d o u b l e s i d e d a n d m u l t i l a y e r F P C . A l l
t h e m a t e r i a l s o f F P C s h o w n i n t h i s d o c u m e n t w i l l c o v e r t h e P I b a s e;
P E T b a s e m a t e r i a l p r o d u c t s, t h o s e w i l l i n c l u d e w i t h a d h e s i v e a n d
ad he siv eles s l am inate .

P ur pose
The visual illustrations in this document portray specific criteria
of t he r e qui reme nt s o f FPC. In or d er t o s et a ge ne ral s ta nd ard bet w een
m a k e r s, t h e c o n t e n t o f t h i s d o c u m e n t t r y t o s e t d o w n t h e r u l e o f F P C
visual inspection and acceptance for makers then can be easier to
p r o p e r l y a p p l y a n d u s e. T h a t w i l l b e n e f i t f o r F P C m a k e r t o i m p r o v e
their technology and reducing the waste from scrapes, those will be
he l pf u l f or e nvironm en t prote ct ion al so .

Refer en c e d s t a n d a r d a n d d o c u me n t s :
This document refers to related standards and documents are as
f o l lo w:
IP C- 6 0 13
IP C- 6 1 0D
J PC A- DG0 2
M ai n lo c al FPC ma ke r' s i n tern al l y sp e cs .

I nspect i o n m e t h o d
The inspection and testing methods shown in this document are mainly
used for visual inspection; microscope; ruler as tool. If it's necessary for
user if can find better accessories or equipments to do these jobs.

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Judgm e n t l e v e l
A l l i n t h i s d o c u m e n t i l l u s t r a t i o n s a r e b a s e d o n F P C's f u n c t i o n
inq uir y, th e ju dgm ent l ev el wil l be c las s i f ied as t h re e cl as s es . Th o s e ar e
a s fo llow :

Clas s Defi n i t i o n

Ge ne ra l elec tronic prod u ct s refer t o t h e co n s u m ers an d t h ei r

ac ce ssorie s, those a re n o t s o s en s i t i v e o n ex t ern al v i s u al
Clas s 1
inspec tion defec ts. The m ai n co n cern s o f p ro d u ct s are
func tionality of product s o n l y.

Liability conc ern produ ct s , i n cl u d e co m m u n i cat i o n

ac ce ssory; business ma ch i n e; eq u i p m en t an d s o o n , t h o s e are
Clas s 2
se nsitive on life time a n d co n t i n u o u s wo rk i n g p i eces . In t h i s
class, limited e xterna l d efect can b e accep t ed .

High relia bility e le ctron i c p ro d u ct s , t h o s e wi l l i n cl u d e

Clas s 3 continuous working a nd fas t res p o n s e p art s . T h o s e are
be longed to critic al e qu i p m en t an d faci l i t y.

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 FPC user’s guide

FP C sh e l f l i f e d e s c r i p t io n :
1. F P C c o n d u c t o r e x p o s e a r e a s m u s t b e t r e a t e d w i t h a n t i t a r n i s h
l a y e r, l i k e g o l d p l a t i n g ;O S P ; i m m e r s i o n t i n a n d s o o n . T h e s e
areas have to avoid FPC contact with corrosion gas.Suggested
s t o r a g e t e m p e r a t u r e c o n t r o l r a n g e s a r e20+/-5℃ a n d r e l a t e d
hu mid i ty kee ps lowe r t han 7 0% R . H .
2. Under these storage conditions t he eff ec ti ve sh el f l i fe mi g ht
h ave s ix month l ong from s hi p o u t .

FP C S M T o p e r a t i o n d e ma n d in g d e s c rip t io n :
1. FPC used laminate material tends to have higher water
a b s o r p t i o n p r o p e r t y. I f u s e r ' s a s s e m b l y p r o c e s s e s h a v e h i g h
temperature issue or need do some SMT processes, then
o p e r a t i o n; s t a c k i n g t h o s e p r o c e d u r e h a v e t o g o m o r e d e t a i l
a r r a n g e m e n t . B e f o r e a s s e m b l y, m a k e r h a v e t o d o d e m o i s t u r e
tr ea t me n t , th is can s o m e p r e v en t d e f ec ts l i k e b lo w h o le : v o i d i n g
a nd dela min at ion .
2. The b ak ing b efore SMT pr oc es s es wi l l d epe n d on b as e m at eri a l ;
la ye r co u n t th o se fa ctor to d o t h e a dj us t i ng . Ge ner al s ug g es te d
t h e b ak in g sh o we d be c ont ro ll ed wi t hi n 8 0 ℃~1 2 0℃ an d l as ti n g
fo r mo re t han 4 h ours mi n i m um .
3 . Aft er b a k in g th e FPC have t o l oa d i n l i ne i n l e ss th an 2 ho ur s .
If m ore t h an 2 hours di dn' t do t he a ss em b l y t he n h av e to re ba ke
th o s e b oard s. Fo l low thi s ru l e i t c a n p rev en t FP C r e-a bs or b in g
mo i s tu re t ha t wi ll ha ve bi g eff ec t on S M T yi el d .
4 . F P C a r e f l e x i b l e, s o o n t h o s e c o m p o n e n t s a t t a c h i n g a r e a n e e d
h a v e s o m e s t i f f e n e r d e s i g n, t h a t c a n p r o t e c t s o l d e r j o i n t a n d
e x p o s e t r a c e s. Wi t h o u t t h o s e s t i ff e n e r s d e s i g n, t h e n t h o s e
component attached area have to prevent bending,this can prevent
cr a cki ng is s ue s.

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How to a p p l y t h e F P C b e n d a b ilit y :
1 . Ev en FPC a re fl exi bl e, b ut in c as e d o i n g 1 80 ° b en d i n g s ti l l h av e
t r a c e b r e a k p o t e n t i a l r i s k. S o w h i l e d o i n g t h o s e p o s t -p r o c e s s e s
an d a ssemb ly, suggest e d do n't d o th o s e 1 8 0 ° be n d in g ac t iv i t ies.
2. M o s t F P C h a v e p r o t e c t i n g i n k a p p l i e d a n d c a n't a ff o r d h e a v y
b e n d i n g c h a l l e n g e, s o w h i l e u s i n g i n k a s t h e c o v e r l a y e r t h e n
t hos e are a ha ve to p re ve nt b en d i n g o v e r t ha n 9 0 ° .
3 . Co ve rl ayer ; sti ffe ne r bo nd ed w it h t rac e, t h os e l ik e fi ng e rs a nd b u s
a r e a s w i l l b e t h e s t r e s s c o n c e n t r a t e d a r e a a n d e a s i l y g e t t r a c e-
c r a cki ng.T he u sers h av e to be m en t i on ed o n t ha t .
4. F P C's e d g e c o r n e r a r e a w i l l b e a n o t h e r s t r e s s c o n c e n t r a t e d a r e a,
a n d w i l l b e e a s i e r t o c r e a t e t e a r- o f f p h e n o m e n o n . T h e u s e r s
s houl d t ake c are of t ha t als o .
5. Tr a c e e x p o s e d a r e a o n F P C , m o s t o f t h e m w i l l t r e a t e d w i t h d u l l
m etal to pre ve nt st ai nin g. T he s e a rea s a re no t fit f o r b e n d i n g.
6. M o s t o f g o l d f i n g e r a r e a w i l l h a v e s t i ff e n e r d e s i g n a n d d o n't
f i t f o r b e n d i n g. M a k e r s h a v e t o m e n t i o n o n t h a t w h i l e d o i n g
a ss em bly.
7. D o n' t do a ny bendi ng ab ov e t hos e P T H are a s o r ma y ca u s e s o me
pote nti al reli abil it y i ssu e.

IDB,MOEA
E 11
TPCA
 FPC Visual Inspection
Acceptability Standard

1. B are FPC

1-1 Bo a r d e d g e s c o n d it io n

1 - 1 - 1 B re ak
D ef init ion : B rea k o n bo dy o r ed g e af t er F PC s i zi n g .

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:

I n s p ec t i o n De f ec t
Cla ss J ud gm ent re fe re n ce
Method c at e go r y

1.B ro ke n l en gt h m ust b e le s s t h an
h al f of t he le ngt h bet w e en e d g e
to nea re s t conduc to r, o r le s s t h an
Cla ss - 1 2.5m m chose t he s mal ler o ne. 10 X S e c o nd a ry
or 2 2.Accordi ng to t he dynam i c m i c r os c o p e d ef e ct
be ndi ng a re a defi ne d by t h e
di agra m, t her e s houl d be n o b re a k
or d efe ct on t he e dge of F P C.

10 X S e c o ndar y
Clas s- 3 Di sc uss ed b y ma ke r and u s e r.
mi c r o sc o p e d ef ect

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

E 12
TPCA-F-001A
 1 - 1 - 2 Bendin g /Pre ss/N ee dle Ma r k
D ef init io n: Af te r FPC s iz i ng o n b od y (Tra ce ; Co v e r la y er; Lam i n at e)
a n d g o l d f i n g e r b e e n d a m a g e d b y o u t s o u r c e. T h o s e m i g h t a f f e c t p o s t
pr o ces s a n d n ext as se m bl y.

A cc ep tance st an da rd:
I n s p ect i o n Def ect
Cla s s J udgme nt ref er en ce
Me t h od ca t eg o ry
1. FPC surfac e do n't ha v e s erv e r
fold ing m ar k. Pr es s m ar k can n o t
pass o ve r to bac k s i de an d n o c o lo r
F o ld in g m ar k:
cha n ge o n ba ck s i de . Tr ac e n ee d le
Vi su al
pit s ha ve t o be le s s t ha n 0 . 1 mm .
Cla ss - 1 in s pe ct io n S ec on da ry
2 . Pro bi ng ma rk c an n ot ex p o s e
or 2 N eed l e m ark : de fe ct
ni ckel or cop pe r.
10 X
3 . Pla t ing area f ol di n g or pr es s
m i cro s co pe
m ark (i nc ludin g i np ut an d ou t p u t
t ermi na t or ) have t o be f l at an d
w ith out c rac kin g.
FPC s urfac e don' t ha ve ser ve r
fo l d in g mark.
Pre ss mark ca n not p as s o v er t o
Vi su al S e co nd ar y
C l as s -3 b ack si de a nd no col or c han g e on
i n sp ec ti o n d efe ct
bac k si de. Cond uc tor an d pl a ti n g
area d on't ha ve fol din g o r p re ss
ma rk.

1 - 1 - 3 Trace sc ra tc he s
D e f i n i t i o n: S c r a t c h m a r k s o n t r a c e s t h a t m a d e b y s h a r p e d g e o r
f or eig n ma t erial, t hos e will be ob vi ou s l y an d mi g h t a ffe c fu n ct io n .

IDB,MOEA
E 13
TPCA
 A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
In s p ect i o n Def ect
Cla s s J u dg me nt ref er en ce
Me t ho d ca t ego ry
Clas s- 1 No n co ve r la ye r ar ea t he t ra ce s 10 X Se co nd ary
or 2 s ha l l not hav e co pp er e x po s e d. mi c ro s co p e d ef ect
10 X S ec o nd ary
Cla ss - 3 D ealt by m ut u al .
mi cr os c o p e de fe ct
1 - 1 - 4 Bu rrs on the edg e
D e f i n i t i o n : B u r r s o r r o u g h i n g o n F P C e d g e, m o s t o f t h o s e c a m e
f ro m p un chi ng.

L＜1/2S
S
A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
In s p ect i o n D efect
Cla s s J udgm en t re fe ren c e
Me t h od ca t ego ry
Bu rrs le ng th of co n du ct o r an d
non-c on duct o r sh al l b e l es s th a n
0 .2 mm, or le s s t ha n ha l f o f t ra ce
Cla ss - 1 10 X S ec o nd ary
wi dth . (w hiche ve r i s le ss ). Th o se
or 2 mi c ro s co p e de fe ct
burrs s ha ll no t fa l l off, i n cas e of
a co nd uc tor t he n i t ca n n o t t o u ch
the i nterna l t ra ce s.
10 X Se co n d ary
Class-3 Dea lt by m u tu al .
m ic ro s co p e d e fe ct

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

E 14
TPCA-F-001A
 1 - 1 - 5 H ole 's rough ing
D e f i n i t i o n: Vi a b u r r s c a m e f r o m F P C p u n c h i n g , s o m e t i m e m a y
a ff ec t th e r es ult s o f ne xt a s s em bl y.

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
I n s p ec t i o n D e fe ct
Cla ss Ju dg me nt referen c e
M et h o d c a te g o ry

1 . C omp on en t's le ad i nse r t io n h o l e

sh al l n ot a ffe ct nex t a s s em bl y o r
C las s -1 10 X S e co n d ar y
so ldering .
or 2 m i c ro s c o p e d e fe ct
2. The ro ughness of non as s e m b ly
hol e sha ll no t bi gge r t h an 0. 2 m m .

10 X S e co n d a ry
Cla ss - 3 Dea lt by mu tual.
m i cr o s c o p e d e f e ct

1 - 1 - 6 S tep cuttin g
D e f i n i t i o n: M o s t o f F P C s t e p c u t t i n g a r e c a m e f r o m m u l t i s t e p
pun ch ing , punc hin g die mis s m atch are t he roo t ca u s e.

IDB,MOEA
E 15
TPCA
 Ac c e ptance s tanda rd :
I n sp e ct i o n D efect
Cla s s J ud gm en t r efe re nc e
M et h od ca t ego ry
Ste p ca n no t big ge r th an 0 . 2
mm (f ir st an d s ec on d pu n ch ).
Cla ss - 1 10 X Se co n d ar y
R em a rk : C on ta ct wi t h th e
or 2 m ic ro s co p e d e fect
bounda ry a rea c o nd uc to r s a re n o t
ac ce pt abl e.
10 X Se co n d ary
C las s -3 Dea lt by mu tual .
m ic ro s co p e d e fe ct
1 - 1 - 7 B endin g
D e f i n i t i o n: B a r e F P C a f t e r s i z i n g s h o w n o n - f l a t ; b e n d i n g ; f o l d i n g ;
these phenomenon that might effect the post process and final
fu n ct i o n s.

Acc ept a nc e standa rd :

In s p ec t io n De fect
Cla s s Ju dg m en t re fe ren ce
M et h o d cat e go ry
1.FPC pus hi n g do wn on o n e si d e
of bo dy, th en t he o t he rs ed g e
s hou ld not ri s e up m o re t h an
15mm (A<15 mm ).
Cla ss - 1 10 X Se co nd ary
2.Ter min al a re a sh o ul d no t o v er
or 2 mi c ro s co p e d ef ect
5mm (On fla t t em p la te ).
3.C onne ct i ng bo ard b en di n g s h al l
b e le s s than 8m m ( Sho ul d n o t
a ffec t s o lder ing fu n ct io n ).
10 X S ec o n d ar y
Cla s s- 3 De al t b y m ut ua l .
m i cr os c o p e d ef ect

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

E 16
TPCA-F-001A
 1 - 1 - 8 Sc um
D e f i n i t i o n: A d h e s i v e r e s i d u e o n F P C s u r f a c e m a y b e c r e a t e d
i n p r o c e s s i n g o r c a m e f r o m p u n c h i n g d e b r i s, m i g h t a ff e c t F P C p o s t
as se m bly or servic ing.

Acc ept an ce s t andard:

In s p e ct i o n De f ect
Cla ss J udg me nt refere nc e
Me t h o d c a t eg o r y
1. Re sid ue on conduc t or i s n ot
ac cept ab le .
2.R es idu e di amet e r(d):
1.0m m(d)<2 .0 mm and le s s
Clas s- 1 10 X S ec o n d ar y
th an o ne sp ot per pie ce
or 2 m i c r os c o p e d e f ec t
wil l b e ac ce pt able . Si ze o f
0. 1m m (d )<1.0m m and t o t al a m o u n t
l es s t ha n 5 s po ts pe r FPC m i g h t
a cc ep ta ble .
10 X S e c o nd a ry
Cla s s- 3 Must be n o resi due.
m i cr o s c op e d ef e ct

1 - 1 - 9 Su rfac e con tamina tion

Definition: Grease contamination created on bare FPC in process
that m igh t affect t he a pp ea rance .

IDB,MOEA
E 17
TPCA
 A c c ept a nc e st a ndard :
In sp e ct i o n D ef ect
Cla ss Judgm en t re fe ren c e
M e th o d ca t ego r y
Clas s - 1 Gre as e c ont am i na tio n is n o t Vis u al Se co nd ary
or 2 o r 3 ac ce pta bl e. i n s p ec t io n d efe ct

1 - 1 - 1 0 EM I S urfa ce P in Hole or Da mag e

D e f i n i t i o n : E M I i s a n a n t i - e l e c t r o m a g n e t i c m a t e r i a l . F i r s t l y.
Laminate EMI on the FPC, then, through high temperature and
high pressure to laminate the EMI on the FPC. The EMI has the
ch ar ac ter ist ic s o f bo th a nti -e le c tro m ag ne ti c i nf e ren ce a nd b end i n g .

Accept ance standard:

In s p ec t io n De fect
Cla ss Judgm ent re fe re nce
M et h o d cat e go ry
1.If EMI surface defect occur between
EMI and copper exposed area(EMI surface
concave area) is not acceptable.
2.Exclude the area stated by point one,
other pin holes/ damage on the EMI
surface are ＜0.2mm, it is acceptable.
3.If there is insulated ink damage on the
Cla s s- 1 10 X S e c ond a ry
EMI punching edge and without exposing
or 2 m ag ni fi e r def e ct
the conductive, it is acceptable.
4.If the longest area of EMI damage is＜
3mm, it is allowed to be repaired by the ink
which is consist with GP requirement. The
insulation results should be achieved after
repair and the peeling problem after wiping
with emulsion is not allowable.
10 X S e con d ary
Cl a ss - 3 De al t b y m ut ua l
ma g ni fi er de f ect

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

E 18
TPCA-F-001A
 1-2 Co n d u c t o r s

1 - 2 - 1 Op en
D e f i n i t i o n: Tr a c e s o f b r o k e n o r d i s c o n t i n u o u s c o n d u c t o r m i g h t
ca us e cur r e nt dis co nn ecte d.

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
I n s p ec t i o n D e fe ct
Cla ss J udgm e nt refer en c e
M et h o d c a te g o ry
Clas s - 1 Main
Ope n i s not a cce pt a ble. NA
or 2 o r 3 d e fe ct
1 - 2 - 2 Brid ge
D e f i n i t i o n: A b n o r m a l c o n n e c t i o n b e t w e e n t r a c e s m i g h t a ff e c t
f u nc tio n.

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
In s pe ct i o n De f ect
Cla s s Ju dg m en t re fer en c e
M et h o d c at ego r y
1 . No a bnorm al c on ne ct i on wi l l be
C las s - 1 a cc ep ta ble . Ma i n
NA
or 2 o r 3 2. B ri dge of Retu rn C i rc ui t u n de r d ef ect
c over layer sh ou l d no t b e j u dg e d .

IDB,MOEA
E 19
TPCA
 1 - 2 - 3 Co ppe r re sidue
D e f i n i t i o n: F P C m a y h a v e s o m e c o n d u c t i n g r e s i d u e i n t h e s p a c e s
a r ea w hen th ose resi d ue s are t oo l arg e a n d m i g h t a ffe ct t he in s u l at i o n.

A cc e ptance s t andard:
I n sp e ct i on De fect
Cla ss J ud gment refe re nc e
M et h o d cat e go ry

Clas s - 1 L1 ≦2 S1, A1≦1/ 2 S1 10 X S ec on d ary

or 2 L 2≦2 S2, A2≦1/2 S 2 m i cr o sc o p e d ef ect

L1≦2 S1 , A 1≦ 1/3 S1 10 X Se co n d ar y
C las s -3
L 2≦ 2 S2, A2 ≦1/ 3 S2 m ic ro s co p e d e fect

1 - 2 - 4 Pinh ole
D e f i n i t i o n: A s t h e p r o c e s s e s o r o t h e r f a c t o r s , i n F P C t r a c e s c a n
f ind so me t iny vo id. Those pi n ho le s o r pi t s mi g h t affe ct t h e i n su l at i o n
or h ur t S ign al In te gr ity.

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

E 20
TPCA-F-001A
 Acc ept an ce s t andard:
In s p ect i o n Def ect
Cla s s J ud gm en t r efe re nc e
Me t ho d c at eg or y
1. Pi nhole s' w i dt h ≦ 1/ 3 l in e
wi d th or l en gt h l es s t h an 1 m m .
2 . Th e le ngt h of p i nh ol es o r p i ts
on co pp er pla ne h as to b e le s s
th an 1 mm .
Cla s s - 1 3. Pin hol es or pi t s o n s o ld e r p ad 10 X S ec o nd ar y
or 2 ar ea h ave to b e l es s t ha n 2 0% o f m i cr os co p e d ef ec t
t otal ar ea.
4 . In p ut / Ou t p ut t e rm in al
area m i gh t fol lo w t he c on d u ct o r
ac ce pt abl e sta nd ar d (C o nn e ct o r' s
c ont ac t area i s n ot al l owe d) .
1. Any p inh ol es on tra ce a nd
s mall er th an 1 /4 lin e wi d th , t h e
l ength s ha l l not larg er th an li n e
widt h.
2 . Th e le ngt h of pi nhole a nd
pit s m ust be l ess tha n 0 .5 m m i n
copper pl an e. 10 X S e co nd a ry
Cla s s- 3
3. Pi nhol e or pi ts on s o ld er p ad m icr o s cop e d efe c t
area s hou ld be l es s t ha n 1 0% o f
tot al a re a.
4. I n pu t / O ut put term i nal
area mi ght fol low the c o nd uc t or
a cc ep ta ble s ta ndard (Co n ne ct or 's
co nt ac t area i s no t al lo wed ) .

1 - 2 - 5 N icks
D e f i n i t i o n: A s t h e p r o c e s s e s o r o t h e r f a c t o r s , i n F P C t r a c e s c a n
f in d s o me ni cks o n trac es . Th ose len g t h o f n ick s an d f in a l s iz e of t r ace
s ho uld ma tch s ome ra tio . Thi s mi ght p r ev en t t h e p ro bl e ms f o rm cu r ren t
and s ign al.

IDB,MOEA
E 21
TPCA
 Acc ept a nc e standa rd :
In s p ect i o n De f ect
Cla s s J ud gme nt r ef ere nc e
M et h o d cat e go ry
1. L≦W 2. A≦1 / 3W
2. N ic k in so l de r p ad sh al l b e l es s
than 20% of t ot al are a.
Cla ss - 1 10 X Se co n d ar y
3 . In p ut / Ou t p ut t e rm in al
or 2 mi cr o sc o p e d e fect
area m i gh t fol lo w t he c on d u ct o r
ac ce pt abl e sta nd ar d (C o nn e ct o r' s
c ont ac t area i s n ot al l ow ed ).
1. L ≦W 2. A ≦1 / 4W
2 . Ni ck s i n s ol d er pa d s h al l b e
l e ss than 10% of t ot al area .
10 X S e con d a ry
Cla ss - 3 3. In pu t /O ut pu t termin al are a
m i cro s co pe d efe ct
mig ht foll ow the cond uct o r
a cce pta bl e st an dard (Co nn ec t or' s
c ont ac t area i s n ot a l low ed ).
1 - 2 - 6 C olor ch ang e
Definition: The color change on trace may be caused from
p r oc es se s or o ther fac tors .

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

E 22
TPCA-F-001A
 A cc eptance st an da rd:
In s p e ct io n De fect
Cla ss Judgm ent re fe re nce
M et h o d ca te go ry
1 . Fi ng er p ri nt c ol or ch an g e is n o t
a cce pta bl e.
C las s - 1 10 X Se co n d ary
2 .Tra ces unde r cove r la y er g ot
or 2 m ic ro s co p e d efe ct
co lor chan ge , i t's are a s h al l b e le s s
t ha n 10% of t ot a l area .
Trac e co lor change is no t 10 X Se co n d ary
Cla s s- 3
acc ept ab le . m ic ro s co p e d efe ct

1 - 2 - 7 P eelin g
D e f i n i t i o n: S t r e s s m i g h t b e i n d u c e d f r o m p r o c e s s e s a n d s t r u c t u r e,
th at m ig h t caus e de l am inati on bet wee n co n d u c to r a n d die l e c tr i c .

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
I n s p ec t i o n De f e ct
Cla ss J udgment refe re n ce
M et h o d c at e g or y
1. B a re copper pee le d i n Go l d
fi nger t erm inal w hen c o pp er
C las s -1 10 X S e co n d ar y
li ft i ng ≦0.2 m m i s ac ce p t ab le .
or 2 mi c r o s co p e d e f ec t
2. W he n ha ppened a t s ol d e r p a d
le ss th an 1 /4 are a is ac c ep t a b l e.
C onducto r de la mi nati o n o r p eel i n g 10 X S e co n d ar y
Clas s -3
i s n ot acc ept abl e . mi c r o s co p e d e fe c t

1 - 2 - 8 C ra ck
Definition: Stress from processes and structure mig ht cause
co n d u ct o r cr ac k a nd mi g ht affec t cu r ren t fo l l ow an d s ig na l i n te gr it y.

IDB,MOEA
E 23
TPCA
 Acc ept a nc e standa rd :
I n s p e ct i o n D e fe ct
Cla ss J ud gm ent re fe ren c e
M e th o d c at e g o ry
Cla ss -1 Co nd uc tor crack s a re no t 10 X S ec o n d ar y
or 2 or 3 ac ce pt abl e. m i c ro s c o p e d e fe c t

1 - 2 - 9 P T H an nula r r ing br ea k o ut
Definition: In FPC pattern exposure processes, as material
e x p a n s i o n o r s h r i n k a g e w i l l m a k e r e g i s t r a t i o n m i s s e d. T h o s e m i g h t
make the PTH annular ring break out. In DES processes, the through
hole s d idn' t protec t ed b y re si st mi g ht a tt a ck ed b y e tc hi n g s ol ut i o n an d
t he n the ho le wall wi l l be damaged .

Acc ept a nc e standa rd :

In s p e ct i on De fect
Cla s s Jud gm en t r efe re nc e
M e th o d c at eg o ry
1. PTH a nnula r ri ng b re ak o u t
ove r 1/4 c ircl e i s n ot acc ep t ab l e.
Cla s s - 1 10 X S ec o nd ary
2. B rea kout on i n te rc on n ec t in g
or 2 m i c ro s co p e de fe ct
area a nd a nn ul ar r i ng i s n o t
ac ce pta bl e.
Any PT H an nu la r r in g br ea k o u t i s 10 X S ec on d ar y
Cla s s- 3
not ac cept ab le . m i cr o sc o pe d ef ect

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

E 24
TPCA-F-001A
 1-3 Co v e r l a y e r f i l m

1 - 3 - 1 Co ve rla ye r
1 -3 -1 -1 Shift ing
Definition: During FPC's cover layer attachment the taping
ac cu ra cy ma y be n o good or s t ack i ng s h if t .

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
I ns p e ct io n De fect
Cla ss J udgme nt refere n ce
Me th o d c at eg o ry
1. C o ve r la ye r shi ft s hal l b e le s s
t ha n ± 0.3 m m.
2 . C ov er l ayer shi ft s ha l l n o t
expo se t he neighbor t r ac es . (M a in
defec t, ot he rs a re sec o n dar y
C las s - 1 def ects ). 10 X S ec o nd ar y
or 2 3. C o ve rage s hift on rou n d p ad , m i cr os c op e de fe ct
t he mi nim um co nduc tor e x p o s ed
wid th (D) s ha l l be l arg er t h an
0.05 m m.
4. Sol de r pa ds a re a shal l ex ce ed
75% effec ti ve are a.
1. C o v er l a ye r s h ift s hal l n o t
ex p o se d th e n e ig h bo r tra c es.
( M ai n de fe ct ).
2. C o v era g e s h ift o n ro u nd pa d , 10 X S ec on da ry
C lass- 3
t h e m i n im u m c o n du c to r s h all b e m i cr os co pe def ec t
l arg e r t h an 0 .1 m m .
3 . So l d er p a d a rea s sh a ll e x cee d
85 % effe ct i v e are a.

IDB,MOEA
E 25
TPCA
 1- 3-1- 2 Blee di ng
Definition: The lamination for FPC's cover layer need high
t e m p e r a t u r e a n d p r e s s u r e. T h e a d h e s i v e m i g h t p r o t r u d e o r b l e e d i n g
c a u s e d b y m a t e r i a l's p r o p e r t i e s . To o m u c h b l e e d i n g m i g h t a f f e c t t h e
po st a s s e mb ly proce ss es .

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
Ins p e c ti o n D ef e ct
Cla ss Ju dgm ent refere nce
M et h o d c at e g or y
1. Cov er l ay er bo ardi ng a r ea
(F), ble ed ing 0.3 m m i s n o t
C las s - 1 ac ce pt abl e. 10 X S e c on d a ry
or 2 2 . Effecti ve so lder pad a rea m i cr o s c o p e d ef e ct
sh oul d be b igge r than 75% o f t ot a l
a rea .
1 . C over l ayer boa rdi ng are a
(F), b le ed ing 0. 2 mm is n ot
10 X Se c o n d ary
Clas s- 3 ac ce pta bl e.
m i c ro s c o p e de fe ct
2 . Effec tiv e sold er pads a re a mu s t
be la rge r than 85% of to t a l ar e a.
1- 3 -1 -3 A ir Bu b b l e
Definition: While doing FPC cover layer lamination, as material
com p a ta b il i t y a n d p r o cess es i s su e s, m i g ht h av e po te n ti al of A i r B ub bl e .

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TPCA-F-001A
 A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
Ins p e c ti o n D ef e ct
Cla ss Ju dgm ent refere nce
M et h o d c at e g or y
1. Air B ubb le of cover l a y er c ros s
C las s - 1 o ve r two t ra ces is not a cce p t abl e . 10 X Se c o nd a ry
or 2 2. Ai r Bubbl e on Boa rd's e d g e i s m i c ro s c o p e d ef e ct
not a cc ep ta ble.
10 X S ec o n d ar y
Cla s s- 3 Ai r B ubb le is not acc ep t a bl e.
mi c r o sc o p e d e fe ct

1- 3- 1- 4 Fore ign-m at eria l

D ef i nit io n: Wh ile d oi ng the F P C co v er l a y er l a m i n at i o n , a s f or ei g n
m a t e r i a l c o n t a m i n a t e d, t h a t m i g h t h a v e f o r e i g n m a t e r i a l a t t a c h e d
unde r nea th.

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
In s pe ct i o n De fect
Cla ss J udgm en t re fere nce
M e t ho d ca te go ry
1. C on du ct i ve fore ign m at er i al c a n
fol l ow t he 1 -2 -3 copper res i d u e
st andard t o judge.
2. Foreig n ma t eri al m ad e t h e cov e r
la ye r bum pe d or p eel in g i s n o t
C las s - 1 10 X S eco n da ry
ac ce pta bl e.
or 2 m i cr o sc o p e d ef ec t
3 . A ny c onduct ive fore ign m a ter i al
c ross th ree li ne s is not ac cep t ab l e.
4. Any t ra ces area, t he f ore i g n
m ateri al 's leng th mo re t h an 2 m m
is no t ac ce pt abl e.

IDB,MOEA
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TPCA
 In s p e ct i o n D e fe ct
Cla ss J udgmen t refe re nc e
M e t ho d c a te g o ry
1. C on du ct i ve fore ign ma t e ri a l
sho ul d fol low the 1-2-3 cop p e r
resi due s t an dard t o judg e .
2. Foreig n ma t eri al ma d e th e c o v er
la ye r bum pe d or pe el ing i s n o t
10 X S ec o n d ary
Cla s s- 3 ac ce pta bl e.
mi c r o sc o p e d efe ct
3 . A ny c onduct ive foreig n mat e ri al
c ross tw o l ines a re not a cc e p t ab l e .
4. Any t ra ces are a, t he fo r eig n
m ateri al le ng th m ore t ha n 1 mm i s
not acc ept ab le .
1 -3 -1 - 5 Scr at ch
Definition: During the cover layer lamination or post processes,
unknown force or foreign material scratches might create scratching
m ark o n c o v er l a ye r.

Acc ept a nc e standa rd :

In s p e ct i o n D e fe ct
Cla ss J udgmen t refe re nc e
M e t ho d c a te g o ry
1 . Scrat ch wi t hou t t ra ce ex p o s u re.
C las s - 1 10 X S e co n d ar y
2.Scratch dept h (d)≦1/3 c ov er
or 2 mi c r o s co p e d e fe ct
l a ye r thi ck ne ss (L )
Scratch depth(d)≦1/5 cover layer
thickness (L). If there are still
concerns of the scratch depth 10 X S e con d ary
Cla s s- 3
by mutual sides, microsection is m i c ro s c op e de fec t
considered as the final judgment
basis for judging the scratch depth.

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TPCA-F-001A
 1 - 3 - 2 LP I /Ink
1 -3 -2 -1 M iss ing Ink
Def ini tio n: As FPC usi n g in k o r p h o to i m ag i b l e i n k t o d o t h e t r ace
pr otec tion, w hi l e the proc es s es or i n k pr o p ert i es a re n o t fi t , t h en m i g ht
c r eate s ome p ri nti ng defec t s.

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
In s pe ct i o n D efect
Cla ss J udgme nt refere n c e
M et h o d ca t ego ry
1. Tra ce exp os ure is not
ac ce pt abl e.
2. Mi s si ng in k ca used t r a ce n o t
C las s - 1 c overed sh al l b e l e ss t h an 0 . 5 m m 10 X S ec on d ar y
or 2 o f its d i am eter. mi cr o sc o pe d ef ect
3. Ink m is s ing at ed ge ar ea s h o u l d
foll ow the c over layer d ama g e
s ta ndar d to do t he judg m e nt .
1 . Bare t rac e is not a cc ept a b l e.
2 . Ink mi s sin g in no n t rac e
a re a sh all be l es s than di am e te r
0.2mm . 10 X S ec o n d ary
C las s -3
3. Ink mi ssi ng at bo ard ed ge mi cr o sc op e d ef ect
are a sho ul d fol low the co ve r
la ye r dama ge s ta ndard t o d o t he
j udgme nt .

1- 3-2- 2 Ink B l eedi ng

Definition: As the printing condition or rheology parameter didn't fit
products then it may create bleeding. That may cause ink mark on traces.

IDB,MOEA
E 29
TPCA
 Acc ept a nc e standa rd :
In sp e ct i on De fect
Cla ss J ud gment refe re nc e
Me t ho d ca te go ry
1. B l eedi ng 0 .2mm is no t
acc ept ab le .
C las s - 1 2 . Actu al s ol deri ng a rea s hal l b e 10 X S eco n dar y
or 2 la rg er t ha n 75% mi cr o sc o p e d ef ect
3 . C ont act ar ea ha ve t o k e ep cl e an
an d no res i du e.
1. Blee din g 0.1mm is no t
a cc ep ta ble .
2. Actu al so ldering are a s h a l l b e 10 X S ec ond a ry
C las s -3
la rge r t ha n 85 % of t he p a d ar e a m icr os co p e d ef ec t
3 . C ont act ar eas ha ve to k e e p
clea n and n o res idue.

1- 3 -2 - 3 Im a gi n g shi ft
Definition: FPC made by photo imagible ink might have
r e g i s t r a t i o n i s s u e s. T h o s e m i g h t b e c a u s e d f r o m m a t e r i a l s h r i n k a g e ;
m as k s h if ti n g a n d may have t he i m ag in g s hi f t pr o bl em s .

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

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TPCA-F-001A
 Acc ept an ce s t andard:
I n s pe ct i o n De fect
Cla s s J u dg me nt re fer en ce
M et h o d c at ego r y
1 . Shi fti ng sh oul d no t c au se
nei ghbor tra ce e xp os e d. (M ai n
d efe ct)
Cla s s - 1 10 X S ec o nd ary
2. Shi ft ed a nnu la r ri ng m u s t h a v e
or 2 m i cro s co p e d ef ect
0.05m m ri n g wi dt h l ef t.
3. E ffec t ive s ol d eri n g ar ea s h al l
be larger than 75% of the pad area.
1. Shi ft i ng s hou ld n o t cau s e
neig hb or t ra ce e xp os ed . ( M ai n
de fe ct )
10 X Sec o n d ar y
Clas s- 3 2. Sh ift ing s ha l l ha ve 0 . 1 5m m
m icr o s co pe de f ec t
ring wid th le ft.
3. Effe cti ve sol der ing a rea s ha l l
be larger than 85% of the pad area.
1-3- 2-4 Ai r bubb le
De f in it ion : Fi nis hed FPC surf ac e c o at ed wit h l i q u id in k o r p h o to -
im ag ible i nk n eed ba kin g t o ge t t ac kf ree sur f ace fo r e xp o su r e or c u r in g .
I n c a se o f poor c on trol it m ig ht c r eat e un d ern e ath b u b b l es .

Acc ept a nc e standa rd :

I ns p ec t io n Def ect
Cla s s J u dg me nt re fer en ce
M et h o d c at eg or y
Clas s -1 1. Ai r b ub bl e cros s tw o n ei g h b o r 10 X S e co n d ar y
or 2 trac e is no t ac ce pt a bl e. m ic ro s co p e d e fect

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TPCA
 I ns p ec t io n Def ect
Cla s s J u dg me nt re fer en ce
M et h o d c at eg or y

10 X S ec o nd ar y
Cla ss - 3 Shall be no bu bb l e a t a ll .
mi c ro s co p e d e fect

1- 3- 2 -5 Fore i gn -m at eri al
Def init i on: Fo reig n m at er ia l at t ac he d u nd e r t he su r fa ce p r ot e ct i v e
coa ting lay er duri n g the coat i ng p ro c es s .

Acc ept an ce s t andard:

In sp e ct i o n De fect
Cla s s J u dg me nt re fer en ce
M e th o d cat e go ry
1. The j udgme nt of co n du ct i v e
fore i gn mate ri al can fol l ow th e
crite ri a of c op pe r res i d ue s t an d a rd
1-2-3.
2 . For ei gn ma te ri al is no t
ac ce pt abl e wh en m ak e in k 's
to ta l p rotr us i on o ve r t ota l bo a rd
Cla s s - 1 10 X S e con d a ry
thi ck ne ss or p ee li n g is no t
or 2 m i cr os c ope def e ct
ac cept ab le .
3. Any c on du ct i ve f ore i g n m at e ri al
c ross ove r t hre e l in es ar e n o t
ac cept ab le .
4. In t rac i ng a re a whe n fo rei g n
m at eria l l ength lo nger t h an 2 mm
is not a cce pta bl e.

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TPCA-F-001A
 In sp e ct i o n De fect
Cla s s J u dg me nt re fer en ce
M e th o d cat e go ry
1. T he ju dg m en t fo r co n du c ti v e
fore i gn mate ri al can fol l ow co p p er
re sid ue st anda rd 1 -2 -3 .
2. Fo re ign m at er i al i s n ot
a cce pta bl e, it mi g ht c au s e i n k
protr ud e or p eel i n g. 10 X S e con d ary
Cla ss - 3
3 . A ny c on ducti ve f or ei g n m a te ri al m ic ro sco p e de fec t
c ro ss ov er t hr ee l i ne s ar e n o t
ac ce pt abl e.
4 . In t ra ci ng a re a wh en f o rei g n
m a te rial l engt h l on ge r th a n 1 m m
is not ac ce pt ab l e.
1 -3 - 2- 6 Scratch e d s urfa ce
D ef in it io n : Aft e r FPC cove re d w it h i nk ; p ho t o -i ma gi b le f il m or
o th e r m at e ri a l, wh i c h may be s crat ch e d b y h an dl i ng .

Acc ept an ce s t andard:

I n s p ect i o n De fect
Cla s s Ju dg m en t re fe ren ce
M et h o d ca te go ry
1 . Expos ed c on du ct o r in s cr at ch e d
Clas s -1 area i s n ot acc ep t ab le . 10 X Se co n d ary
or 2 2. Sc ra tc he d de p th (d )≦ 1/ 3 co v er m i cr o s co p e d e fe ct
la ye r t hi ckne s s (L )
Scratch depth(d)≦1/5 cover layer
thickness (L). If there are still
concerns of the scratch depth 10 X S e c o nd ar y
Cla ss - 3
by mutual sides, microsection is m i c ros c ope d efe ct
considered as the final judgment
basis for judging the scratch depth.

IDB,MOEA
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TPCA
 1-4 P ri n t i n g I n k
1 - 4 - 1 Le ge nd sh ift
Def ini ti on: FPC l egend prin ti n g o r m ar k i n g get s s h i ft i n g , t h o s e
ma ily ca m e from p oo r op er at ing co n d i ti on s .

Acc ept a nc e standa rd :

In sp e ct i o n De fect
Cla s s J u dg me nt re fer en ce
M e th o d cat e go ry

1 . Sol d erin g ar ea co n ta mi n at ed b y
Cla s s - 1 i nk i s n ot acc ept ab le . 10 X S ec on d ary
or 2 2. Sh iftin g ha ve t o b e les s t h an mi cr o sc o p e d ef ect
0. 3m m
10 X S e co nd ary
Cla ss - 3 Dea lt by m u tual .
mi c ro s co p e d e fe ct

1 - 4 - 2 L ege nds or marks a re no t c le a r

Def ini ti on: FPC le ge nds printi n g and m a rk in g s ar e n o t cl ea r
e nou gh , those m ai l y ca me from i nk pro p e rty i s s u e o r p o o r op era ti n g
co n d i ti o n s are n o t co rrec t .

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TPCA-F-001A
 Acc ept an ce s t andard:
In s p ect i o n De fect
Cla s s J ud gme nt r ef ere nc e
Me t h od ca te go ry
1. L eg en ds or m ar ks can n o t b e
Vi su a l
Cla s s - 1 ident i fi ed a re n ot a cc ep ta b le . Se co nd ary
i n sp e ct i o n
or 2 2. Pri nte d le ge nd or m ar k s h al l d ef ect
3 M -6 0 0 Tap e
pa ss th e t ape te s t.
Vis u al
Se co nd ary
Cla s s- 3 D ealt by m ut u al . i ns p e ct io n
d ef ect
3 M -6 0 0 Tap e

1-5 S t i f f e n e r A t t a c h m en t
1 - 5 - 1 A ir B ubb le
Def ini ti on: Part of FPC a rea n e ed to a t t ac h s o m e s t i ff e n er w i t h
a dh es ive f il m or gl ue , those mi ght ge ne rat e ai r b ub b le a t in t e rf a ce a n d
we a ke n th e bond st reng th.

Acc ept a nc e standa rd :

In s p ec t io n D ef ect
Cla s s J ud gm en t r efe re nc e
M et h o d c at ego r y
1. U se t he rm al t yp e bo n de r t o
do the s tiffe ne r at t ac h, an y ai r
bub bl es shall be l es s t h an 10 % of
Cla s s - 1 Vis u a l S ec o nd ary
th e sti ffe ne r's are a.
or 2 in s p ec t io n d e fe ct
2. Usi ng ot he rs t y pe b on d er, th e n
voi d have t o be l es s th an 1 /3 o f
th e st i ffe ne r's a re a.

IDB,MOEA
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TPCA
 In s p ec t io n D ef ect
Cla s s J ud gm en t r efe re nc e
M et h o d c at ego r y
3. Thi ck ne s s i nc re as i ng f ro m Vi s u al
Cla s s - 1 Se co nd ary
ai r bu bbl e shall be l es s th a n i n s p ect i o n
or 2 d ef ect
c ust o me r's requ es t .
Vis u a l S ec o nd ary
Clas s- 3 Dea l t by mu t ua l.
in s p ec t io n d e fe ct

1 - 5 - 2 F oreign -mate rial

Def ini ti on: Du rin g the s ti ffe n er a tt ac h m en t p r o ce s s , fo r e i g n
m ate ria l mi ght c ome from the env i ro n m ent , t h e y m ig h t m a ke F P C 's
st iffe ne r protrude d aft er l am inati o n.

Acc ept a nc e standa rd :

In s p ec t io n D ef ect
Cla s s J ud gm en t r efe re nc e
M et h o d c at ego r y
1. The s i ze o f for ei g n mat e ri al
shal l be l es s th an 1 0% o f
Cla s s - 1 st iffen er 's a rea . 10 X S ec o nd ar y
or 2 2. Th e protrus i on f ro m f or ei g n m i cr o sc o p e d e fect
m at er ia l s ha l l n ot a ffe ct th e FP C
t ota l t h ic kn es s in s p ec .
FPC 's prot ru sio n fr om f o re ig n 10 X Se co nd ary
Cla s s- 3
m ateri al is not ac ce pt ab l e. m ic ro s co p e d ef ect

1 - 5 - 3 Tapin g sh ift
Def ini ti on: Stiff en er a ttach men t p ro ce ss es i s no t w el l con t r ol le d ,
a nd m ay caus e th e at t achm ent m iss it s l o cat i o n.

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

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TPCA-F-001A
 Acc ept an ce s t andard:
In s p ec t io n D ef ect
Cla s s J ud gm en t r efe re nc e
M et h o d c at ego r y

1 . A dhesi ve or s ti ff en er s h if t
(Ad he si ve p ro trus i o n) s h al l no t
Clas s -1 10X S eco n dar y
e xc ee d +/ - 0.3 m m .
or 2 m i cr os c op e d ef ect
2. Stiffe ne r shi ft s h al l n o t c o v er
t ho se FPC v i a

1. Ad he s ive or s t i ffe ne r s h i ft
(Adh es iv e prot ru s i on ) sh a ll n o t
10X S ec o nd ary
Cla ss - 3 exce ed +/ - 0.2 mm .
m i c ro s co p e de fe ct
2. St i ffen er s hif t s ha l l no t co v er
th os e FPC vi a a rea .

1 - 5 - 4 D elamina tion
Definition: When doing stiffener attachment on FPC connecting
area if adhesive property is not suitable or processes control are not
w e l l, t h e b o n d s t r e n g t h b e t w e e n F P C a n d s t i ff e n e r m i g h t d e c r e a s e a n d
mi ght ha ve th e de la m inati on happe ne d .

IDB,MOEA
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TPCA
 Acc e p ta nc e st a ndard:
I ns p ec t io n Def ect
Cla ss J udgment refe re nc e
M et h o d c at ego r y
C las s - 1 Vis u al M ai n
Delami na t ion i s n ot a cc ep ta b l e.
or 2 i n s p ec t io n d e fect

1 - 5 - 5 S tiffe ne r e dge r oughing

D e f i n i t i o n: S t i f f e n e r e d g e r o u g h i n g c a u s e d f r o m p o o r p u n c h i n g
a ccu ra cy or de bris, al l th es e m i gh t affec t p o st p r o ces s es ; ap p e ara n ce o r
as s emb ly.

A cc eptance st an da rd:
In s p ec t io n D efect
Cla ss Judgm ent re fe ren c e
M e th o d ca t ego ry
Cla s s - 1 10 X S eco n dar y
Sti ffener rou ghing < 0.3 m m
or 2 m ic ro s co p e d ef ect

10 X S ec o nd ary
Cla s s - 3 St i ffener rou gh ing < 0.1m m
mi cr o sc o p e de fe ct

1-6 S u r f a c e t r e a t m e n t ( Pla t in g o r c o a t in g )

1 - 6 - 1 P la ting ta rn is h
D e f i n i t i o n: F P C t r a c e s e x p o s e d a r e a w i l l a p p l y p l a t i n g o r c o a t i n g
( lik e: g old pla tin g; t in p la tin g; O S P a n d s o o n ) u s e d fo r pr ev e nt i n g fr om
o x i d a t i o n o r t a r n i s h. T h a t c a n g u a r a n t e e t h e p o s t a s s e m b l y p r o c e s s e s

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TPCA-F-001A
h a v e b e t t e r y i e l d. A b n o r m a l o p e r a t i o n m a y c a u s e c o l o r c h a n g i n g o r
dis co lo ra tion o r di ffe re nt a ppea ran ce.

Acc ept an ce s t andard:

In s p e ct i on De fect
Cla s s Judgm en t re fe re nc e
M e t ho d ca te go ry
1 . Da rk en i s n ot acc ep t ab l e.
Cla ss - 1 2. R eddis h appe ar an ce f ro m v is u a l Vis u a l S ec o nd ary
o r 2 or 3 i ns p ecti ons ; fin ge r pr in t ; o r o t h er in s p ec t io n d e fe ct
c on ta m inati ons a re n ot acc ep t ab l e.

1 - 6 - 2 Co p per e xpo su re
D e f i n i t i o n: F P C c o n d u c t o r a r e a t r e a t e d w i t h p l a t i n g o r c o a t i n g
(lik e: g old p la t ing; t i n p la t ing; OS P an d s o o n ) u s ed fo r p re v en t in g fr o m
oxidation or tarnish. That can guarantee the post assembly processes
h av e b etter y ie l d. Wh en pret re at m en t i s n o t we l l o p e rat e d , it mi g h t l et
substrate surface have residues left and cause the plating or coaling
poo r co veri ng .

IDB,MOEA
E 39
TPCA
 Ac c e ptance s tanda rd :
In sp e ct i o n De fect
Cla s s J u dg me nt re fer en ce
M e th o d cat e go ry
1. Wh ol e area o f co nd uc to r
wi th out p la t ing i s n ot a cce p ta b l e
(M ai n de fe ct )
2 . In pu t / Outp ut te rm i n al h av e
c op pe r expo se d, w id t h＜ 1 / 3 t r ace
widt h ; t ot al-le ng t h < li n e wi d t h;
Cla s s - 1 co nn ec tor co nt a ct a rea s h al l no t 10 X S e co n d a r y
or 2 ha ve c oppe r ex po s ed . m icr o s co p e d e fe c t
3. C o pp er expos ed a re a i n s o l d er
pad sh al l b e le s s t ha n 25 % o f to t al
are a.
4. Key pad; c op pe r ex po su r e o n
groun d area shal l be l es s t h an
0. 2mm .
1 . W hol e ar ea o f c ondu c to r
wi th out pl at in g i s not a cc ept a b le.
(Main defect)
2 . Inpu t / Outp ut te rm i na l ma y
all ow c opp er exp os ure, w i d th＜ 1 / 4
t race widt h; le ngt h < lin e wi d t h;
b ut co nnec tor conta ct a rea al lo w 10 X S ec ond a ry
Cl as s - 3
n o copper e xposu re. mi cr os co pe def e ct
3. Co pper e xposu re area o n so l d er
pad shall be less than 15% of total
area.
4. Ke y p ad ; cop per e xpos u r e o n
ground are a sha ll be l es s t h an
0.2mm .
1 - 6 - 3 S o lder (G old) pen etra tion
D e f i n i t i o n: F P C c o n d u c t o r a r e a t r e a t e d w i t h p l a t i n g o r c o a t i n g
a f t e r c o v e r l a y, (l i k e: g o l d p l a t i n g ; t i n p l a t i n g ; O S P a n d s o o n ) e i t h e r
abnormal treating or poor coverlaying might cause the penetrated
d is co lor ing a re a at in te rf ace .

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E 40
TPCA-F-001A
 Acc ept an ce s t andard:
I n s p ect i o n De fect
Cla s s Ju dg m en t re fe ren ce
M et h o d ca te go ry
Sold er (G ol d) pen et ra t io n le n g th
Clas s -1 10 X Se co n d ary
at t he i nte rfa ce o ve r 0. 5 mm i s n o t
or 2 m i c ro s co p e de fe ct
ac ce pta bl e.
So lder ( Gold ) pe ne tr at i on l en g t h
10 X Se co n d ary
Cla ss - 3 a t t he in te rf ace ov er 0. 3 m m i s n ot
m i c ro s co p e d e fe ct
a cc ep ta ble

1 - 6 - 4 P la ting- thick nes s not e no ug h

D e f i n i t i o n: F P C s u r f a c e p l a t i n g c o n t r o l i s n o t w e l l t h e n m a d e
p l a t i n g t h i c k n e s s n o t e n o u g h. T h e s e m i g h t c a u s e p o o r y i e l d o f p o s t
as s embl y.
Ac ce p ta nc e standa rd :
I n sp e c t i o n D e f ect
Cla ss J udg me nt refere nc e
Method c a t eg o r y
Clas s - 1 Pl at i ng th ic kness m ust m at ch M ai n
X - ra y
or 2 o r 3 cus tom er 's s pe c. d e fe c t

1 - 6- 5 P la ting dis co loratio n (Fo g gy)

Definition: When plating solution control is not good then might
m a k e s u r f a c e c o l o r c h a n g i n g o r f o g g y. T h o s e w i l l a f f e c t t h e c r i t e r i a
ju dg m en t of v is ua l i nsp ec tion.

IDB,MOEA
E 41
TPCA
 Ac ce pt ance st anda rd:
I n sp e ct i o n De fect
Cla s s J ud gm en t r efe re nc e
M e th o d cat e go ry
1. Fo gg y surfac e ca n no t b e
rem oved is no t ac ce pt ab l e.
2. Foggy s old er in g ar ea i s
C las s - 1 Vi su a l Se co n d ar y
ac ce pt abl e.
or 2 in sp e ct i o n d e fect
3 . In -p ut / Out- pu t t er mi n al a rea
wi th vi sual ins pe ct i on h av e fo g g y
are no t a cce pta bl e.
Vi s u al Se co nd ary
Cla s s - 3 Dea l t by mu tua l.
i n s p ect i o n d ef ect

1 - 6 - 6 Go ld platin g (I mme rsio n) p ro tru sio n or r e sidu e

Definition: Gold plating (Immersion) treated FPC surface
h a v e g o l d n o d u l e o n t r a c e s i d e, t h a t m i g h t a ff e c t a p p e a r a n c e a n d
f unc ti ona lity.

Acc ept an ce s t andard:

I n s p ect i o n De fect
Cla s s Ju dg m en t re fe ren ce
Me t h od ca te go ry
1 . Fol l ow th e ac ce pt an ce s t an d ar d
of c op pe r resi d ue t o do th e
judg me nt.
Cla s s - 1 10 X S eco n dar y
2. Gold res i du es on s p aci n g ar ea
or 2 o r 3 m i cr os c op e d ef ect
a re n ot a cc ep ta bl e .
3. Li ne w idt h ha s t o m at ch
drawi ng to le ra nc e.

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TPCA-F-001A
 1 - 6- 7 B liste r or Pe eling on pla ting a r ea
D e f i n i t i o n: F P C c o n d u c t o r a r e a t r e a t e d w i t h p l a t i n g o r c o a t i n g
(lik e: gol d plat ing; tin pl ati ng; O SP a nd s o o n ) f or p re v en t i ng o x i da t io n
o r tar nis h . Th at can gu ara nt ee the p o s t a s s em b ly p ro ce ss e s h av e b et t er
yield . When plat in g s olu tio n contr o l ab n o r mal l y, i t m i g h t c rea t e b l is ter
or p eeli ng t hat wi l l bri ng t he prob l em t o n ex t a s s em b l e.
A cc eptance st an da rd:
I n sp e c t i o n De f ec t
Cla ss J udgm ent re feren c e
Method ca t e go r y
10 X
Cla ss -1 B li st er or pee l ing is not Main
mi c r o s co p e
or 2 or 3 ac ce ptabl e. d ef e ct
3 M Ta p e

2. A ss em bled boar ds

2-1Co m p o n e n t s o l d e rin g

2 - 1 - 1 Missin g c ompo nen t

D e f i n i t i o n : I n F P C a s s e m b l y, c o m p o n e n t f a l l a w a y o r m i s s i n g
attac hm en t m ig ht a ffe ct th e product s fu n ct i o n ali t y.
A cc eptance st an dard:
In s p e ct i o n D ef ec t
Cla ss J udgm ent re feren c e
M et h o d ca t e go r y
Cla s s - 1 C o mponent mi ss i ng is n ot Vi s u al M ai n
or 2 o r 3 a cc ep ta ble. i n s p e ct i o n d e f ec t

2 - 1 - 2 Wro ng c ompon ent

D e f i n i t i o n: D u r i n g F P C a s s e m b l y t h e r e m i g h t b e c o m p o n e n t d i s-
loc ate d. These mi ght co me from so l d eri n g o r d ie a tt ac h is s u es an d th en
m ake p r oducts no fu nc tio n.
A c ce ptance st an da rd :
In s p e ct i o n D ef ec t
Cla ss J udgm ent re feren c e
M et h o d ca t e go r y
Cla s s - 1 Wron g com po nent i s no t Vi s u al Main
or 2 o r 3 a cc ept ab le . i n s p e ct i o n d ef e ct

IDB,MOEA
E 43
TPCA
 2 - 1 - 3 C ompo nen t re vers e o rie nta ti on
D e f i n i t i o n: B a r e b o a r d a s s e m b l y m i g h t h a v e c h a n c e t o a t t a c h t h e
c o m p o n e n t s a t i m p r o p e r o r i e n t a t i o n. T h e s e m i g h t c o m e f r o m i m a g i n g
p r oc es s a nd t he n m ake product s no f un ct i o n .
Acc ept a nc e standa rd :
I ns p ec t io n De fe ct
Cla s s J ud gm ent r ef ere nc e
M et h o d c at eg or y
Clas s -1 C omp on en ts s ol de ri n g wi t h wro n g Vis u al M ai n
o r 2 or 3 di rec t ion are no t a cce pt ab l e. i ns p ec t io n d ef ect

2 - 1 - 4 C ompo nen t s hift

D e f i n i t i o n : I n b o a r d a s s e m b l y, c o m p o n e n t s m i g h t h a v e c h a n c e
shifting then affect their appearance and final functionality or
r eliab ility.

Acc ept a nc e standa rd :

I n s p ec t i o n D ef e ct
Cla ss J udgmen t refe re n c e
M et h o d c at e g o ry
1. Shi ft >1/ 2 p ad w idt h or 1 / 2
com po ne nt wi dt h (t a ke the
s m al le r) are not ac ce pt ab l e .
2. Shi ft c au s e bri dging wit h
ne i gh bor lin e is not ac c ep ta b l e.
Clas s - 1 (main defect ) Vis u a l S ec on da ry
or 2 3. Bo t h te rmi na ls of c o mp o n e n t i n s p ect i on def e ct
prot rude d fr om t hei r pa d ar e as
a t t he s am e ti me and t h ei r
prot rusio ns a re not o n th e
sa m e si d e (not rotat ed) ar e no t
a cce pta bl e.

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

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TPCA-F-001A
 In s p ec ti o n D ef ect
Cla ss Judgm en t re feren c e
M et h o d cat e go ry
1. Shi ft >1/3 p ad wi dth o r 1 /3
com pone nt widt h (whi c hev e r is
small er ) a re not a cc ept ab l e.
2. Sh ift t he n contac t wi th n ei g h b o r
line is not acceptable.(main defect)
Vi s u al S ec on d ary
Cla ss -3 3. B ot h t ermi na l s of c o m po n en t
i n s p ect i o n de fec t
pro truded fro m t he ir pad are a s
at th e sa me ti me a nd t h ei r
protrusi on s are not on t h e
same s ide (no t rota t ed ) are n o t
ac cept ab le .

2 - 1- 5 C o ld J oint
D e f i n i t i o n : D u r i n g b o a r d a s s e m b l y, p o o r s o l d e r i n g c o n d i t i o n o r
ot her r e sons m igh t cau s e c old j oin t o r n on w e tt in g i s s u es . Th e se m ig h t
come f ro m low re fl ow t em pe rat ure o r co n t am i na t i o n an d th e n w il l su ffer
the f ina l f unc t ion al ity.

Acc ept an ce s t andard:

In sp e ct i o n De fect
Cla s s J u dg me nt re fer en ce
M e th o d cat e go ry
Cla s s - 1 Non wett i ng o r co ld j o in t ar e n o t 10 X M ain
or 2 o r 3 ac ce pt abl e. mi c ro s co p e d e fe ct

2 - 1 - 6 Br idgin g
Def in ition: In board as s embly, bet ween t ermi nal s of th e com po nent s m igh t
have chance to get bridging. T hes e m ig ht m ake fi nal fun ctio nal it y i mproperl y.

IDB,MOEA
E 45
TPCA
 Acc ept a nc e standa rd :
In sp e ct i o n De fect
Cla s s J u dg me nt re fer en ce
M e th o d cat e go ry
Cla s s - 1 An y bri dg ing from so l der in g wi l l Vi su a l M ain
or 2 o r 3 b e un -ac ce ptabl e. i ns p e ct i on d e fe ct

2 - 1 - 7 So lder En cro ach men t

Def ini ti on: B are d b oa rd a ss e mb l y m i g h t h a v e ch a n ce t o g et so l d er
p a r t i c l e s o n t h e p l a s t i c b o d y o f c o m p o n e n t s. T h e s e w i l l a ff e c t t h e
ap pe ar an ce of p ro du ct s o r fi na l fu n cti o n a li ty.

Acc ept an ce s t andard:

In sp e ct i o n De fect
Cla s s J u dg me nt re fer en ce
M e th o d cat e go ry
Cla s s - 1 Com pon ent body hav i ng s o ld e r 10 X Se co n d ary
or 2 o r 3 en cr oa chme nt a re n ot acc ep t ab l e. m ic ro s co p e d e fe ct

2 - 1- 8 F lux res idue

Definition: Bare board assembly has to use flux as wetting
p r o m o t e r. A f t e r r e f l o w, a l l r e s i d u e s s h a l l n o t s t a y o n a n y c o n d u c t o r
ar ea. Th ose wil l affec t produc ts ' fi n al f u n ct io n a l i ty.

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

E 46
TPCA-F-001A
 A cc eptance st an da rd:
I n s p ect i o n De fect
Cla s s Ju dg m en t re fe ren ce
Me t h od ca te go ry
A ny pi n; pad; o r no n s ol d er in g
Cla s s - 1 10 X M ain
area w ith flu x re si d ue s a re n o t
or 2 o r 3 m i c ro s co p e d e f ect
a cc ep ta ble

2 - 1 - 9 S olde r volu me
Definition: Bare board assembly will use solder to do the solder
joints. Any joint without enough solder volume then might have long
t er m r eliabi l ity o f the s tren gt h a nd f un ct i o n al i ty i s su e s.

A cc eptance st an da rd:
In s p ec t io n D ef ect
Cla ss J udgment refe re nc e
M et h o d c at ego r y
1 . Ch i p co nn ec tio n sol d er h e ig h t
have t o be h ighe r than 1/ 4
Cla ss -1 c om pone nt he ight . 10 X M ain
or 2 2. Gold e xp ose d a re a le s s t han m ic ro s co p e de fe ct
10 % of effec t ive area w il l b e
a cc ep ta ble .

IDB,MOEA
E 47
TPCA
 In s p ec t io n D ef ect
Cla ss J udgment refe re nc e
M et h o d c at ego r y
Vi s u al Se co nd ary
Cla ss - 3 De alt by m ut ua l .
i n s p ect i o n d ef ect

2 - 1 - 1 0 Solde r joint stre ngth

D e f i n i t i o n : A f t e r b o a r d a s s e m b l y, s o l d e r j o i n t s t r e n g t h a r e n o t
strong enough might cause long term reliability and functionality
is s ues .
Ac cept ance st an dard:
In s p e c ti o n D e fe ct
Cla ss J udgmen t refe re n ce
Method c a t eg o ry
B as ed o n co pp er foi l pe e l in g
stre ngt h cri teria 0.4 9 N/ m m ≦ G
(0. 56 kg/ cm ) to j udge th e s ol d er
C las s - 1 Pull or push M ai n
jo int st re ng th. The s tre ng th v a l u e
or 2 tester d e f ec t
s ha l l be bi gg er t ha n th a t to av o i d
t he de-at t achm ent from t h e co p pe r
p ad s.
Pull or push S e c o n da r y
C las s - 3 Dea lt by m utu al.
t e st e r d ef e ct

2 - 1 - 11 C omp one nts sid ew ay con ne c t ed

D e f i n i t i o n : I n b o a r d a s s e m b l y, c o m p o n e n t s m i g h t h a v e c h a n c e
t o g e t f l i p p i n g o r r o t a t i n g, t h e n s i d e w a y p o s i t i o n o r c o m p o n e n t s
s tan ding mig ht ha ppen. Th os e will a ffe c t p ro du c t s a p p ear a n ce an d fi n a l
f unc ti ona lity.

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

E 48
TPCA-F-001A
 Acc ept an ce s t andard:
I ns p ec t io n Def ect
Cla s s J udgm en t re fe ren c e
M et h o d c at eg or y

Clas s -1 C om pone nts si d e co nn ect i o n is n o t Vi su a l M ai n

o r 2 or 3 a cc ep ta ble . i ns p e ct i on d efe ct

2- 1 - 12 C o mpone nts d ef e ct / dama gin g / c o nta min ate d

D e f i n i t i o n : I n b o a r d a s s e m b l y, c o m p o n e n t s m i g h t h a v e d a m a g e;
c r a c k i n g; o r c o n t a m i n a t e d. T h a t m i g h t c a u s e p r o d u c t w o n 't w o r k a n d
lo ss th eir fu nc tio na lit y.

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
I ns p ec t io n Def ect
Cla s s J ud gm ent r ef ere n ce
M et h o d c at ego r y
1. C om po ne nt cra ck i ng o r
damagi ng is no t ac ce pt ab l e.
Cla s s - 1 10 X M ai n
2. C om pone nt an d FPC it s el f s h al l
or 2 o r 3 m ic ro s co p e d efe ct
n ot have conta mi n at i on ; d eb r is ;
fore i gn m ateri al .

2 - 1 - 1 3 Glue
D e f i n i t i o n: I n o r d e r t o i n c r e a s e t h e a d h e r i n g s t r e n g t h o f t h e
components to stand for all of the problems it may occur during
c u s t o m e r ´s a s s e m b l y p r o c e s s o r e x t e r n a l f o r c e , a f t e r s o l d e r i n g w i t h
t h e c o m p o n e n t s, c o a t i n g w i t h U V g l u e o r t h e r m o s e t t i n g g l u e o n t h e
c om pone nt s s ol de ri ng a rea t o ach i ev e th e pu rp os e o f s t ren g t hen i n g t h e
s ol der i ng jo int s.

IDB,MOEA
E 49
TPCA
 A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
In s p e c ti o n D e fe ct
Cla ss J udgmen t refe re n ce
Method c a t eg o ry

1. De-la m inati on or pe el i n g
be t wee n glu e and the F P C s u rf a ce
i s n ot a cc ept abl e .
2. If the g lue ha sn´t b eco m e d ry,
it is no t ac ce pt able .
C las s - 1 3. Glue a rea sh ould p ro t ect t h e 10 X S ec o n da ry
or 2 s old erin g joi nts e ffec t i v ely. m agn i f i er d e f ect
4. I f th e gl ue a i r bub ble i s ＜
1 mm an d wi thout e xpos in g t h e
s ol dering area , it is ac ce p tab l e .
5. G lue o n the IC a re a sh o u l d n ot
co ve r the com pone nt s su rfa ce .

10 X Sec o n d ary
Cla s s - 3 10 X ma gni fier
m ag ni f i er d ef ect

2-2 Co n n e c t o r s o l d e r in g

2 - 2 - 1 So lder ing s hifting

D e f i n i t i o n : I n b o a r d a s s e m b l y, a s t h e s o l d e r i n g p r o c e s s o r o t h e r
issues cause the solder joints shifting, then might let make FPC poor
a pp ea ra n ce a n d el ec tri cal pe rf or ma nce ab n o rm al l y.

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

E 50
TPCA-F-001A
 Acc ept an ce s t andard:
I n sp e ct i on De f ect
Cla s s J udg me nt ref er en ce
M et h o d c at ego r y
1. Shif tin g >1 /3 s o l de r p ad wi d t h
o r 1/ 3 com po ne nt le ad s w id t h
(ch os e sma lle r) ar e no t ac ce p ta b le .
Cla s s - 1 2. Shifti n g caus e br i dg in g wi th Vi su a l Se co n d ar y
or 2 n ei ghbor l eads a re n ot acc ep t ab l e. i ns p e ct i on d e fect
3. Co nnec t or l ea d s hi ft o u t s i d e
direc t io n of so ld er p ad ar e n o t
ac ce pt abl e.

Vi s u al S eco n d ary
Cla ss - 3 De al t b y mut ua l .
i n s p ect i o n de fe ct

2 - 2 - 2 L iftin g
D e f i n i t i o n : I n b o a r d a s s e m b l y, a s t h e l e a d s l i f t i n g t h a t w i l l m a k e
poo r a ppe ara nc e a nd wea k j oi n t s t ren g t h . Th o s e a re th e s e ri o u s d e fect s
f or lo ng term reli ab i lit y and el e ct ri ca l p e rf or m an ce .

IDB,MOEA
E 51
TPCA
 Acc ep ta nc e st a ndard:
I ns p e ct i on De fect
Cla s s J udgm en t re fe ren c e
M e th o d c at eg o ry
1.C onn ecti ng le ad s l i ft in g (H)
Cla s s - 1 s ha l l be les s than 0. 3m m . 10 X S ec o nd ar y
or 2 2. Sol de r vo lum e sh al l m a tc h m io cr o sc o p e d e fect
s old er v ol ume s t an da rd .
1. C onn ecti ng le ad s l i ft in g (H)
sh al l b e l es s t ha n 0 .2 mm . 10 X S e co nd ary
C las s - 3
2. Sol de r vo lum e s ha ll ma t ch m io c ro s co p e d e fe ct
s ol der v ol u me s t an da rd .

2- 2 - 3 S o ld er volume
D ef init ion : In board a ssem bl y, as t he j oi n t of co n nec t or l e ads d i d n 't
s h o w e n o u g h s o l d e r v o l u m e. T h e s e m i g h t c a u s e s t r e n g t h p r o b l e m a n d
l ong ter m r el ia bil i ty.

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
In s p e ct i o n D ef ec t
Cla ss J ud gm ent re fe ren c e
M et h o d ca t e go r y
1. The j oin t he i ght of b o t h
si d e an d ta e en d of c omp o ne n t
l eads s hould b e higher t han 1 / 3
th ic kness of l eads .
C las s - 1 2 . If connec t ing l ead s s h ift i n g , 10 X S ec o n d ar y
or 2 sol de r on o ne s i de of le ad s s h all m i o cr o s c o p e d e f ec t
h ighe r t ha n 1/ 2 t hickne ss o f lea d s .
3. Go ld expo sure on Sol d er p a d
a rea sh all be l es s tha n 1 0 % o f
e ffec tiv e are a.

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TPCA-F-001A
 In s p ect i o n D ef ect
Cla ss J u dg me nt referen ce
M et h o d ca t ego r y
10 X Se co nd ary
Clas s - 3 Dea lt by m ut ual.
m i o cro s co p e d ef ect

2 - 2 - 4 Wro ng pa rts
D e f i n i t i o n: I n b o a r d a s s e m b l y, f o r p r o c e s s e s i s s u e s , c o m p o n e n t s
ma y b e us e d wrongly, a nd th en FP C w o n 't p e r fo r m t he ri gh t fu n c ti o n s .
Ac ce pt an ce s ta nd ar d:
I ns p ec t io n Def ect
Cla s s J ud gm ent r ef ere n ce
M et h o d c at ego r y

Cla s s - 1 Wrong co mp onen t s ar e n o t Vis u a l M ain

or 2 o r 3 ac ce pt abl e. i n sp e ct i on de fe ct

2 - 2 - 5 Flu x re sidu e
D e f i n i t i o n: I n b o a r d a s s e m b l y, f o r t h e b e t t e r w e t t a b i l i t y m a k e r s
wil l u se f lux as promo te r. Bu t t he res i d u e sh a ll no t st a y o n j o in t a rea.
Oth er wis e the se wil l a ffe ct th e FP C fi n al el e ct ri ca l pe rf o rm an ce .

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
In s pe ct i o n D efect
Cla s s J udgme nt ref er en ce
M et h o d ca t ego ry

An y co nnec tor' s p in ; p ad ; no n
Cla ss -1 10 X M ai n
so lderi ng a rea wi t h fl ux re si d u e
or 2 or 3 m ic ro s co p e d ef ect
are no t ac ce pta bl e.

IDB,MOEA
E 53
TPCA
 2 - 2 - 6 Termina l dis tortion
D e f i n i t i o n : I n b o a r d a s s e m b l y, c o n n e c t o r s m i g h t d e f o r m e d b y
str es s or o ther force . T ha t w i l l affec t co n n ec t or 's a p p ea ra nc e an d m ake
s old er jo int s tren gt h un de r r eq ui re men t . T he s e wi l l l e t s o l d er j o i nt an d
ele ctr ica l re liabi lit y un-a cc ep ta bl e .

A cc ep ta nc e s ta nd ard:
I n s p ect i o n De fect
Cla ss J ud gment refe re nc e
M et h o d cat e go ry
Th e de fo rm ati on of conn e cto r
C las s - 1 Vi s u al M ai n
t er min al defor ma ti on is n o t
o r 2 or 3 in s p ec ti o n d efe ct
ac ce ptabl e.
2 - 2 - 7 S olde r climbin g
Def ini ti on: In board a ss e mbl y, t o o m u ch s o ld e r si p h o n ed u p t o t he
u ppe r po rt io n of t erm inal and m ight m ake b rid g i n g b e tw ee n t erm i n al s o r
mak e un -n ece ssary bondi ng .

Acc ept an ce s t andard:

In s p ect i o n De fect
Cla ss Judgm en t re fe ren c e
Me t ho d ca te go ry
Sol de r s iphone d he i ght ov e r 1 / 3
Cla ss -1 10 X S ec on d ar y
co nnec tor's he ight wil l ca u s e
or 2 m i cr o sc o pe d ef ect
reje ct .

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

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 I n s p ec t i o n De f ec t
Cla ss J udgm e nt refere n ce
Me t h o d ca t e go r y
10 X S e c on d ar y
Clas s - 3 Dea lt by m ut ual.
m i cr o s c o p e d e f ec t

2 - 2 - 8 So lder spla sh ing

Def ini ti on: In b oa rd a ss em bl y, s ol d e r s pl a s h i n g o n t e r mi n a l m ig h t
ma ke p oo r c onta ct or b ri dgi ng betw een t e rmi n a l s .

Acc ept a nc e standa rd :

I ns p ec t io n De fect
Cla s s J udg me nt ref er en ce
M et h o d c at ego r y

1. C on ta ct pi ns i n co nn ect o r
s pla sh ed so l de r are n ot ac ce p ta b le .
Clas s -1 2 . C on ne ct or's p l as t ic b o d y wi t h 10 X S e co n d ar y
or 2 sp la she d sol de r is no t a cce pt a bl e . mi cr o sc o pe d e fect
3. Go ld fi ng ers wi t h s pl as h ed
so lder a re n ot a cc ep ta bl e .

10 X S ec o n d ar y
Cla ss - 3 Dea l t by mu tua l.
m i cro s c o pe d ef ect

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 P o st s c r ip t
A s t h i s s t a n d a r d " Vi s u a l I n s p e c t i o n A c c e p t a b i l i t y o f F l e x i b l e
P r i n t e d C i r c u i t s" c a n b e c o m p l e t e d i n t i m e w e h a v e t o a p p r e c i a t e
for Industrial Development Bureau Ministry of Economic Affairs set
a p r o j e c t t o s u p p o r t i t. G o t h o r o u g h T P C A S t a n d a r d s C o m m i t t e e's
o per atio n t hen we c ou ld s et t he fl ex ib l e b o a rd w or ki n g g r ou p t o e x ecu te
th e p lan .

I n the p ro gres sin g w e h av e t o t ha nk f or al l r el at ed m em b er s i nv ol v e

this plan constructing; data collection; analyzing; editing; discussion;
test r u n a n d r e v i e w. A f t e r t h a t, t h e n w e d o t h e c o m p l i c a t e d c o r r e c t i n g
an d re o rga n iz at i o n. We h ave to tha nk t h e wo rk in g g ro up war m ly in v ol v e
a nd s h ar e t h ei r e xperi en ce ; b e autif u l pho t o pi ct u res an d so o n. He re we
li k e t o p rai s e t h e m emb ers a s fo ll o w :

Mr. Adam Chan, Mr. Allen Chen, Mr. Chi-Chang Tsai,

Mr. Chin Hung Yen , Mr. Joe Wu , Mr. Kelven Chen ,
Mr. Kylm Kang, Mr. Tony Chen, Ms. Michelle Hung,
Mr. Keith Young, Ms. Sophia Huang

F o r m a k e t h e d o c u m e n t c o n f i d e n t l y, w e h a v e t o t h a n k o u r s e n i o r
T P C A t e c h n o l o g y c o n s u l t a n t M r. F r a n k B a i ' s d e t a i l r e v i e w i t f o r u s
a n d h e l p t o c o r r e c t a n d u n i f y t h e t e r m f o r l o c a l i n d u s t r y. I n t h e s a m e
t i m e w e l i k e t o t h a n k o u r T P C A c o n s u l t a n t M r. D e n n i s L i n f o r h i s
tr a ns latin g su pp or ts. Thi s wi l l be rea l ly h el p fu l fo r u s t o p ro m ot e i t t o
th e inter n ati on al e asi er.

F i n a l l y, w e h a v e t h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n t a b l e a s t h e a t t a c h m e n t. I f y o u
h av e a ny r e co mme nd at i on or qu es t i on , th en ca n w ri t e d own an d s e n d u s
a s the f ut ure i m prov em ent r efe renc e. G ot y o ur re m in di n g a n d re s po n s e
wi ll be re a l ly appre ciat e .

Al ex Ki n g
F eb . 2 0 1 0

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

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 Visual Inspection Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits Improvement
為了維持準則內容的準確性與瞭解業界之接受程度，煩請您播冗回覆以下問題，您的意見將作為我
們日後 修正 及 改進 的 方向 ， 謝謝 您 的 熱 心 參 與 !
The purpose of this form is to provide the criteria to be more practical and persuasive, please spent a few time to fill
this form. You comments will be collected to be the basis of our revision in the future. TPCA appreciate your enthusiasm.
公司/ C o m pa n y： 姓 名 / N am e： 職 稱/ Titl e ：
E-mai l：
電 話 /T EL ： 傳 真 / F ax ： 手機/M o bil e Pho ne ：
Please rate each item from the lowest of 1 (=extremely dissatisfied) to the highest of 5 (= satisfied)
or N o C omm en t. 請勾 選 下 表 ， 由 低 分 1 至 滿分 5或 無意 見。
1 . 滿 意度 調 查： C on te n t Sa t is fa ct i o n
1- 1 內容 完 整性 及 流 暢 性 滿 意 度 / T h e In t eg ri ty a nd Flue n cy o f the co nt en ts
D e g ree 1 2 3 4 5 N o Co mmen t
空 板/ Ba r e F P C
搭載元件組裝板/Assembled Boards
1- 2文 字敘 述是否 明 確 易 懂/ Cl ea r D e scri p ti o n an d Ea s y to R e ad
De gr ee 1 2 3 4 5 No C omm en t
空 板/ B a re FP C
搭載元件組裝板/Assembled Boards
1 -3 版面編 輯與 圖片 清 晰 度 / P ag e-E d it io n an d p hot ogr ap h -d e fin it io n
De g ree 1 2 3 4 5 N o C omme nt
空 板/ B a re FP C
搭載元件組裝板/Assembled Boards
2. 請問您 對此規 範 準 則 的總 評 ？ O v e ral l S a t is fa ct io n
D eg re e 1 2 3 4 5 N o C o mme nt
整體滿意度Overall Satisfaction of Criteria
3 . 請 問您 同意 準 則內 容嗎 ? D o y o u ag r ee w it h thi s c on te nt of C rit er ia ?
□ 完全 同意 / Ye s , t o t al l y a g re e
□不 完 全同 意， 內 容 建 議 修 改 : N o , I w o u ld l ik e t o r ec o mme nd s ome ch a nge s f or co rre c tio n.
章 節/ Ch a pt er 建議 /Re c om me nda ti on

* If t hi s f o r m is n o t e n o u g h to u s e, p le as e add this for m by your s e lf.

4 . 您 的其 他 寶貴 意見 /O th e r S u g g es t io n s fo r d o cu me nt imp rov em en t:

Plea se c o m pl e t e t h is fo r m a n d retu r n to :
TPC A Co nt a c t Win d o w ：S o p h ia Hu a n g T EL ： 886-3-3815659 # 404 Fax: 886-3-3815150
E-mai l： serv ic e@t pc a . org . t w ; s o p h i a@ tp c a . o rg. tw
If you have any question, please email to Sophia Huang. ([email protected] ) I appreciate your kindly help.

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 附 件 Appendix

中 文 版 C h i n e se
1-1-1
等級 判定標準 檢驗方法 缺點分類 頁碼

1.邊緣缺損範圍不可超過板邊至最近
導體所形成間距的1/2或未超過2.5
1,2級 mm (取其中較小者)。 10倍放大 次缺 C 11
2.圖面定義之動態彎折區域，板邊不
可有破損或缺損不良

3級 由供需雙方商定 10倍放大 次缺 C 11

1 - 1 - 1 0 EMI 表 面針孔或 缺損
定義:EMI薄膜，是ㄧ種防止電磁干擾材料，製程作業方式和
coverlay加工相似，首先先將EMI預貼於FPC表面，再以高溫、高壓作
業方式，將EMI貼附於 FPC 表面。EMI 薄膜同時具有防電磁干擾與耐
折之特性。
允收標準:
等級 判定標準 檢驗方法 缺點分類 頁碼
1.E M I 表面缺損發生在 E M I和銅箔接
觸區 域(EM I表面凹陷區域) ， 不 允 收
2.排除第一點區域，其他EMI表面針
孔/缺損 小於 0. 2mm 不管制 ，允 收
3.EMI 沖製邊緣絕緣油墨缺損，不裸
1,2級 10倍放大 次缺 C16
露導體 ，允 收
4.E M I缺損最長區域小於3m m以下 ，
可用符合GP規格油墨進行修補，修
補後需達可絕緣效果，且使用溶劑
擦 拭不 可脫落
3級 由供需雙方決定由供需雙方決定 10倍放大 次缺 C16

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1-3-1-5
等級 判定標準 檢驗方法 缺點分類 頁碼

1.刮痕不能露出導體
1,2級 10倍放大 次缺 C25
2.刮痕深度(d)≤1/3保護膜厚度(L)

刮痕深度(d)≤1/5保護膜厚度(L) ，如
3級 雙方對於刮痕深度判定有疑慮，需以 10倍放大 次缺 C25
切片手法做為刮痕深度最終判定依據

1-3-2-6
等級 判定標準 檢驗方法 缺點分類 頁碼

1.刮痕不能露出導體
1,2級 10倍放大 次缺 C29
2.刮痕深度(d)≤1/3油墨厚度(L)

刮痕深度(d)≤1/5油墨厚度(L)，如雙
3級 方對於刮痕深度判定有疑慮，需以切 10倍放大 次缺 C29
片手法做為刮痕深度最終判定依據

2-1-4
等級 判定標準 檢驗方法 缺點分類 頁碼

1.偏移量>1/2焊墊寬或1/2零件寬(取其
中較小 者) ，不 允收
2.偏移若接觸到鄰近線路者，不允收
1,2級 目視 次缺 C37
(主 缺)
3.零件腳端2端同時偏移突出焊墊，且
雙 向突 出不 在同一 側(歪 斜 )， 不 允 收

1.偏移量>1/3焊墊寬或1/3零件寬(取其
中較小者)， 不允收
2.偏移若接觸到鄰近線路，不允收(主
3級 目視 次缺 C38
缺)
3.零件腳端2端同時偏移突出焊墊，且
雙向突出不 在同 一側 (歪 斜 )， 不 允 收

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 2 - 1 - 1 3 點膠標 準
定義 : 為增加零件附著強度，避免客戶組裝過程或外力因素，在零
件焊接後，於零件焊接區域，塗佈一層 UV膠或熱固膠，作為強化焊點
保護之目的。
允收標準:
等級 判定標準 檢驗方法 缺點分類 頁碼

1.點膠和 FPC 表面不可分層或脫落

2.點膠未乾情形，不允收
3.點膠區域需有效保護焊點 10倍放大
1,2級 次缺 C42
4.點膠氣泡小於1mm以下，且不裸
露焊接區域，可允收
5.IC 區域點膠不可覆蓋零件表面

3級 10倍放大鏡 10倍放大 次缺 C42

2-2-1
等級 判定標準 檢驗方法 缺點分類 頁碼

1.偏移量>1/3焊墊寬或1/3零件寬(較
小者)，不允收
2.偏移若接觸到鄰近線路，不允收
1,2級 目視 次缺 C43
(主缺)
3.連接器端橫向偏移突出基板焊墊端
邊界，不允收

3級 由供需雙方商定 目視 次缺 C43

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英 文版 E n g li s h

1 - 1 - 1 0 E MI S ur fa c e P in Hole or Da ma ge
D e f i n i t i o n : E M I i s a n a n t i - e l e c t r o m a g n e t i c m a t e r i a l . F i r s t l y.
Laminate EMI on the FPC, then, through high temperature and
high pressure to laminate the EMI on the FPC. The EMI has the
ch ar ac ter ist ics of bot h ant i-el ec tro m ag n e t ic i n f ere n ce a n d b e n d in g .
Acceptance standard:
I ns pe c t i o n De f e ct
Cla ss J udg me nt refere nc e P ag e
Me t h o d c a t eg o r y
1.If EMI surface defect occur between
EMI and copper exposed area(EMI
surface concave area) is not acceptable.
2.Exclude the area stated by point one,
other pin holes/ damage on the EMI
surface are ＜0.2mm, it is acceptable.
3.If there is insulated ink damage on
Cla s s- the EMI punching edge and without 10 X S ec on dar y
E18
1 o r 2 exposing the conductive, it is acceptable. ma gn if i er d e fec t
4.If the longest area of EMI damage is
＜3mm, it is allowed to be repaired
by the ink which is consist with GP
requirement. The insulation results
should be achieved after repair and
the peeling problem after wiping with
emulsion is not allowable.
10 X S eco n dar y
C la s s- 3 Dea lt by mu tual E 18
ma gn if i er d efe c t
1-4-1
I n spe c t i o n De f ec t
Cla ss Jud gm ent re fe ren c e Page
M et h o d c at e g o r y
1 . Sold er ing area cont a min at e d by
Clas s- i nk is not ac ce pt able . 10 X S e c o nd a r y
E34
1 or 2 2. Sh ift ing ha ve t o be le s s t h an m icr o s c op e d e fe c t
0.3mm
10 X S e co n d a r y
Clas s- 3 Dea l t by mut ua l. E34
mi cr o s co p e d e fe c t

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 2 - 1 - 1 3 Glue
D e f i n i t i o n: I n o r d e r t o i n c r e a s e t h e a d h e r i n g s t r e n g t h o f t h e
components to stand for all of the problems it may occur during
c u s t o m e r ´s a s s e m b l y p r o c e s s o r e x t e r n a l f o r c e, a f t e r s o l d e r i n g w i t h
t h e c o m p o n e n t s, c o a t i n g w i t h U V g l u e o r t h e r m o s e t t i n g g l u e o n t h e
co mpo ne nts so ldering area t o ach i ev e t h e p u rp o se o f st r en g th e n in g t he
s old er ing jo int s.
Acce pt an ce s ta nd ar d:
In s p ec t io n Def ec t
Cla s s J u dg me nt re fer en ce P ag e
M et h o d ca te g o ry
1. De-la min at i on o r pe el in g
be twee n gl ue a nd th e FPC s u rf ac e
is not a cc epta bl e .
2. If th e gl u e ha sn ´t be co m e d ry,
it i s n ot acc ept ab le .
Cla ss - 3. Glu e area s hou ld p ro t ect t he 10 X S ec o n d ar y
E 50
1 o r 2 s ol de ri ng jo int s e ffec t iv el y. m agn i f i er d e f ec t
4. If th e gl u e a i r bu bb l e i s ＜
1 mm an d wi tho ut e xp os i n g t h e
s ol der ing area , i t i s ac cep t ab l e .
5. G lue o n the IC are a s ho u l d n o t
c o ve r the com pone nt s su rfa ce .
10 X S e c on da r y
Clas s- 3 1 0 X m agni fie r E5 0
mag n i fi er d e fec t

Visual Inspect ion Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits

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Note

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 國家圖書館出版品預行編目資料

軟性電路板(FPC)外觀允收準則
Visual Inspection Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits
/台灣電路板協會 規範研究委員會 編審
初版 桃園縣大園鄉:TPCA,2010
面；19*26公分,
ISBN 9789868555372 平裝

軟性電路板(FPC)外觀品質允收準則
Visual Inspection Acceptability of Flexible Printed Circuits
發行人: 陳正雄
Publisher: Simon Chen, Chairman of Taiwan Printed Circuit Association
指 導 單 位 ： 經濟部工業局
Supervisor ：IDB, MOEA
發 行 單 位 ： 經 濟 部 工 業 局 ‧ 台 灣 電 路 板協會
Publishing Office: IDB, MOEA ‧ TPCA
編 審 單 位 ： 台 灣 電 路 板 協 會 規 範 研 究委員會
E d i t o r : T P C A Sta n d a rd Co m m itte e
執 行 單 位 ： 軟 板 外 觀 品 質 允 收 準 則 工 作小組
Organizer: FPC working group
地 址 ： 3 3 7 桃 園 縣 大 園 鄉 高 鐵 北 路 二段147號
Address: No. 147, Sec.2, Gaotie N. Rd., Dayuan, Taoyuan 33743, Taiwan
TEL: 886-3-3815659
FAX: 886-3-3815150
E-mail: [email protected]
初 版 日 期 ：2010年 9月
Date of Issue: Sep., 2010
再 版 日 期 ： 2012年10月
定價: 會員NT$250元；非會員NT$400元
Price: TPCA Member: NT$250; Nonmember: NT$400

著作 權 所 有 ，請 勿 擅 自 轉 載 或 翻 印
Copyright of this report belongs to the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association.
Reproduction or copied in any way is forbidden without premission.