BS EN 61249-4-1:2008

What is BS EN 61249-4-1 – Materials for printed boards about?

BS EN 61249-4-1 is an international standard that focuses on sectional specification set for prepreg materials.

BS EN 61249-4-1 gives requirements for properties of prepreg, which is mainly intended to be used as bonding sheets in connection with laminates according to IEC 61249-2-7 when manufacturing multilayer boards in line with IEC 62326-4. This material may be also used to bond other types of laminates.

BS EN 61249-4-1 stipulates the technicalities such as materials, construction, properties related to the prepreg appearance, B stage, and after curing to C stage, delivery form, quality assurance, packaging, marking, and shelf life of prepreg.

Who is BS EN 61249-4-1 – Materials for printed boards for?

BS EN 61249-4-1 on materials for printed boards is useful for:

• Manufacturers of printed circuit boards (PCBs)
• Manufacturers of electronic components and interconnecting structures
• Manufacturers and suppliers of laminate sheets 
• Quality control and testing personnel
• Regulatory authorities
• Inspection authorities

Why should you use BS EN 61249-4-1 – Materials for printed boards?

The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is essential in all electronic devices, whether they are used for residential or industrial applications. In a multi-processor context, the interconnection arrangement can determine total system performance. 

BS EN 61249-4-1 describes that prepreg has defined flammability (vertical burning test). It gives the flammability rating on fully cured prepreg, which is achieved through the use of brominated fire retardants contained as an integral part of the polymeric structure. This helps the users with the lamination according to the consumer’s instructions.

BS EN 61249-4-1 covers the best industry guidance on materials and construction, reference standards’ test methods to verify electrical properties along with their requirements, and non-electrical properties of the prepreg materials. Reference test methods for properties such as flexural strength, flammability, measling, amongst others, and their respective requirements are also covered.

If you are a manufacturer, you can also improve your quality management systems by adopting best industry practices for conformance and qualification inspection and exhibiting compliance with BS EN 61249-4-1 specifications.

Compliance with requirements and tests provided by BS EN 61249-4-1 can thus demonstrate the reliability, quality, and performance of materials for printed boards and interconnecting structures.