IPC TM-650 2.1.1E

Abstract

This procedure is to be used for preparing a metallographic specimen of printed wiring products. The finished microsection is used for evaluating the quality of the laminate system and the plated-through holes (PTHs). The PTHs can be evaluated for characteristics of the copper foils, plating, and/or coatings to determine compliance with applicable specification requirements. The same basic procedures may be used for mounting and examination of other areas. Because manual metallographic sample preparation is regarded by many as essentially an art, this method describes those techniques that have been found to be generally acceptable. It does not attempt to be so specific as to allow no acceptable variations that can differentiate metallographers. Furthermore, the success of these techniques remains highly dependent upon the skill of the individual metallographer.