IEC TS 60286-6-1:2023

Packaging of components for automatic handling - Part 6-1: Bulk case packaging for miniaturized surface mounting components

IEC TS 60286-6-1:2023 specifies a bulk case capable of containing miniaturized surface mount components of sizes within the range of 0402M to 1005M (see Table 1 for explanation of the codes). The bulk case is designed for transport and storage of components and to supply of components directly or by an appropriate feeder to the placement machine. The bulk case is equipped with a coupling interface to enable its automatic handling, e.g. by a robot or automatic handling machines.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 08-Nov-2023
• ICS: 31.020 - Electronic components in general
• Technical Committee: TC 40 - Capacitors and resistors for electronic equipment
• Drafting Committee: WG 36 - TC 40/WG 36
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 09-Nov-2023
• Completion Date: 11-Aug-2023

Overview

IEC TS 60286-6-1:2023 is a Technical Specification that defines a bulk case packaging concept for miniaturized surface-mount devices (SMD). The standard covers a bulk case designed for transport, storage and automated supply of miniaturized surface mount components in the metric size range 0402M to 1005M. The bulk case includes a coupling interface for automatic handling (e.g., robot or automatic handling machines) and is intended to feed components directly or via an appropriate feeder to placement machines.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Component size range: Supports metric codes 0402M, 0603M, 1005M (see Table 1 for equivalence to inch codes).
• Bulk case outline and interfaces: Defines general form, T‑slot coupling interface (T‑Slot bar) and chucking features for automatic handling.
• Shutter mechanism: Requires a slide combined with a shutter to open/close the access hole; shutter actuated via an actuating hole after identity checks to prevent mixing.
• Critical dimensions: Provides dimensional specifications (examples: overall length ~110 mm, height ~36 mm, actuating hole diameter ~2.7 mm) and tolerances in Table 2 and Figure 3.
• Material requirements: Case material shall be transparent or translucent, must not impair electrical/mechanical properties, solderability or markings, and must be safe for electrostatic-sensitive components.
• Mechanical performance: Cases must retain components without damage throughout transport, storage and use; Annex C provides example test methods for mechanical robustness.
• Marking and labelling: Space for a peelable label is required; Annex B discusses label content, materials and adhesion.
• Packing capacity: Annex A gives guidance on typical component quantities for resistors and capacitors in this bulk case.
• IP and licensing note: IEC highlights that implementation may involve existing patent claims; the patent holder indicated willingness to negotiate licences free of charge (see document for details).

Applications and Who Uses It

This specification is practical for:

• Electronic component manufacturers developing standardized bulk case packaging for SMDs.
• Packaging material suppliers designing transparent/translucent cases with T‑slot coupling.
• EMS (electronics manufacturing services) and PCB assembly facilities using automatic handling, robots and placement machines.
• Machine builders creating feeders and automatic loading equipment that interface with bulk cases.
• Supply chain and logistics teams responsible for secure transport and storage of miniaturized SMDs.

Benefits include improved compatibility with automated pick-and-place workflows, reduced component mixing, and standardized dimensions for robot-friendly handling.

Related Standards

• IEC 60286 series - Packaging of components for automatic handling
• IEC 60286-6 (Edition 2.0, 2004) - earlier bulk/packaging guidance for surface-mount components

Keywords: IEC TS 60286-6-1:2023, bulk case, miniaturized surface mount components, SMD packaging, automatic handling, T‑slot, shutter mechanism, placement machine.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC TS 60286-6-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2023-11
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
colour
inside
Packaging of components for automatic handling –
Part 6-1: Bulk case packaging for miniaturized surface mounting components

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IEC TS 60286-6-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2023-11
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
colour
inside
Packaging of components for automatic handling –

Part 6-1: Bulk case packaging for miniaturized surface mounting components

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 31.020  ISBN 978-2-8322-7707-2

– 2 – IEC TS 60286-6-1:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Requirements for the bulk case . 6
4.1 Case outline . 6
4.2 Shutter mechanism . 7
4.3 Dimensions . 7
4.4 Material . 9
4.5 Mechanical characteristics of the bulk case . 10
4.5.1 Mechanical stability . 10
4.5.2 Performance and test methods . 10
5 Marking of the bulk case . 10
5.1 General . 10
5.2 Recycling . 10
Annex A (informative) Packing capacity . 11
A.1 Component types . 11
A.2 Component quantities . 11
Annex B (informative) Label information. 12
B.1 Label material . 12
B.2 Label adhesion . 12
B.3 Label content . 12
Annex C (informative) Examples of requirements and test methods . 13
Bibliography . 14

Figure 1 – Bulk case – General view . 7
Figure 2 – Bulk case – Photographic view . 7
Figure 3 – Dimensions of the bulk case . 8
Figure B.1 – Example of a label with bar code . 12
Figure B.2 – Example of a label with a 2D symbol . 12
Figure B.3 – Example of a label with bar code and a 2D symbol . 12

Table 1 – Size codes for components . 6
Table 2 – Dimension of the bulk case . 9
Table A.1 – Typical quantities of Capacitors in the bulk case . 11
Table A.2 – Typical quantities of Resistors in the bulk case . 11
Table C.1 – Examples of requirements and test methods for the bulk case . 13

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
PACKAGING OF COMPONENTS FOR AUTOMATIC HANDLING –

Part 6-1: Bulk case packaging for miniaturized
surface mounting components
FOREWORD
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rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC TS 60286-6-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 40: Capacitors and resistors
for electronic equipment. It is a Technical Specification.
The text of this Technical Specification is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
40/3038/DTS 40/3066/RVDTS
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this Technical Specification is English.

– 4 – IEC TS 60286-6-1:2023 © IEC 2023
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at https://www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC
are described in greater detail at https://www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60286 series, published under the general title Packaging of
components for automatic handling, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
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INTRODUCTION
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