We sat down with Dr. Tech. Outi Rusanen, Principal Interconnection Specialist at TactoTek, to discuss the critical importance of standardization for emerging technologies like In-Mold Structural Electronics (IMSE®). Outi is a globally recognized expert in electronics and international standardization, having played a key role in advancing IMSE globally, including contributing to the first IEC standard for the technology. Her work in standardization at TactoTek helps accelerate the adoption of IMSE technology and strengthens its foundation worldwide.
Standards are requirements or guidelines established by consensus and based on science and technology. For an emerging field like IMSE, standardization is an excellent tool for promoting the technology and communicating its value.
A key benefit is its effect on the supply chain: when a standard defines how to characterize material quality, all material suppliers use the same methodology. This ensures that results are comparable, speeding up verification and driving material development, ultimately benefiting the entire ecosystem.
We started by finding relevant organizations, specifically the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and the IPC Global Electronics Association, and both have since expanded their scope to cover IMSE.
We have already contributed to two published standards:
Looking ahead, we are contributing to an important technical report on printed electronics recycling with IMSE included, which I believe will evolve into future sustainability standards. Additionally, we are actively working with IPC on a standard for accelerating reliability testing.
TactoTek embraces its role as a forerunner, and because top management understands the role of standardization, we receive the necessary resources. I spend about 20% of my working time on this, and many of my colleagues contribute as well.
The work is a challenging team effort that typically takes between 2 and 5 years per standard. It involves formulating the idea, drafting documents, and sitting in numerous review meetings globally. A standard is published only after it has been reviewed by tens, if not more than a hundred people, achieving consensus within project teams, working groups, and national committees.
I enjoy learning new things, such as how to write a standard, and I love working within this global community. The collaboration yields something bigger than any one person.
One unforgettable moment was when IEC published the first-ever IMSE standard. Another very special achievement was last year when I received the 1906 award, which felt like an acknowledgment for the whole TactoTek company.
I see us continuing to develop standards in more areas, particularly in sustainability. I also look forward to my younger TactoTek colleagues taking a bigger role in standardization to continue this vital work.
