Definition

IPC Class 3 defines acceptance criteria for high-performance electronic products where continued performance or performance-on-demand is critical, and downtime cannot be tolerated. Applications include life-support medical equipment, flight-critical avionics, and military systems. Class 3 requires tighter tolerances, better plating quality, larger annular rings, and more thorough inspection. Manufacturing costs are higher due to lower yields and additional testing. Class 3 is specified when reliability is paramount.