IP67 vs IP68: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
IP67 vs IP68: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
A practical guide to ingress protection ratings for waterproof electronics and membrane selection.
What Do IP67 and IP68 Mean?
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are defined by IEC standard 60529. The first digit (6) indicates complete protection against dust. The second digit indicates water resistance:
- IP67 — Dust tight + immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- IP68 — Dust tight + continuous immersion beyond 1 meter (depth and duration specified by manufacturer)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | IP67 | IP68 |
|---|---|---|
| Dust Protection | ✅ Complete (6) | ✅ Complete (6) |
| Water Test Method | Static immersion 1m / 30min | Continuous immersion (depth & time per manufacturer) |
| Typical Pressure | ~10 kPa | ≥ 10 kPa (often 50–100 kPa) |
| Test Duration | 30 minutes | Specified by manufacturer (often 1–24 hours) |
| Common Use Cases | TWS earbuds, smart watches, outdoor sensors | EV battery packs, automotive lamps, deep-water devices |
| Membrane Requirement | Standard ePTFE / TPU | High-pressure ePTFE with reinforced backing |
How to Choose the Right Rating
Choose IP67 When:
- The device may be splashed, rained on, or briefly submerged
- Cost is a primary concern
- Typical applications: TWS earbuds, fitness trackers, handheld tools
Choose IP68 When:
- The device operates in permanently wet or submerged environments
- Pressure equalization is critical (battery packs, automotive sealed units)
- Safety standards demand continuous waterproofing (EV, industrial)
How Mimoyin Membranes Help You Achieve IP67 / IP68
- ePTFE Membranes — Proven up to IP68, WEP ≥ 50 kPa, customizable pore size and thickness
- TPU Membranes — Acoustic-friendly, ≤1dB loss, IP67 suitable for TWS and wearables
- PU Membranes — Cost-effective IP67 solution for general protection
- Custom Die-Cutting — Precision shapes to match your housing design
Not Sure Which Rating You Need?
Our engineering team can help you select the right membrane and validate waterproof performance. Contact us for free samples and technical consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What waterproof rating do your membranes achieve?
Our ePTFE waterproof breathable membranes achieve IP67 and IP68 protection grades. They withstand immersion at 1 meter depth for 30 minutes (IP67) and continuous submersion (IP68), while maintaining stable airflow for pressure equalization.
Can you provide custom sizes and die-cutting shapes?
Yes, we offer full custom die-cutting services. We can produce membranes in any size or shape according to your specifications, including round, rectangular, and complex custom geometries. Our Class 10,000 cleanroom ensures precision cutting for production volumes.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
We support both prototyping and mass production. Free samples are available for testing with 3-5 working days delivery. For mass production, MOQ is flexible depending on the product specification and can be discussed based on your project requirements.
What industries and applications do your membranes serve?
Our membranes are widely used in automotive electronics, lithium batteries, smart wearables, consumer electronics, LED lighting, medical devices, and industrial sensors. Applications include speaker acoustic vents, pressure balance vents, microphone waterproof membranes, and battery venting solutions.
How long is the delivery time for samples and mass production?
Free samples are delivered within 3-5 working days via express shipping. Mass production typically takes 7-15 working days depending on order quantity and customization requirements. We provide one-stop technical support from sample testing to mass production.