New electronic materials such as electrical conductors and semiconductors in the form of plastics (polymers), has made it possible to produce electronic "ink". These inks can then be used to draw electronic components and circuits on to paper or plastic. The process involved can be automated by using printers (e.g. inkjet printers) or printing presses, providing a process for mass production of electronics called Printed Electronics. This field is undergoing rapid development in both research and commercialisation and PEA is active in promoting this development. Research and development is carried out in Norrköping by Linköping University and the research company Acreo.
New production technologies - new opportunities
Components such as transistors, conductors, resistors, displays,
push buttons, batteries and antennas form the technological
platform. It will be possible to print all these components on the
next generation of packaging in the same way as in today´s full
colour printing. Well-known printing methods are being used, such
as screen printing, flexography, offset, gravure and ink jet. The
method can be either sheet printing or printing on a continuous
paper web (roll-to-reel, R2R). Compared with conventional
electronics manufacturing, this provides a wealth of new
opportunities, such as cheap mass production, electronics on
flexible substrates, rapid prototyping in small quantities, and
lower investment costs. In addition, this technique has great
potential for eco-friendly production.
Current and future products
Printed electronics applications are already on the market and
new, more advanced products are rapidly being developed. Products
already available include:
- Display, for example, smart packaging, security information,
date stamps and many more
- Batteries for power supply
- Antennas for wireless communication between, for instance, a
label and a reader
- Memory chips
- Development of future products in other areas including:
- Wireless labels able to access networks, "Internet of
things"
- Multi-colour displays with the ability to update at video
speed
- Thin, flexible illumination with arbitrary shape
- Sensors for detection of, for instance, moisture, temperature
or biological substances ("smart plasters", quality control of
fresh produce)
- Authenticity verification (for instance smart notes)
