Printed electronics

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Application overview

The Printed Electronics  industry is still in an early stage. It has been searching for the killer applications where this technology provides obvious benefits. Currently, a hybrid approach is favored: printed electronics and solid state electronics are used side by side, each in the areas where it is most beneficial. A few application areas bearing clear promise for the rise of printed electronics. In addition to applications in the packaging industry good potential is seen in the wearables, automotive (In-Mold-Electronics) and  healthcare sectors.
A complete set of solvent-free screen printable Inkron inks, compatible adhesives and underfills facilitates these developments. Inkron equally supports with print trials.

WEARABLES

Printed electronics is identified as a disruptive technology for wearable devices. The sports, textile and healthcare industries have the strongest focus on wearable applications, with embedded sensors and lighting high on their wishlist. These applications require inks that are durable, flexible and stretchable. Inkron’s conductive ICP and insulative IDP inks and adhesives fulfil exactly these requirements.

AUTOMOTIVE

The rising star in the automotive and white goods market is IMSE (In-Mold-Structural-Electronics). With this technology electronics and functionality are integrated into interior panels of vehicles while keeping the parts lightweight. Typically, the required conductors and dielectrics are printed on a substrate followed by placing the solid state components. In the next step the substrate is thermoformed in a 3D mold after which the object is injection-molded with a enveloping protective (and decorative) layer.

Inkron’s portfolio includes thermally stable, stretchable inks and adhesives that are fully compatible with both the process and each other. 

HEALTHCARE

Several opportunities for printed electronics are found within the healthcare field. High market potential is seen for disposable sensors for vital measurements like ECG. These require flexible and stretchable materials that feel comfortable to the patient. Another rising sector uses specific properties of light. Certain wavelengths (e.g. 405 nm) have antibacterial properties and as such can disinfect illuminated surfaces and targets especially when  combined with activating materials. Since the current Covid19 outbreak, this sector is receiving increased attention.

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