Liquid metals are truly a unique material. They offer amazing properties like extremely high stretchability with no change of resistance which can be useful in many textile, wearable, and/or robotic applications. To learn more about this amazing technology join us Berlin on 17-18 OCT 2023 to RESHAPE the Future of Electronics: https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped They are typically based on a GaIn alloy with a eutectic bled that is liquid at room temperature. A thin layer of oxide spontaneously forms around the liquid droplets, helping to mechanically stabilize them. In general, they are not easy to print. Currently, companies offer a gel version of them which can be dispensed under an applied electric force. This is an important advancement but dispensing has its own limitations. In any case, such materials are not a drop-in solution for the printed electronics industry. Furthermore, the choice of the substrates on which one can print is typically limited to high surface energy substrates. This constraints applicability. Finally, control of sintering [removing oxide shell] and temperature stability can be challenges. The researchers at the Air Force Research Lab - led by Christopher Tabor- are pioneering work on making liquid metals actually printable, meaning that one could use screen, gravure or other printing systems to additive deposit these materials. They presented their latest results at the TechBlick event on Wearable Technology and E-Textiles [more details...

Prashantkumar Pandey |Scientific Assistant In recent years, there has been a growing demand for advanced electronic components that exhibit improved functionalities and enhanced design flexibility. Traditional manufacturing techniques often struggle to meet these requirements, particularly in the case of ceramics. These materials are characterized by outstanding properties, but which are inherently difficult to shape and process. However, Multimaterial inkjet and aerosol jet printing techniques have emerged as promising solutions to overcome these challenges.
By employing these noncontact direct ink writing methods, it becomes possible to precisely deposit multiple materials, including ceramics, onto substrates, enabling the creation of hybrid electronic components with complex geometries and customized functionalities. The ability to integrate dielectric ceramics with other materials, such as conductive metals, within a cofiring process, opens up new possibilities for the development of high-performance ceramic based printed electronics devices.
Additionally, the integration of machine learning-based optimization approaches further enhances the fabrication process of 3D printed components. By leveraging the power of machine learning algorithms, it becomes feasible to analyze vast amounts of data, optimize and predict printing parameters and improve print quality, efficiency, and overall performance of the process. The combination of multimaterial printing with machine le...

Dr. Giorgio C. Mutinati Senior Research Engineer & Project Manager To serve the increasing demand for low-cost and easy-to-use point-of-care (POC) diagnostic systems for healthcare and lifestyle, upscaling of the underlying biosensor system concepts using novel functionalization strategies for sample preparation or signal generation is crucial. The Molecular Diagnostics competence unit of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH addresses this need by investigating key research issues for low-volume (picoliter/nanoliter) inkjet printing or “high volume” spotting techniques (microliter), and therefore, works on the development of printing processes and (bio)inks for reproducible batch production, e.g., for functional (bio)sensors, immuno- or enzymatic assays, as well as nucleic acid diagnostic devices. In this presentation, we will review results related to these aspects from the ELSAH project (H2020, No 825549). ELSAH aims at the realization of a wearable, microneedle-based biosensor system for the continuous monitoring of glucose and lactate in the interstitial fluid for lifestyle diagnostics. Formulated bioinks comprise direct electron transfer (DET) enzymes containing PEDOT:PSS inks (PEDET ink) and hydrogel precursors inks. The developed spotting techniques allow local deposition of glucose- or lactate-sensitive PEDET inks and hydrogel protection layers on microneedle-based amperometric sensors....

Authors : Michael Wagner, Chief Innovations Office at Butler Technologies & Courtney Houtz, Marketing Manager at Butler Technologies From grocery shopping to doctor appointments, we can do just about anything online these days. Virtual appointments have become increasingly popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, but can doctors make accurate judgements based on a video chat? Telemedicine and virtual doctors’ appointments have long relied on subjective feelings from the patient rather than actual data. Printed electronics are the solution to provide doctors with accurate data to monitor in real time. Printed electronics are typically circuitry printed onto flexible substrates, including PET, PC, and TPU using conductive inks or materials. Printed electronics is an all-encompassing phrase for any electronic that is printed. Traditional examples of printed electronics include membrane switches and printed circuit boards, but this technology is ever evolving. New and innovative ways to use conductive inks are being discovered every day. Conductive materials can create flexible printed heaters that can be easily incorporated into clothing items like socks or gloves. Biometric sensors, which send or receive electricals, can also be printed with conductive inks. This new type of printed electronics has countless applications in the medical field. Butler Technologies is at the forefront of this advanced printed technology. Last year, we partnered with Loft LLC, a software design fir...

Klaus Mertens CEO Inkjet printed silver and copper can be considered “established” at least among printed electronics insiders – with their industry adoption starting to pick up speed. As a result, new variants of particle inks and innovations and curing have been emerging, which gives industrial producers a few curing options beyond brute heating. In contrast, the range of metals available for printing – esp. high precision inkjet printing, is still very limited. The talk will introduce two first-timers: printable platinum and printable palladium inks by OrelTech from Berlin. Just as all of their inks (including silver, silver transparent, gold, and more to come), they have a range of other advantages: 1) nanoparticle free, 2) low-temperature curing, and 3) high layer purity. Therefore, applications in the biosensor, medical and, more generally, printed flexible electronics market are in focus. Join us, 77 other exhibitors, 68 speakers and over 600 participants in Berlin (17-18 OCT 2023) to RESHAPE the Future of Electronics, making it Additive, Sustainable, Hybrid, Wearable, and 3D . Explore the programme now https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped...

Dr. Florian Janek
Printing technologies have several advantages compared to conventional electronics, e.g. printed circuit board technology, including a more resource-efficient use of materials. Especially, digital printing processes such as inkjet and aerosol jet are environmentally friendly and can be used flexibly. The processes mentioned are able to use a wide range of materials and functionalise a variety of substrate materials. Nevertheless, the question arises for which applications these processes are best suited?
In this presentation, possible applications for printed electronics will be presented. The challenges of using digital printing technologies will be discussed and their strengths highlighted. However, limits of digital printing will be shown and factors for continuous development discussed. Despite good preconditions, there is also a need for research with regard to sustainability aspects. This will be demonstrated using a specific project that deals with the recycling of printed and in-mold electronics in order to recover the raw materials used for the material cycles....

Pauline Hibon | Managing Director - Sales & Strategy
In this presentation, we will discuss the use of printed electronics in the development of customised electrode patches and smart textiles. Quad Industries has leveraged this technology to create innovative wearable sports, healthcare and comfort products that offer several advantages over traditional approaches. Through the use of practical use cases, we will showcase the benefits of printed electronics, including enhanced comfort, flexibility, and functionality. Our presentation will demonstrate how this technology is revolutionizing the field of wearable devices, and we will provide insights into the potential for further innovation in this exciting area....

David Dewey |Sales
Presenting DOTITE materials designed to improve performance and open up new design possibilities for semiconductors and other electronic components....