On-Site Masterclasses
Boston 2024
The Future of Electronics RESHAPED
There will be two parallel tracks of industry-led masterclasses on 11 June 2024, the day before the conference and exhibition.
Each 45-min masterclass will cover a technology or application detail, offering an insightful blend of practical, technological and application knowledge. These masterclasses be delivered by industry experts and may involve live demonstrations
Masterclasses | Track 1
9:00 AM
Conductive Inks and Pastes: Technologies and Applications
Alan Brown
Nagase ChemteX
In this masterclass, we will be discussing the different types of conductive inks and how they are used in various applications. As part of that we will also discuss the type of testing which is done on conductive inks for these applications to ensure the proper ink is selected.
10:00 AM
Liquid Metal Technology: Technologies, Applications, Practice and State-of-the-Art
Michael Dickey
NC University
Liquid metals based on gallium have remarkable properties: melting points below room temperature, water-like viscosity, low-toxicity, and effectively zero vapor pressure (they do not evaporate). These properties are useful for making best-in-class stretchable conductors. Despite the large surface tension of liquid metal, they can be patterned into non-spherical shapes (cones, wires, antennas) due to a thin, oxide skin that forms rapidly on its surface. This course will discuss patterning techniques, applications, and emerging opportunities with liquid metals.
11:00 AM
Interconnect Technologies for Integrating Rigid Components in Flexible Hybrid Electronics Applications.
Christophe Sansregret
MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI)
Flexible hybrid electronics are devices that combine rigid surface mounted components and flexible substrates. Such device exploits the performance and reliability merits of semiconductor technologies while capitalizing on the flexibility and low cost of printed electronics. However, effecting the interconnections necessary for this integration in a repeatable and reliable fashion is no simple task. This course will provide an overview of available interconnect technologies along with their respective strengths and shortcomings, drawing from both theory and practical experience.
12:00 PM
Full R2R Process Flow for Flexible and Hybrid Electronics with Test and Verification Aspects
Tuomas Happonen
VTT
Advanced manufacturing technologies enable processing of flexible and hybrid electronics in roll format for high-volume throughput. This class presents a full R2R process flow including printing, assembly and converting steps before injection over-molding for the final FHE element. The course discusses challenges when involving several processing methods and pilot lines, and provides recommendations and practical guidelines for a smooth process flow from roll to element. In addition, available test and verification methods along the production chain will be presented for both quality control and reliability assessment.
Masterclasses | Track 2
9:00 AM
Digital Additive Manufacturing of Electronic Devices: Inkjet, Aerosol, Dispensing, EHD printing and beyond
Mark Poliks
Binghamton University
Additive manufacturing of electronic devices and interconnects continues to advance with the evolution of new printing methods and associated conductive and dielectric material inks. This tutorial will review printing methods, materials, and applications. The ability to print smaller circuit features, ground planes, filled vias and printed “wire bonds” that interconnect the substrate to silicon devices will be described. Recent results from studies on medical and industrial sensors, printed RF components, high-temperature electronics, and high-power wide- bandgap SiC power electronics packages will be included.
10:00 AM
An Analysis of AME and its readiness to serve low-volume PCB manufacturing
Carlos Ospina Tarazona
BotFactory
Additive Manufacturing of Electronics (AME) is revolutionizing how we create circuits. This presentation dives into the world of AME for low-volume PCB production. We'll explore how this technology is transforming the game, from validating core functionalities to overcoming current hurdles. We'll also unpack the essential standards you need to meet, showcase the cutting-edge advancements, and chart the exciting roadmap for AME in PCB production.
11:00 AM
Wearables for Healthcare Applications
Charlotte Kjellander
Holst Centre
Wearable skin sensors or ‘the smart skin’ offer new ways for remote monitoring to support the accessibility to and sustainability of healthcare systems along the entire care cycle: from healthy lifestyle to screening, diagnosis and post treatment surveillance.
Recent advances in technology printed electronics, in miniaturization of sensors and in photonics, have significantly contributed to the wearable technology. All of these sensors can be integrated into stretchable, flexible and breathable wearables which can be worn during weeks.
In this Masterclass you will learn about the Vital Signs wearable patch – an open platform for measurements of biophysical read-outs as well as about its potential applications for remote monitoring for well-being and heath. What is more, we will share how next generation wearable technology platform can address healthcare needs. We will also address challenges on the road ahead concerning manufacturing, durability of wear and signal reliability.
12:00 PM
Screen Printing, Curing, and Testing/Post-Processing: Technologies, Practice, State-of-the Art
John Crumpton
Celanese
There are many details involved with screen printing. “Best practices” are discussed for proper set-up to ultimately to help improve control of thick film deposition. This class provides a understanding of the printing process to enable troubleshooting and solving printing problems. Along with printing, the drying/curing process is also a critical step, and the different types of drying process and equipment are described with recommendations on how to setup for optimum properties. Once dry, products need to be tested for performance, Test methods for measuring electrical, physical, and mechanical properties of processed parts will be touched on with recommendations for suitable equipment and materials.
Masterclasses | Track 3
Company Tours
Boston is a hotbed of innovation with an excellent university, pioneering companies as well as applied research centres.
In the afternoon of 11 June 2024, we will be organising several guided tours to the state-of-the-art research centres and companies in and around Boston, allowing you to experience the best-in-class facilities first hand.
We will be announcing more tours, over the next few weeks. These tours are open to attendees on the morning masterclasses. Places on the tours will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The tours will leave at 1.30pm and attendees should meet at the registration desk. Transportation will be provided and the tours are expected to return to the UMass by 6.00pm.
E Ink Holdings (2024)
Advancements in E Ink technology. Hands-on demonstration of ePaper fabrication
This tour is limited to 40 people, and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. E Ink is a 45 minute drive from UMASS and transportation will be provided.
E Ink is the originator, pioneer and commercial leader in ePaper technology. The company delivers its advanced display products to the world's most influential brands and manufacturers, enabling them to install extremely durable, low power displays in previously impossible or unimaginable applications and environments.
E Ink’s corporate philosophy centers around delivering revolutionary products, excellent user experiences, and environmental benefits through advanced technology development. E Ink has pledged reaching NetZero by 2040 and RE100 by 2030 and is committed to joining international initiatives related to carbon reduction. The Company participates in programs such as RE 100, EP 100, The Climate Pledge, and SBTi science-based targets. E Ink has adopted the TCFD framework to disclose financial impacts of climate-related risks and opportunities.
In this visit, attendees will learn about recent advancements in E Ink technology, tour the Company’s History Wall and participate in a hands-on demonstration of ePaper fabrication: laser cutting, lamination and module operation.
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AFFOA (2024)
Transforming traditional textiles into sophisticated devices and systems
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)
This tour is limited to 30 people, and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) is revolutionizing the textile industry by transforming traditional textiles into sophisticated devices and systems, enabling novel products that use fabrics as a service.
Your visit to AFFOA headquarters will include a guided tour, technology demonstrations, and the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the Institute’s capabilities and focus areas.
This visit will also include a presentation from AFFOA’s Chief Strategy Officer, Michelle Farrington, who will share in more detail the activities taking place in the advanced fabric ecosystem, promising new technologies, and innovative partnerships that will shape the future of advanced functional fabrics.