Screen Printing Technology For Printed Electronics Manufacturing

Function-integrated components are in the focus of various industrial sectors. Functional printing enables a high functional density and customization of products for individual customers. Fraunhofer IFAM has extensive experience in the development of printing inks and pastes for the targeted functional integration of components and structures. The development of printing technologies at Fraunhofer IFAM is directly linked to the development of functional materials associated with new technologies. A wide range of materials are used, from metals and alloys to polymers and composites.

These materials can then be used to print functional structures. In addition to printing conductive paths or complete circuit boards, a variety of sensors can be applied directly at Fraunhofer IFAM. Examples of printed sensors include strain gauges, temperature sensors and capacitive sensors, among others. Active elements such as actuators and heaters can also be printed.

One of the processes used by the experts at Fraunhofer IFAM for functional printing is screen printing. As a well-established process, screen printing offers robust production quality, high throughput rates and good resolution.