Tadas Kildusis |CCO Selective Surface Activation Induced by a Laser (SSAIL) technology is one of the new methods that can address the challenges in circuit formation on flexible substrates. By adapting laser and chemical plating parameters, SSAIL can be used on a wide range of flexible substrate materials to create high-precision and high-quality circuit patterns with strong adhesion, making it highly suitable for use in the production of flexible electronics. Since SSAIL works on standard dielectric materials (PET, PC, PEN, PI, etc.) and there is no tooling changes between different substrates or designs, it allows fast development of new flexible circuits. The line writing speed of 5-10 m/s is then easily transferred from prototyping to production. Join us and the global community in Berlin on 17-18 OCT 2023. Lets RESHAPE the Future of Electronics, making it Additive, Sustainable, Wearable, and 3D. Explore the programme here https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped

Morten Lindberget | VP Business Development and Sales CondAlign develops and produces adhesive anisotropic conductive films, based on their unique technology. These adhesive ACFs combine unique properties making them very well suited for room temperature bonding in the printed, flexible and hybrid electronics area. They do not require any post processing, and are ideal for efficiently bonding to temperature sensitive substrates, for instance in a pick and place process. This enables designs and applications beyond today’s traditional limits, taking care of the function and performance in a sustainable and cost efficient

Amin M'BARKI Co-Founder & CEO

Marco de Luca Division Manager Flexible Substrates

Duncan Platt Group Manager

David Britton | Director Just over a decade ago, PST Sensors in South Africa introduced its first printed temperature sensor – a simple NTC thermistor printed on paper using its first-generation semiconducting silicon ink. In 2023, PST Sensors Europe in the UK is now implementing PST’s fourth generation sensor ink in EV batteries, agrifoodtech and healthtech. The latest generation of inks exhibit improved adhesion to a wide range of substrates - including polyimide, aramid and, polycarbonate – as well excellent stability which, when combined with internet connectivity and real-time predictive analysis, enables all of the applications which will be discussed.

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 here https://www.techblick.com/ To achieve this, they must put these liquid metals into a colloidal ink with reliable and consistent ‘mechanical’ sintering. The first step towards this is the control of the shell oxide. In slide 1, you will see different thickness levels of the oxide (GaxOy) formed around a GaIn droplet, ranging from 1.28nm to some 4.46 [the natural growth without control would yield about 3um]. This control is important for two reasons: (1) it enables control of the mechanical sintering which is based on the rupturing of the oxide shells through mechanical force and (b) it offers a controlled surface for build up of chemical [e.g., ligand] layers Point (1) is shown in slide 2, where one can see the thickness of the shell determines the applied force needed to break the shell [note: breaking the shell is needed because otherwise the network of GaIn droplets would be non conductive. Once the shells are broken and the liquid metal flows together to form a conductive line, this process becomes irreversible. This is the so-called 'mechanical' sintering] Next [slide 3] you can see how silica was added to the shells, increasing the stiffness and also enabling a ‘sudden’ rupture. Critically, this silica layer then enables formulation and addition of further ligands and polymers to enable printing on substrates with different surface tensions. In other words, it is a surface platform on which to formulate. In slide 4 you can see that an ink has been formulated in colloidal form. This can be ‘printed’. In this case, a network of droplets are formed on the substrates, connected through the tortuous polymeric network of additions to the shell. In this state, the material is mechanically stretchable but still non conductive [the shell brings electronic transport]. However, the stretching itself will break the shells, allowing the liquid metals to form a highly stretchable conductive network. Interestingly, the material can be stretched some 400% without any chance in resistance, which is never the case with other particle-based conductive inks [which are more printable and conductive but less stretchable] This technology is currently being commercialized in partnerships with UES, Inc. Many applications have been showcased as one can see in slide 5 including Dry electrodes for measuring physiological parameters with direct skin contacts [so far studies do not show adverse impacts on bio cells] Integrated resistive heating into textile which can stretch Stretchable cables This is an amazing material system that continues to amaze. In our view, it is one of the ‘hot’ development areas in printed electronics. This work shows that liquid metals can also be optimized for printing, although there is much work to be done in proving consistency of mechanical sintering, imprioving trade-off in conductivity vs shell modification, in thermal stability, in linewidth control, in compatbility with various substrates. Of course, traditional ink systems are versatile and mature technology, developed over many decades. In contract, printable liquid metals are a novice technology, but one with a clear promising roadmap. Watch this space 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

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 learning-based optimization approaches offers a promising avenue for the advancement of electronic component manufacturing and holds great promise for the development of innovative and high-performance electronic devices in the future.

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.

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.

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.

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 firm, to build a functional biometric wearable. The wearable sleeve was designed with printed biometric sensors and measured muscle activity in the arm. Butler Technologies manufactured the printed sensors whereas Loft designed a web platform to track and display the data gathered by the biometric sensors. By combining hardware and software design, doctors and physical therapists can rely on actual objective data for at-home health monitoring rather than subjective data. Printed biometric sensors for telemedicine Book your place now: Free-to-attend Innovations Festival on Printed Flexible Wearable Electronics. 65 talks, 50+ exhibitors, and 1200 registrations - see here Biometric sensors are used to track muscle activity, heart rate, breath rate, brain activity, and more. A biometric sensor can send or receive electrical signals through contact with skin. Printed biometric sensors are dry electrodes. They can be easily adhered to clothing garments or medical braces without the need for messy gels or annoying wires. Traditional biometric sensors are cumbersome with messy gels or complicated wires to collect accurate data, which is not helpful when the doctor or nurse aren’t in the room with the patient. Printed biometric sensors are the best solution for telemedicine visits because they can be adhered to garments that the patient is already familiar with, like a standard brace or compression shirt. These printed sensors can also be washed like a normal garment whereas traditional sensors tend to be single use. The data collected by the sensor can then be transmitted to an app or website via WiFi or Bluetooth connection. This gives the doctor or physical therapist objective data in real time despite their patient being at home. The doctor can also review the data him/herself instead of relying on the patient to communicate the data over the phone. Bridging the gap between hardware and software Butler Technologies uses conductive inks to screen print biometric sensors onto flexible TPU substrates. The biometric sensors that Butler Technologies manufactures are just one part of the wearable puzzle. Without someplace to send the data, the sensors are moot. Loft helped finish the puzzle by working on the software side. The Butler Technologies team sent Loft sample biometric sensors to confirm they could easily read the signal from the sensors. Loft used WiFi to transmit the signal from the sensor to a webpage that displayed the data. Once it was confirmed that the biometric sensors were working properly, Butler Technologies purchased off-the-shelf compression sleeves and shirts that would become the final wearable product. Biometric sensors made with stretchable conductive inks are designed to stretch and flex with the body. At Butler Technologies, we typically print biometric sensors on a flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) substrate and then adhere to the garment with a hot melt adhesive through a common heat transfer process. However, the off-the-shelf products quickly proved challenging as the sensors were hard to apply in a shirt that was fully stitched. Butler Technologies’ team of engineers had to use a mannequin and find a way to curve the sensor within the shirt so that it would still collect the correct muscle activity. In order for the sensor to collect proper data, three sensors were adhered to the sleeve of the compression shirt. Two electrodes ran parallel to the bicep muscle and one sensor acted as the reference electrode. One active electrode was placed on the middle of the bicep muscle and the other on the end of the bicep muscle. The reference sensor was placed on the forearm. This sensor picks up ambient electrical activity in the body to make it easier to clean up noise in the data. Loft’s computer program could then pinpoint what signals were the bicep muscles firing and what a resting signal looked like. Connect with the printed flexible wearable electronics community in Berlin and learn the latest - explore programme here https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped Why printed electronics are the right solution Traditional wires hinder movement, accessibility, and usability. They are bulky and uncomfortable for prolonged use. Printed biometric sensors are comfortable, conformable, and stretchable. They are lightweight, so the wearer would not notice the sensors were embedded in the shirt. From idea to finished product, the finished wearable device was completed in six weeks. Printed electronics can make remote healthcare more accessible and reliable. A patient does not need to visit a doctor’s office in order to detect health concerns. Physical therapists and doctors can track how well a muscle is recovering after surgery or injury with printed biometric sensors. They can also track if their patient is completing exercises and exerting the right muscles. Biometric sensors have many other applications outside of the healthcare field. They can be embedded into outdoor or exercise apparel so consumers can track their own vitals. The possibilities with printed electronics are endless.