Andrew Strudwick | Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre - University of Manchester: What does it take to move printed graphene devices from the lab bench to pilot-scale production?
00:08:22 - 00:09:51
Other snippets from this talk
Summary of the clip:
What does it take to move printed graphene devices from the lab bench to pilot-scale production?
Scaling up from lab-scale prototyping to industrial production is a critical challenge in printed electronics, and the GEIC bridges this gap with its pilot-scale roll-to-roll (R2R) capabilities. The facility features a Tima base coater equipped with multiple print heads, including gravure, slot-die, and flexographic systems. This setup allows for the translation of lessons learned from screen printing and other benchtop methods to a continuous, higher-throughput process that mimics industrial manufacturing.
This R2R system is not for mass production but serves as an essential pilot line to test and de-risk the upscaling of methods and processes. It enables the optimization of ink formulations, substrate handling, and printing parameters in a dynamic R2R environment. By proving process viability at this intermediate scale, the GEIC helps partners build the confidence and data needed to engage with full-scale contract manufacturers.
Underpinning all printing and scaling activities is a deep-seated expertise in material characterization. The ability to precisely measure the properties of the novel materials and printed layers is non-negotiable for process control and quality assurance. The GEIC leverages an extensive suite of in-house metrology tools, with access to the full range of advanced characterization equipment across the University of Manchester campus, ensuring that every step of the scaling process is backed by robust data.
In this short video, you can learn:
* The role of pilot-scale roll-to-roll (R2R) systems in upscaling printed electronics.
* How lessons from screen printing can inform R2R process development.
* The critical importance of advanced material characterization for process control and quality assurance.
π **Clip Abstract** This clip explores the pathway from lab-scale prototyping to pilot-scale manufacturing using roll-to-roll systems. It emphasizes that comprehensive material characterization is the essential foundation for successfully upscaling printed electronics.
π Link in comments π
#RollToRollPrinting, #PilotScaleProduction, #MaterialCharacterization, #PrintedGraphene, #PrintedElectronics, #FlexibleElectronics
This is a highlight of the presentation:
Graphene and 2D Material Inks: Conductive, Optical and Beyond
More Highlights from the same talk.
00:02:42 - 00:03:49
How can you accelerate advanced materials R&D from a 3-year cycle to just 3 months?
How can you accelerate advanced materials R&D from a 3-year cycle to just 3 months?
The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) operates on a fundamentally different model than traditional university research collaborations. Instead of engaging in multi-year research packages, their entire process is designed to align with industrial timescales and commercialization goals. This approach is built to bridge the "valley of death" between fundamental research and market-ready products and processes.
The core of this methodology is a "make fast, break fast, learn fast" philosophy. Projects are structured around rapid optimization loops with two-to-three-month stage gates. Within each short cycle, the team can formulate materials, test a set of process parameters, interpret the results, and collaboratively decide on the next steps, allowing for agile and rapid progress.
This industry-focused model is crucial for de-risking the adoption of new technologies like graphene and other 2D materials. By providing quick, tangible results and a clear path toward scale-up, the GEIC enables partners from startups to multinationals to accelerate their innovation pipelines and integrate advanced materials into their products more efficiently.
In this short video, you can learn:
* The "make fast, break fast, learn fast" approach to applied R&D.
* How to structure projects with 2-3 month stage gates for rapid learning cycles.
* Why this agile model is more effective for industrial partners than traditional academic collaborations.
π **Clip Abstract** This clip explains the GEIC's agile, industry-focused R&D model, which uses rapid 3-month development cycles. This "make fast, break fast, learn fast" approach is designed to accelerate the commercialization of advanced materials.
π Link in comments π
#AdvancedMaterialsR&D, #GrapheneInnovation, #2DMaterialsCommercialization, #AgileMaterialsDevelopment, #PrintedElectronics, #FlexibleElectronics
00:06:34 - 00:08:19
Can a traditional technique like screen printing be the key to prototyping next-gen graphene sensors?
Can a traditional technique like screen printing be the key to prototyping next-gen graphene sensors?
Screen printing serves as a highly robust and versatile platform for the rapid prototyping of functional electronic devices at the GEIC. Its reliability allows for the quick iteration of new designs and the testing of novel ink formulations, making it an ideal starting point for many development projects. This technique is used to move quickly through the design-build-test cycle, validating concepts before committing to more complex, high-volume manufacturing processes.
Using this method, the team has successfully developed a wide range of devices with graphene and other advanced material inks. Key applications include printed heaters and biosensors, but a particularly significant area is the development of mechanical sensors. These printed strain sensors are being designed for direct integration into high-performance materials like carbon fiber composites, enabling smart structures with embedded sensing capabilities.
The value of the screen printing platform extends beyond just graphene; it is a powerful tool for evaluating any advanced material-based ink. This capability allows the GEIC to test and optimize new conductive, resistive, or functional ink systems for partners. It provides a flexible and cost-effective base for exploring the potential of new materials in printed electronic applications.
In this short video, you can learn:
* Why screen printing is a robust method for rapid prototyping of printed electronics.
* Examples of functional devices made with graphene inks, including heaters and biosensors.
* The development of advanced strain sensors for integration into composite materials.
π **Clip Abstract** Discover how the GEIC uses screen printing as a robust and flexible method for rapid prototyping of functional devices. The clip highlights applications like printed heaters, biosensors, and advanced strain sensors for carbon fiber composites.
π Link in comments π
#ScreenPrinting, #GrapheneSensors, #PrintedStrainSensors, #SmartComposites, #FlexibleElectronics, #AdditiveManufacturing