Around 12,000 copies were printed for the February issue using electrochromatic inks from Ntera. The printed electronics also helped set up the supply chain for the integrated batteries from Blue Spark Technologies, and roll-to-roll printing services from Si-Cal.
Print firm Ricoh, which sponsored the cover, contacted US university Cal Poly to develop the design for the printed electronics.
Feasible
A printed electronic cover has previously appeared on Esquire magazine in 2008, using E Ink technology, but the developers of the Canvas cover believe it has achieved the low-cost and practical work stream needed to see its electronic paper innovation adopted in more applications in the future.
David Corr, CEO of Ntera, comments: 'We'd like to see several projects follow on from this. This is an initial foray into commercial use, and there are others developing concepts. It's a nice example for people to touch, feel and see - and practical examples give people ideas on how they will want to use the technology themselves.'
Malcom Keif, professor at Cal Poly, explains how the cover was made in the video below.
More information on the printed electronic cover will appear in the next issue of +Plastic Electronics magazine, including a discussion of the commercial feasibility of the electronic paper design.
To subscribe in time for the next issue visit our subscriptions page or email publications@pira-international.com.
Documents and links
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Subscribe to +Plastic Electronics magazine
Subscribe to +Plastic Electronics magazine, published six times a year, for just £100/€110/$160. Find out more here
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Printed Electronic Cover
Website explaining the printed electronic cover for Canvas Magazine, with background information and other resources
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Ntera
The supplier of inks and technology for smart cards is now preparing for commercial usage
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New tracks: copper-based inks for printed electronics
Copper-based ink would be a major step forward for printed electronics, says Richard Dixon, COO of nanotechnology firm Intrinsiq Materials
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PolyIC creates smart tickets and cards
Printed electronics company PolyIC is planning the commercialisation of intelligent electronic tickets, card games and product packaging within the next three years
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The Electronic Displacement of Print
A Pira market report with forecasts to 2018 of e-paper, e-readers and other innovations and technologies displacing and impacting print
External Link