A project funded under the European Seventh Framework Programme will develop the low-cost conductive inks needed to produce high-volume printed electronic devices.
The Conductive Low-cost Ink Project (CLIP) aims to create a cost-effective alternative to silver nanoparticle-based conductive inks, as well as developing high-resolution and digital printing techniques to apply the inks for printed electronics applications.
The project concludes in 2013 and will produce concepts in smart packaging and labels for pharmaceuticals, and an RFID demonstrator.
Peter Buttiens, CEO of print manufacturing association ESMA and coordinator of CLIP, comments: 'We hope that, as we move forward through the programme over the next three years, we will be able to develop new conductive inks that can be printed, establishing a solid platform for the development of new printed electronic applications.'
Printing technology
The project is an attempt to catalyse the adoption of printed electronics across the supply chain: the inks will make production of printed electronics devices easier and cheaper, while the adaptation of printing techniques already in use in the EU will make manufacturing opportunities clearer.
CLIP will therefore aim to illuminate the market readiness of printed electronics, Buttiens notes: 'Our aim is to initially focus on the development of the inks from both inkjet and gravure systems, and then develop a set of demonstrators that will answer the questions of conductivity, ease of use and flexibility, whilst also addressing environmental, health and safety issues.'
The CLIP consortium includes nanoink developer Nanogap and Intrinsiq Materials, both of which featured in +Plastic Electronics Volume 3, issue 1 speaking about their materials development and market opportunities for conductive inks.
Other partners include printed electronics firms Acreo of Sweden and Printed Electronics in the UK, as well as printing technology provider Agfa of Belgium.
+Plastic Electronics magazine provides exclusive, high-value content for the printed, plastic and organic electronics industry. To sign up for your copy immediately, click the link below, contact publications@pira-international.com or visit our subscriptions page.
Documents and links
-
Subscribe to +Plastic Electronics magazine
Subscribe to +Plastic Electronics magazine, published six times a year, for just £100/€110/$160. Find out more here
External Link
-
CLIP
The EU-funded project will develop conductive, low-cost ink for printed electronics applications
External Link
-
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
External Link
-
Pressing for change: brands using printed electronics for cards and games
Brand owners Hallmark and Kimberly-Clark have long seen the potential of printing electronics on paper to add functionality to products. More and more companies are now waking up to the possibilities
External Link
-
Intrinsiq targets new nanoparticle copper ink at RFID and smart packaging
UK nanomaterials company Intrinsiq Materials is working with partners in the packaging and RFID industries to commercialise a copper ink formulation
External Link
-
The future role of printing in plastic electronics
Dr Sean Smyth, a leading consultant for the digital and analogue printing industry, examines opportunities and challenges for printing electronics
External Link