Webinar Recap: BEYOLEX™ Stretchable Film for Soft Circuits

In this webinar, Voltera's Support Lead, Nathan Shinkar, and Panasonic's Business Director, Andy Behr, explored the capabilities of BEYOLEX™ high-temperature stretchable film, a groundbreaking substrate designed for soft circuit applications. 

The session provided an in-depth look at BEYOLEX's unique properties and a live demonstration of printing a force-sensitive resistor (FSR) using NOVA and ACI SS1109 stretchable silver ink.

Andy Behr introduced BEYOLEX™, Panasonic's innovative high-temperature stretchable film, emphasizing its advantages over traditional substrates such as TPU and silicone. BEYOLEX stands out due to its:

• High elongation (200%) with near-zero hysteresis, meaning it can stretch and return to its original shape without deformation.
• Exceptional heat resistance, withstanding temperatures over 300°C, making it ideal for applications that require soldering or exposure to high temperatures.
• Superior durability, retaining mechanical properties even after prolonged exposure to extreme environments.

Andy also discussed various potential applications of BEYOLEX, including wearables, robotics, flexible heaters, and sensor patches, highlighting its versatility in printed electronics.

Following the introduction, Nathan conducted a live printing demonstration using the NOVA modular dispensing system. The session covered key steps in the process, including:

1. Preparing the substrate: BEYOLEX was mounted onto the NOVA vacuum module to ensure a stable print surface.
2. Loading the materials: ACI’s SS19 stretchable silver ink was selected due to its compatibility with BEYOLEX's stretchability and temperature resistance.
3. Printing with NOVA: Nathan showcased how NOVA’s intelligent software and precise dispensing capabilities produced fine conductive traces with high accuracy. The process included print file alignment, height mapping using NOVA’s smart probe, and the final printing step.
4. Post-processing: The printed circuit was cured at 135°C for 5 minutes, well below BEYOLEX's threshold, ensuring proper conductivity and flexibility.

Curious what other projects can be done using stretchable substrates like BEYOLEX™? Check out these resources:

• White papers: Projects done using our dispensing systems
• Blog: A Compatibility Guide for Inks and Substrates
• Video: Other Voltera webinars on additive electronics

Ready to print your soft circuits? Book a meeting with us now. To stay informed on upcoming webinars, subscribe to our newsletter!