<p id="">Adhesives play a crucial role in the manufacturing of modern electronics and product development, from securing tiny surface-mount components on circuit boards to bonding structural parts in advanced devices. Unlike mechanical fasteners, adhesives bond dissimilar materials with uniform stress distribution, while providing thermal and electrical insulation, simplifying structural design [1].</p><h2 id="">Types of adhesives</h2><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/68486f954b72fe8b4a4a4b0f_dispense-adhesives-polyurethane-epoxy-copolymer-switchable.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A diagram showing the advancements in adhesives in chronological order. From left to right: natural adhesives (before 1900s), phenolic resin (1900s), polyurethane (1930s), epoxy resin (1950s), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (1960s), and switchable adhesives (2000s)" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Chronology of advancements in adhesives ©<a href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.202200264" target="_blank" id="">Liu, Z., &amp; Yan, F.</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" id="">CC BY 4.0</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">Adhesives evolved from ancient natural materials like clay to early synthetics like phenolic resins. Polymer advances in the 1930s introduced epoxy resins (1950s), cyanoacrylate (1957), and hot melt glues (1960s) [2].&nbsp;</p><p id="">The most recent innovations in adhesives are concerned with greener solutions. For example:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Switchable adhesives activated by light, heat, magnetic fields, or electricity, enabling reversible bonding in robotics, electronics, and microfluidics [2][3]</li><li id="">Poly(hydroxyurethane) (PHU) derived from cyclic carbonates and amines as a safer, non-isocyanate alternative to polyurethanes, expanding anticorrosion and flame-retardant applications [4]</li><li id="">Biocompatible adhesives engineered for strong tissue adhesion plus antimicrobial activity, drug delivery, or self-healing, improving surgical outcomes [5]</li></ul><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/68486fd4097c32408fb3cc0d_dispense-adhesives-high-temperature-anticorrosion-antimicrobial.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Four PHU coating applications: abrasion-resistant flooring (PHU-epoxy), flame-retardant (phosphorus-based), anticorrosion (silica-based), and antimicrobial (ammonium-bearing)." width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Applications of hybrid poly(hydroxyurethane) (PHU) adhesives ©<a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c02558" target="_blank" id="">Gomez-Lopez, A., et al</a><a href="https://www.astrj.com/A-Lean-Robotics-Approach-to-the-Scheduling-of-Robotic-Adhesive-Dispensing-Process,152332,0,2.html" id="">.</a>,<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" id=""> CC BY 4.0</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Adhesive dispensing methods</h2><p id="">Selecting the appropriate adhesive dispensing method is as critical as the adhesive choice. The main methods include manual dispensing, non-contact jetting, and contact dispensing.</p><p id="">Manual glue dispensers, such as handheld hot melt glue guns, have been reported to have the <a href="https://www.adhesivesmag.com/articles/98601-common-dispensing-challenges-and-solutions-for-adhesives-and-other-materials" id="">lowest shot-to-shot repeatability</a> (the system’s ability to deliver consistent volumes of adhesive) of all. For precision applications, the goal is to deposit the right adhesive amount at the right location with repeatable accuracy.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Researchers [6] have identified contact dispensing systems as “the most effective dispensing technology” for accommodating a wide viscosity range. These systems vary from desktop <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct ink writing</a> (DIW) to <a href="https://www.astrj.com/A-Lean-Robotics-Approach-to-the-Scheduling-of-Robotic-Adhesive-Dispensing-Process,152332,0,2.html" id="">4-axis robotic hands</a>.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/684870074d8b0d8060663831_dispense-adhesives-contact-robotic-hand-pcb.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A simulation of a lean robotics adhesive dispensing system on a work station dispensing adhesives on the edge of one of the components of a printed circuit board" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">A robotic adhesive dispensing system © <a href="https://www.astrj.com/A-Lean-Robotics-Approach-to-the-Scheduling-of-Robotic-Adhesive-Dispensing-Process,152332,0,2.html" target="_blank" id="">Sobaszek, Ł.</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" id="">CC BY 4.0</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Choosing adhesive dispensing equipment and substrates</h2><p id="">Selecting adhesive dispensing equipment requires balancing cohesive forces (within the adhesive) and adhesive forces (between the adhesive and substrate).</p><h3 id="">Rheological and chemical properties of adhesives</h3><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-viscosity" id="">Viscosity</a> governs flow characteristics, affects droplet or line formation, and impacts equipment compatibility. In general, low-viscosity adhesives are suited to non-contact jetting, while high-viscosity adhesives often necessitate contact dispensing systems due to their flow resistance.&nbsp;</p><p id="">For example, one study [7] found that epoxy adhesives with 60 weight percentage hybrid fillers (graphite, boron nitride, and silver flakes) exhibited an 11-fold viscosity increase over neat epoxy, directly impacting flow resistance during dispensing.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/68487056d8fed2bf44a4d976_dispense-adhesives-equipment-substrate-rheology-wettability.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Diagram categorizing droplet impact outcomes into deposition, beaded deposition corona splash/break-up, prompt splash/break-up, partial rebound, and full rebound" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Classification of droplet impact behaviors during deposition processes ©<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/13/5/817#" target="_blank" id="">Krishnan, G. H., et al.</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" id="">CC BY 4.0</a></figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Substrate wettability</h3><p id="">The <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-surface-energy" id="">surface energy</a> of substrates dictates adhesive wetting and bond strength. High-surface-energy materials, such as metals, ceramics, and glass, enable adhesives to spread and form strong interfacial contact. Conversely, low-surface-energy polymers like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene inhibit wetting, causing adhesives to bead up and delaminate [8].</p><h2 id="">Adjusting dispensing parameters </h2><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/68486f4bf153640c76367dd5_dispense-adhesives-adjusting-parameters-pressure-time.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Two valves mounted on commercial syringes. Upper valve: long nozzle (16.5 mm) and external ring magnet fixture. Lower valve: short nozzle (5.5 mm) and ring magnet attached by clamping fixture" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Dispensing syringes equipped with valves ©<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/4/1/9" target="_blank" id="">Bammesberger, S. B., et al</a><a href="https://www.astrj.com/A-Lean-Robotics-Approach-to-the-Scheduling-of-Robotic-Adhesive-Dispensing-Process,152332,0,2.html" id="">.</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/" target="_blank" id="">CC BY 3.0</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">Fine-tuning an adhesive dispensing system’s parameters is essential to ensure high-quality adhesive application, as small adjustments significantly affect feature formation, size, and bond strength. Key parameters include dispensing pressure, time, rate, lifting speed, needle size, and temperature.</p><h3 id="">Dispensing pressure</h3><p id="">Dispensing pressure directly influences adhesive flow and feature consistency. High-viscosity adhesives need greater pressure to flow through the needle; however, too much pressure can cause overflow or tailing, leading to more waste and inconsistent deposit shapes [6].</p><h3 id="">Dispensing time and rate</h3><p id="">Dispensing time (the duration for which the adhesive is actively extruded) and dispensing rate (volume dispensed per unit time) determine deposit size and shape. Longer dispensing times increase deposit size and wetting area, but excessive durations produce unstable droplets due to persistent liquid bridges [6].</p><h3 id="">Lifting speed&nbsp;</h3><p id="">The speed at which the dispensing tip lifts away from the substrate also affects deposit morphology. Lower lifting speeds allow the adhesive more time to stabilize, forming smoother and more uniform features. In contrast, higher lifting speeds can produce uneven feature shapes with pronounced tailing and instability [6].</p><h3 id="">Temperature control</h3><p id="">Adjusting the temperature of the adhesive can alter its viscosity and improve dispensability. For <a href="https://bonstone.com/affect-of-temperature-on-the-cure-properties-of-two-part-adhesives/" target="_blank" id="">two-part adhesives</a> and structural acrylics which have a limited pot life, dynamic temperature control helps ensure consistent application even as ambient conditions fluctuate.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Slightly increasing the temperature may reduce viscosity, facilitating smoother adhesive flow through the syringe barrels and needle. However, excessive temperatures could prematurely initiate curing or degrade adhesive performance [8].</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">Dispensing adhesives is a precise science – it requires understanding the chemistry and behavior of your chosen adhesives as well as mastering the equipment and process control parameters. By selecting the right type of adhesive for the job and using appropriate adhesive dispensing systems, researchers, engineers, and product designers can optimize their designs and increase efficiency and throughput.</p><p id="">Interested in learning more about dispensing adhesives? Check out these resources:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Application overview: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/adhesive-dispensing">Adhesive dispensing</a>&nbsp;</li><li id="">Blog: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/precision-fluid-dispensing-systems" id="">What are Precision Fluid Dispensing Systems?</a></li><li id="">Blog: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/dot-dispensing" id="">What Is Dot Dispensing?</a></li></ul><p id="">Want to explore dispensing adhesives with <a href="http://voltera.io/products/nova" id="">NOVA</a>? <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=dispense-adhesives&utm_content=book-a-meeting" id="">Book a meeting</a> to speak with one of our technical representatives.</p><h2 id="">References</h2><p id="">[1] Maggiore, S., Banea, M. D., Stagnaro, P., &amp; Luciano, G. (2021). A Review of Structural Adhesive Joints in Hybrid Joining Processes. <em id="">Polymers</em>, 13(22), 3961. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13223961" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13223961</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">[2] Liu, Z., &amp; Yan, F. (2022). Switchable Adhesion: On‐Demand Bonding and Debonding. <em id="">Advanced Science</em>, 9(12), 2200264. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202200264" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202200264</a>.</p><p id="">[3] Wasay, A., &amp; Sameoto, D. (2014). “Geckofluidics”: A new concept in reversible bonding of Microfluidic Channels. <em id="">Hilton Head Workshop 2014: A Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems Workshop</em>. <a href="https://doi.org/10.31438/trf.hh2014.119" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.31438/trf.hh2014.119</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">[4] Gomez-Lopez, A., Panchireddy, S., Grignard, B., Calvo, I., Jerome, C., Detrembleur, C., &amp; Sardon, H. (2021). Poly(hydroxyurethane) Adhesives and Coatings: State-of-the-Art and Future Directions. <em id="">ACS Sustainable Chemistry &amp; Engineering</em>, 9(29), 9541–9562. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c02558" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c02558</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">[5] Pinnaratip, R., Bhuiyan, M. S. A., Meyers, K., Rajachar, R. M., &amp; Lee, B. P. (2019). Multifunctional Biomedical Adhesives.<em id=""> Advanced Healthcare Materials</em>, 8(11), 1801568. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.201801568" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.201801568</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">[6] Zou, J., Huang, M., Zhao, D., Chen, F., &amp; Wang, D. (2023). Modeling the contact dispensing process of conductive adhesives with different viscosities and optimization of droplet deposition. <em id="">Frontiers in Materials</em>, 10. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2023.1183747" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2023.1183747</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">[7] Kumar, R., Mishra, A., Sahoo, S., Panda, B. P., Mohanty, S., &amp; Nayak, S. K. (2019). Epoxy‐based composite adhesives: Effect of hybrid fillers on thermal conductivity, rheology, and lap shear strength. <em id="">Polymers for Advanced Technologies</em>, 30(6), 1365–1374. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/pat.4569" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.1002/pat.4569</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">[8] Lall, P., Goyal, K., Schulze, K., &amp; Miller, S. (2021). Electrically Conductive Adhesive Interconnections on A<em id="">dditively Printed Substrates</em>. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1109/itherm51669.2021.9503235" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.1109/itherm51669.2021.9503235</a>.</p>

How to Dispense Adhesives

Learn about adhesive dispensing methods, material rheology and chemical properties, substrate compatibility, and dispense parameters.

<p id="">Excessive heat in electronics is a leading cause of premature component failure. As devices trend toward miniaturization and higher energy density, effective heat dissipation has become a critical design challenge for thermal management systems..&nbsp;</p><p id="">Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) are specialized compounds placed between two surfaces (e.g., between a microprocessor and a heat sink) to improve heat transfer. They eliminate microscopic air pockets caused by surface roughness, replacing low thermal conductivity air (0.026 W/m·K) with a more efficient interface to reduce thermal resistance levels and enhance conduction.</p><h2 id="">Applications of thermal interface material</h2><p id="">TIM materials are crucial for effective heat transfer in electronics systems, power electronics, and medical devices. They prevent overheating in CPUs, GPUs, LEDs, and high-power electronics [1], ensure reliability in <a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/thermal-interface-materials/1011" target="_blank" id="">automotive and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)</a>, and maintain safety and accuracy in <a href="https://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/component/content/article/23307-applying-metallic-thermal-interface-materials-for-medical-electronics" target="_blank" id="">medical imaging, surgical equipment, and portable health monitors</a>, enhancing performance, reliability, and device longevity.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6838a54f28cdcf2275ba2f63_thermal-interface-material-tca-pcm-metal.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A chart comparing six types of TIM materials in terms of thermal conductivity, contact thermal resistance, pump-out, reusability, stress absorption, and replaceability. From top to bottom: thermal pad, thermal gel, thermal conductive adhesive (TCA), phase-change material (PCM), thermal grease, and metal solders." width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Common types of commercial TIMs and typical properties ©<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13214287" target="_blank" id="">Tu, Y., et al</a>.,<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" id="">CC BY 4.0</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">TIMs come in various formulations and can be grouped into six main categories: thermal pads, thermal grease, thermal gels, thermally conductive adhesives (TCA), phase-change materials (PCM), and metal solders [2]. Apart from prefabricated thermal pads, the rest of the categories are compatible with thermal paste dispensing techniques such as syringe dispensing, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing" id="">screen printing</a>, or <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct ink writing</a> (DIW).</p><h2 id="">Thermal grease</h2><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6838a4ef986722287e3b633b_thermal-interface-material-thermal-paste-microprocessor.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A hand applying thermal paste on a microprocessor using a spatula" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Thermal paste being applied on a microprocessor</figcaption></figure><p id="">Thermal greases, also known as thermal compounds or pastes, are non-curing viscous liquids, usually consisting of a polymer oil (often synthetic or silicone-based materials) filled with thermally conductive particles like metal oxides and metal powders [3]. They typically exhibit bulk thermal conductivities between 2 W/m·K and 10 W/m·K [2]. More recent thermal pastes use inorganic fillers, such as aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, and silicon carbide, as well as metallic fillers, such as silver and copper, to enhance thermal conductivities up to 17 W/m·K [1].&nbsp;</p><p id="">A key advantage of thermal greases is their excellent conformability and low hardness. Thermal greases have no inherent bonding strength (they remain wet or semi-fluid), which allows them to flow readily and fill very thin interface areas on the order of <a href="https://krafab.com/thermal-interface-materials/" target="_blank" id="">5 mils</a> (about 127 μm) or less.&nbsp;</p><p id="">However, a well-known drawback of thermal pastes is their tendency to migrate under thermal cycling. Repeated expansion or contraction of the interface (due to temperature swings and differing coefficients of thermal expansion) can cause the grease to be slowly pushed (“pump-out”) from the interface over time [3]. This pump-out of excess material or drying of thermal greases can lead to <a href="https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/ca/en/services/resources/white-papers-technical-papers/beyond-thermal-grease-enhancing-thermal-performance-and-reliability.html" target="_blank" id="">performance degradation</a> in long-term use.</p><h3 id="">Thermal gel</h3><p id="">Thermal gels are typically <a href="https://www.jointas-chemical.com/article/understanding-thermal-gel.html" target="_blank" id="">one-part or two-part</a> formulations that result in an ultra-soft, gel-like polymer matrix filled with thermally conductive particles, similar to thermal pastes. Unlike standard thermal grease, which <a href="https://www.jointas-chemical.com/article/difference-between-thermal-grease-and-thermal-gel.html" target="_blank" id="">does not cure</a>, thermal gels cure into a soft, rubbery solid and serve as an effective gap-filling material.</p><p id="">Because thermal gels are inherently cohesive, they resist pump-out and can handle mechanical vibration or thermal cycling more robustly [2]. This makes them popular in <a href="https://gravicgroup.com/en/thermal-gel/" target="_blank" id="">automotive electronics</a> and other cases where shock or flex might be an issue — the gel fills the gap and also absorbs mechanical stress.</p><h3 id="">Thermally conductive adhesives</h3><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6838a60e47e67b974765793e_thermal-interface-material-thermally-conductive-adhesive.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A diagram depicting the heat conduction mechanism in thermally conductive adhesives (TCA), showing three zones: the hot surface, the conductive path (TCA layer), and the cold surface." width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Heat conduction mechanism of thermally conductive adhesives ©<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/19/3337" target="_blank" id="">Alim, Md. A., et al</a>., <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" id="">CC BY 4.0</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">TCAs are polymer-based thermal interface materials that not only conduct heat but also mechanically bond components together. These thermal adhesives are usually epoxy-, silicone-, or acrylate-based adhesives loaded with thermally conductive fillers such as <a href="https://en.elaplus.cc/thermal-conductive-adhesive-suitable-for-electronic-and-semiconductor-applications/" id="">alumina, boron nitride, or metallic particles</a>. Most commercial TCAs have thermal conductivities around 1-4 W/m·K, though some specialized formulations (with very high loadings of silver or novel fillers) report high thermal conductivity values above 10-20 W/m·K [2].&nbsp;</p><p id="">The biggest advantage of using TCAs is that a heat sink or component can be glued in place, eliminating the need for screws, clips, or clamps as a heat sink attachment method. This is valuable for small form factor designs or when mechanical retention is difficult (e.g., bonding a heat spreader onto a BGA package lid, or attaching an LED to a heat sink in a lighting module).</p><p id="">However, a cured adhesive is typically more rigid than a grease or gel. Many thermally conductive epoxies are filled with ceramic or metal powder and can be quite stiff. This means that while they hold parts firmly, if there is differential thermal expansion between the two bonded surfaces, the adhesive layer will experience shear stress. Over many thermal cycles, a brittle adhesive could crack or delaminate [4].</p><h2 id="">Phase-change materials</h2><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6838a65fd4c3b7151b5144f3_thermal-interface-material-phase-change-material.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A figure illustrating the phase changes microcapsules, categorized by core materials, shell materials, and thermal adhesives" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Overview of phase change microcapsules ©<a href="https://www.oaepublish.com/articles/energymater.2023.04" target="_blank" id="">Du B., et al</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" id="">CC BY 4.0</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">The base material of PCMs is often a wax or paraffin-like substance (sometimes blended with polymers), loaded with conductive filler particles. At room temperature, PCM is solid or highly viscous, which means it can be pre-applied to components without mess or flow. Once the electronic device heats up in operation and exceeds the phase-change temperature (typically 50-80 °C) [5], PCM softens to a semi-liquid state, flowing and filling in all microscopic gaps at the interface. On cooling, PCM re-solidifies, holding the filler particles in place and preventing pump-out or dripping when the device is off.</p><p id="">Because PCMs do not cure chemically, they can pump-out if the device is cycled above the phase-change point without proper clamping – but in practice, well-designed PCM TIMs are formulated to resist excessive flow, and their ability to re-solidify provides greater long-term stability than uncured greases [2].</p><h2 id="">Metal TIMs (solder)</h2><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6838a6d8a7e49849fb2f4df7_thermal-interface-material-metal-solder-paste.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A printed circuit board with multiple ICs, showing solder paste dispensed on pins" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Solder paste dispensed on a printed circuit board being reflowed</figcaption></figure><p id="">Metal TIMs in paste form are solder pastes used as thermal interfaces. They consist of fine metal alloy powders (e.g., <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/9816406" target="_blank" id="">indium-based alloys</a> for high performance applications) suspended in a flux binder, similar to the solder pastes used in PCB assembly. They are dispensed using a thermal paste dispenser or similar precision equipment. Then the assembly is reflowed to melt the metal powder, creating a solid metal interface [6].</p><p id="">Metal solders have some of the lowest measured contact resistances (e.g., <a href="https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/IMECE/proceedings-abstract/IMECE2010/77/339779" target="_blank" id="">0.00253 cm<sup id=""> 2</sup> K/W</a>) and deliver optimal thermal performance. They are used in scenarios demanding extreme heat flux transfer, such as high-power or high-density electronics. For example, many high-end server and GPU chips use a solder TIM between the die and heat spreader to handle the heat load that a grease would struggle with [7].</p><p id="">However, the excellent thermal performance of metal solders comes with trade-offs of mechanical properties: Metals have high stiffness and low compliance, so a solder layer will not accommodate differential thermal expansion well. Similar to conductive adhesives, if the two bonded parts expand at different rates, stresses can build up in the solder, potentially causing fatigue or cracks over many thermal cycles [5].</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">Thermal interface materials are an indispensable component in the design of modern electronic and electrical systems. Each TIM type — grease, gel, adhesive, PCM, solder — offers unique thermal and mechanical advantages. Selecting the optimal TIM is a multi-faceted trade-off balancing thermal conduction and mechanical performance, manufacturability, costs, and design complexity.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Interested in the applications of thermal interface materials? Explore these resources:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Blog: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/print-multilayer-flexible-stretchable-circuits-nova" id="">Print Multilayer Flexible and Stretchable Circuits with NOVA</a></li><li id="">Report: <a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/thermal-interface-materials/1011" target="_blank" id="">Thermal Interface Materials 2024-2034: Technologies, Markets, and Forecasts</a></li><li id="">Open course: <a href="https://youtu.be/w6R6V1Mpz7s?si=p39yNQ5PcCgPo-5I" target="_blank" id="">Thermal Modeling and Heat Sinking</a></li></ul><p id="">Are you dispensing thermal interface materials? <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=thermal-interface-material&utm_content=book-a-meeting" id="">Book a meeting</a> to speak with one of our technical representatives.</p><h2 id="">References</h2><p id="">[1] Xing, W., Xu, Y., Song, C., &amp; Deng, T. (2022). Recent Advances in Thermal Interface Materials for Thermal Management of High-Power Electronics. <em id="">Nanomaterials</em>, 12(19), 3365. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12193365" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12193365</a>.</p><p id="">[2] Tu, Y., Liu, B., Yao, G., Luo, H., Jia, X., Du, J., &amp; Xu, C. (2024). A Review of Advanced Thermal Interface Materials with Oriented Structures for Electronic Devices. <em id="">Electronics</em>, 13(21), 4287–4287. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13214287" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13214287</a>.</p><p id="">[3] Prasher, R. (2006). Thermal Interface Materials: Historical Perspective, Status, and Future Directions. <em id="">Proceedings of the IEEE</em>, 94(8), 1571–1586. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1109/jproc.2006.879796" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.1109/jproc.2006.879796</a>.</p><p id="">[4] Zhou, Y., Wu, S., Long, Y., Zhu, P., Wu, F., Liu, F., Murugadoss, V., Winchester, W., Nautiyal, A., Wang, Z., &amp; Guo, Z. (2020). Recent Advances in Thermal Interface Materials. <em id="">ES Materials &amp; Manufacturing</em>. <a href="https://doi.org/10.30919/esmm5f717" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.30919/esmm5f717</a>.</p><p id="">[5] F. Sarvar, Whalley, D. C., &amp; Conway, P. (2006). Thermal Interface Materials - A Review of the State of the Art. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1109/estc.2006.280178" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.1109/estc.2006.280178</a>.</p><p id="">[6] Lee, D. W., Mayberry, R., Mackie, A., Hable, B., Heller, D., Jarrett, B., Zhao, X., &amp; Nash, T. (2022). Optimizing Reflowed Solder TIM (sTIMs) Processes for Emerging Heterogeneous Integrated Packages. 2022. <em id="">IEEE 72nd Electronic Components and Technology Conference (ECTC)</em>, 1228–1237. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1109/ectc51906.2022.00197" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.1109/ectc51906.2022.00197</a>.</p><p id="">[7] Razeeb, K. M., Dalton, E., Graham, &amp; Robinson, A. J. (2017). Present and future thermal interface materials for electronic devices. <em id="">International Materials Reviews</em>, 63(1), 1–21. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09506608.2017.1296605" target="_blank" id="">https://doi.org/10.1080/09506608.2017.1296605</a>.</p>

What Is Thermal Interface Material (TIM)?

Explore thermal interface materials (TIM), including thermal pastes, thermal gels, conductive adhesives (TCA), phase-change materials (PCM), and metal solders.

<p id="">Functional inks are the backbone of printed electronics, transforming ordinary substrates like plastic, paper, or textiles into smart, interactive devices. Functional inks add specialized properties — conductivity, sensing, or thermal regulation — to create circuits that power everything from wearable sensors to electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.</p><h2 id="">Types of functional inks</h2><p id="">Functional inks are typically divided into three categories <a href="https://www.boydcorp.com/blog/fundamentals-functional-inks-part-1.html" id="">based on their main use</a>: conductive, non-conductive, and specialty inks.</p><h3 id="">Conductive inks</h3><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/conductive-inks" id="">Conductive ink</a> forms the electrical connection of printed electronics. These inks are composed of conductive fillers — such as silver, copper, or carbon — dispersed in a liquid vehicle containing binders, solvents, and additives that determine the viscosity, surface tension, wettability, and adhesion of the ink [1].&nbsp;</p><h4 id="">Metal-organic decomposition (MOD) inks</h4><p id="">MOD ink contains metal-organic precursors dissolved in organic solvents, or complexing agents like amines or carboxylic acids. When heated, these compounds break down, forming a pure conductive metal layer. MOD inks are compatible with a variety of printing technologies, including <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct ink writing</a> (DIW), <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-inkjet-technology" id="">inkjet</a>, aerosol jet, and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing" id="">screen printing</a> [2].&nbsp;</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67f7ed22312283a6430378f8_functional-inks-printable-metal-organic-decomposition.webp" loading="lazy" alt="six screen-printable MOD inks showing metal precursor, substrate, sintering temperature, and resistivity"></div><figcaption>Samples of screen-printable MOD inks [2], © Kell, A., et al</figcaption></figure><p id="">These inks stand out because they can be processed at lower temperatures (usually below 150°C), making them perfect for flexible substrates like plastics. Silver MOD inks can achieve very high conductivity, similar to solid silver, after heating at just 90°C. Copper MOD inks also perform well but need special environments to prevent oxidation [1].&nbsp;</p><p id="">However, MOD inks typically experience significant volume loss after solvent evaporation, potentially leading to voids and conductivity issues, and require multiple print-and-sinter cycles to achieve the desired conductivity [2].</p><h4 id="">Nanoparticle metal inks</h4><p id="">Nanoparticle inks use tiny metal particles (silver, copper, platinum, or gold) suspended in solvents. These inks offer excellent conductivity due to their high metal content (70-97.5% by weight). They're popular because they quickly solidify under laser or photonic sintering, making them great for flexible electronics [1][3].</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67f7ed6470e235094f7e933b_functional-inks-formulating-particle-ink-mod-ink.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Processes for formulating particle ink and MOD ink"></div><figcaption>Processes for formulating particle ink and MOD ink [4] © Choi, Y., et al</figcaption></figure><p id="">However, nanoparticle inks can be tricky to produce. They often contain chemicals (surfactants) to prevent particle clumping, which must be removed at high temperatures, making it a challenge when working with heat-sensitive substrates like plastics [1].</p><h3 id="">Non-conductive inks</h3><p id="">Non-conductive inks don’t carry electricity but are crucial for protecting and supporting electronic circuits. These inks include encapsulants to protect against moisture, bioinks that are safe for human skin, insulating inks for electrical isolation, and adhesive inks for bonding.</p><h4 id="">Adhesive inks</h4><p id="">Adhesives hold layers of printed electronics together or attach electronic components directly to printed surfaces. Recent innovations include silicone-based adhesive inks that quickly cure without shrinking, ensuring stable and durable structures. This advancement greatly reduces curing time, prevents distortion, and improves adhesion between layers, solving common issues with traditional adhesives​ formulations [5].</p><h3 id="">Specialty inks</h3><p id="">Specialty inks provide unique capabilities beyond electrical conductivity. Thermal inks help regulate temperature, enabling products like self-warming clothing or anti-fogging mirrors. Optical inks control light for anti-glare screens or OLED displays. EMI shielding inks, typically made with silver or carbon, protect electronics in industries ranging from consumer electronics to aerospace.</p><h4 id="">Glass inks</h4><p id="">Glass ink is an exciting specialty ink used for advanced optical applications, like lenses or fiber optics. Recent research demonstrated how DIW technology can print water-sensitive borosilicate glass inks using fine glass powder mixed in hydrogel. Although currently opaque due to air pockets formed during heat treatment, ongoing research aims to make printed glass clearer, unlocking its potential for high-quality optical devices [6].</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67f7ed88e2ad07a788c152b9_functional-inks-diw-printing-glass-ink.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Photo with glass ink formulated using DIW technology on the left and scanning electron microscope micrograph of the glass ink on the right"></div><figcaption>Glass ink formulated using DIW technology, photo and scanning electron microscope micrograph [6] © Nan, B.,et al</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Choosing the right substrate for functional inks</h2><p id="">The choice of material you print on significantly impacts ink performance. Rigid substrates like glass or ceramics tolerate high temperatures, and are ideal for MOD inks in precision electronics. Flexible substrates like polyimide films, paper, or textiles match well with lower-temperature inks, enabling flexible and wearable electronics.</p><h2 id="">Formulating functional DIW inks</h2><p id="">Direct ink writing has been identified as the most versatile additive manufacturing technique for developing functional inks, allowing single-layer microscale circuits to multi-material, multilayer structures [7].</p><p id="">Successful DIW inks balance printability with functionality, which involves careful control of ink flow (rheology), ingredients, and curing [8].</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67f7edbf6b3c34db09eca398_functional-inks-diy-carbon-resistive-ink.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A cartridge containing carbon resistive ink formulated by Voltera’s Applications team"></div><figcaption>Carbon resistive ink formulated by Voltera’s Applications team</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Rheological properties</h3><p id="">To print smoothly, inks must flow easily when pressure is applied but quickly stiffen after printing. This characteristic, known as shear-thinning, typically involves adding fine particles like silica or ceramic powders, which temporarily separate under pressure and quickly regroup afterward, helping the ink hold its shape [8].&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">Ink composition</h3><p id="">Ink composition is a careful balance of binders, solvents, and functional additives tailored to the ink’s end use. For example, while conductive inks prioritize high filler loading for electron flow, adhesives emphasize polymer elasticity.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">Curing and post-processing</h3><p id="">Different inks require specific curing methods after deposition. For instance, air-dry inks solidify as solvents evaporate, while UV-cure inks rapidly harden under ultraviolet light. Choosing an appropriate curing method is essential to maintain the ink's intended functionality.</p><h2 id="">Functional ink supplier and partnership with Voltera</h2><p id="">Major suppliers include <a href="https://www.acimaterials.com/" id="">ACI Materials</a>, <a href="https://www.creativematerials.com/" id="">Creative Materials</a>, <a href="https://novacentrix.com/" id="">NovaCentrix</a>, and <a href="https://www.vfpinc.com/products/fabrication-solutions/" id="">VFP</a>, offering everything from medical-grade nano inks to high-recovery adhesives.</p><p id="">At Voltera, we regularly create specialized electronics with functional inks, including:</p><ul id=""><li><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-electroluminescent-ink-paper-pet" id="">Electroluminescent display</a> (optical ink)</li><li><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-magnesium-zinc-battery-saral-inks-pet" id="">Flexible multilayer battery</a> (insulating, metal, and adhesive inks)</li><li><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-silver-conductive-ink-cotton-fabric" id="">Wearable heating element</a> (stretchable resistive ink)</li><li><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu" id="">ECG electrodes</a> (biocompatible gold ink)</li></ul><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">Functional inks are reshaping printed electronics, enabling lightweight, flexible, and multi-functional products. From precise MOD inks to specialty glass and adhesive inks, these materials power innovation across IoT, healthcare, wearables, and beyond. With advancements continuing, the future holds greener, more efficient inks driving the electronics of tomorrow.</p><p id="">Want to learn more? Explore these resources:</p><ul id=""><li>Blog: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/ultimate-guide-choosing-materials-new-electronics-product" id="">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Materials for a New Electronics Product</a></li><li>Video: <a href="https://youtu.be/UhzsusIzwY0" id="">Developing a Custom Carbon Ink for Printing a Variable Resistor on PET</a></li><li>Application: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/functional-ink-development" id="">Functional ink development</a></li><li>White paper: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/developing-custom-carbon-ink-printing-variable-resistor-pet">Developing a Custom Carbon Ink for Printing a Variable Resistor on PET</a></li></ul><p id="">Want to discuss your own functional ink development needs? <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=functional-ink&utm_content=book-a-meeting" id="">Book a meeting</a> to speak with a technical representative.</p><h2 id="">References</h2><p id="">[1 ] Douglas, S. P., Mrig, S., &amp; Knapp, C. E. (2021). MODs vs. NPs: Vying for the Future of Printed Electronics.<em id=""> Chemistry – a European Journal</em>, 27(31), 8062–8081. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202004860" id="">https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202004860</a>.</p><p id="">[2] Kell, A. J., Wagner, K., Liu, X., Lessard, B. H., &amp; Paquet, C. (2023). Advanced Applications of Metal–Organic Decomposition Inks in Printed Electronics. <em id="">ACS Applied Electronic Materials</em>. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaelm.3c00910" id="">https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaelm.3c00910</a>.</p><p id="">[3] de Souza, F. M., &amp; Gupta, R. K. (2023). Smart Multifunctional Nano-inks: Fundamentals and Emerging Applications, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91145-0.00004-9" id="">https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91145-0.00004-9</a> p. 659.</p><p id="">[4] Choi, Y., Seong, K., &amp; Piao, Y. (2019). Metal−Organic Decomposition Ink for Printed Electronics. <em id="">Advanced Materials Interfaces</em>, 6(20). <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201901002" id="">https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201901002</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">[5] Garcia, V. J., G. M. Fazley Elahee, Collera, A. K., Thornton, T., Cheng, X., Rohan, S., Howard, E. L., Espera, A. H., &amp; Advincula, R. C. (2023). On the direct ink write (DIW) 3D printing of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)-based adhesive sealant. <em id="">MRS Communications</em>, 13(6), 1266–1274. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1557/s43579-023-00436-0" id="">https://doi.org/10.1557/s43579-023-00436-0</a>.</p><p id="">[6] Nan, B., Przemysław Gołębiewski, Ryszard Buczyński, Galindo-Rosales, F. J., &amp; Ferreira, F. (2020). Direct Ink Writing Glass: A Preliminary Step for Optical Application. <em id="">Materials</em>, 13(7), 1636–1636. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13071636" id="">https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13071636</a>.</p><p id="">[7] Yang, G., Sun, Y., Limin qin, Li, M., Ou, K., Fang, J., &amp; Fu, Q. (2021). Direct-ink-writing (DIW) 3D printing functional composite materials based on supra-molecular interaction. <em id="">Composites Science and Technology</em>, 215, 109013. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.109013" id="">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.109013</a>.</p><p>[8] De Smedt, S., Attaianese, B., &amp; Cardinaels, R. (2024). Direct ink writing of particle-based multiphase materials: From rheology to functionality. <em id="">Current Opinion in Colloid &amp; Interface Science</em>, 75, 101889. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101889" id="">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101889</a>.</p>

What Are Functional Inks?

Explore functional inks, from ingredients, uses and suppliers to applications in energy storage, flexible displays, biocompatible electronics and more.

What Are Functional Inks

<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgW3Ek7EqXc"><div><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LgW3Ek7EqXc" title="Webinar: Printing Electronics with Silver Conductive Inks"></iframe></div></figure><p id="">In this webinar, our Applications Lead <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/thomas-p-b9ba01192" id="">Thomas Pol</a> teamed up with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudresh-rudy-ghosh-phd-89463a4b" id="">Dr. Rudresh (“Rudy”) Ghosh</a> from NovaCentrix to explore printed electronics using silver conductive inks. The webinar covered Voltera’s two additive electronics platforms – V-One and NOVA – followed by an in-depth presentation on silver ink technology and a live Q&amp;A with the audience. ​</p><h2 id="">Webinar highlights</h2><h3 id="">Overview of Voltera printers&nbsp;</h3><h4 id="">V-One</h4><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/v-one?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=v-one" id="">V-One</a> is a compact desktop PCB printer for rapid prototyping on rigid boards. It dispenses conductive ink to print circuit patterns and cures them with a built-in heated bed. V-One can also apply solder paste and drill through holes for vias, enabling double-sided PCB prototypes.&nbsp;</p><h4 id="">NOVA</h4><p><a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=nova" id="">NOVA</a> is a materials dispensing system for flexible and stretchable electronics​. It can print on flexible, stretchable, conformable, and biocompatible substrates, as well as rigid substrates like <a href="https://store.voltera.io/search?q=%22fr1%22&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&filter.p.m.custom.product_type=Substrates&sort_by=relevance" id="">FR1</a>, <a href="https://store.voltera.io/search?q=%22fr4%22&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&filter.p.m.custom.product_type=Substrates&sort_by=relevance" id="">FR4</a>, and silicon wafers with a wide range of screen-printable inks (<a href="https://store.voltera.io/search?q=silver&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&filter.p.m.custom.product_type=Inks&sort_by=relevance" id="">silver</a>, gold, <a href="https://store.voltera.io/search?q=%22copper+ink%22&options%5Bprefix%5D=last" id="">copper</a>, <a href="https://store.voltera.io/search?q=%22carbon+ink%22&options%5Bprefix%5D=last" id="">carbon</a>, etc.).</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67ed4a28bad696dda4c28fe1_webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-projects.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Four projects printed with NOVA, including a 4-layer display printed with electroluminescent ink, a 2-layer EDG electrode printed with gold and silver ink, a project with silver ink printed directly on fabric, and a 7-layer flexible battery printed using a suite of battery inks"></div><figcaption>Projects printed with the NOVA material dispensing system</figcaption></figure><p id="">Example projects printed with NOVA include:</p><ul id=""><li>Stretchable circuit: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-silver-conductive-ink-cotton-fabric?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=white-paper" id="">Silver ink printed directly on cotton fabric</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Flexible multilayer circuit: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-electroluminescent-ink-paper-pet?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=electroluminescent-project" id="">Four-layer display printed with electroluminescent ink</a></li><li>Conformable multilayer circuit: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=wearable-sensors" id="">Two-layer ECG electrodes printed with gold and silver ink</a></li><li>Flexible multilayer circuit: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-magnesium-zinc-battery-saral-inks-pet?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=seven-layer-flexible-battery" id="">Seven-layer flexible battery printed with a battery ink suite</a></li></ul><h3 id="">Guest presentation: Silver conductive inks</h3><p id="">Dr. Ghosh presented an in-depth look at conductive inks, focusing on silver-based formulations. He explained how material properties such as particle size, solvent composition, and binder selection impact ink performance. Compared to copper, silver inks offer higher conductivity, lower oxidation risk, and easier processing, making them ideal for prototyping and flexible electronics.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67ed4a5e719f1ab0bcc1c9c0_webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-novacentrix-ink.webp" loading="lazy" alt="NOVA dispensing NovaCentrix’s HPS-U11 Silver Nanoparticle Ink on Kapton"></div><figcaption>NOVA printing NovaCentrix’s HPS-U11 Silver Nanoparticle Ink on Kapton</figcaption></figure><p id="">Dr. Ghosh also introduced <a href="https://novacentrix.com/product/hps-u11-silver-nanoparticle-ink/" id="">NovaCentrix’s HPS U11 Silver Nanoparticle Ink</a>, optimized for <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct ink writing</a> with:</p><ul id=""><li>High metal loading for lower sheet resistance</li><li>Fine resolution and minimal line spreading</li><li>Low curing temperature (around 140 °C)</li><li>Strong adhesion on both rigid and flexible substrates</li></ul><h3 id="">Live Q&amp;A</h3><p id="">After the presentations, Tom and Dr. Ghosh answered audience questions. Key questions included:</p><ul id=""><li><strong id="">Q:</strong> Can NOVA’s software be accessed without purchasing the machine?</li><li><strong id="">A:</strong> No, it comes included with the NOVA printer (at no extra cost).</li></ul><ul id=""><li><strong id="">Q</strong>: Can I print circuits on fabric?</li><li><strong id="">A</strong>: Yes. NOVA’s stretchable silver inks have been successfully printed on fabric. We have a <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-silver-conductive-ink-cotton-fabric?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=white-paper" id="">white paper</a> explaining the details of a project where we printed silver conductive ink on cotton. However, porous fabrics are more challenging to print on.</li></ul><ul id=""><li><strong id="">Q</strong>: What’s the typical print thickness with NOVA?</li><li><strong id="">A</strong>: Approximately 20-25 µm after curing. Thickness can vary based on print settings, but typically metal inks exhibit some level of shrinkage after curing.</li></ul><ul id=""><li><strong id="">Q</strong>: How does silver ink compare to copper?</li><li><strong id="">A</strong>: Although copper is cheaper as a raw material for traditional PCB manufacturing, its inks require additional processing to prevent oxidation. Silver is often the preferred material for additive electronics prototyping applications due to its high conductivity and chemical stability.</li></ul><ul id=""><li><strong id="">Q</strong>: Can silver conductive inks be used for RF applications?</li><li><strong id="">A</strong>: Yes. Many <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-rfid-tag-copper-ink-paper?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=rf-circuits" id="">RF circuits</a> and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/printed-antennas" id="">antennas</a> have been successfully printed with silver conductive inks due to their high conductivity.</li></ul><ul id=""><li><strong id="">Q</strong>: Can you explain the process of the electroluminescent project? What was the dielectric used?</li><li><strong id="">A</strong>: We have a white paper on the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-electroluminescent-ink-paper-pet?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=electroluminescent-project" id="">electroluminescent project</a>, with inks used and the process documented. We used <a href="https://www.saralon.com/en/inks/dielectric-inks:saral-dielectric-600/" id="">Saralon Saral Dielectric 600 Dielectric Ink</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul><ul id=""><li><strong id="">Q</strong>: Are silver inks flexible and stretchable?</li><li><strong id="">A</strong>: It depends on the formulation. Inks like HPS U57B are designed for stretchable applications such as <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=wearable-sensors" id="">wearable sensors</a>.</li></ul><ul id=""><li><strong id="">Q</strong>: What soldering materials are recommended?</li><li><strong id="">A</strong>: <a href="https://store.voltera.io/collections/materials?filter.p.m.custom.product_type=Solder+Paste" id="">Low-temperature solder pastes</a> such as tin-bismuth alloys are preferred to avoid damaging printed traces.</li></ul><ul id=""><li><strong id="">Q</strong>: How can I use Voltera’s printing service to print my designs?</li><li><strong id="">A</strong>: To get started, visit our <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/printing-service?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=printing%20service" id="">printing service page</a> and tell us about your project requirements in the form.</li></ul><h2 id="">Additional resources</h2><p id="">Want to learn more about Voltera’s products and how they print silver conductive inks? Check out these resources:</p><ul id=""><li>Partner Highlight: <a href="https://blog.novacentrix.com/dispensing-systems-for-electronics-prototyping-from-voltera/" id="">Dispensing systems for electronics prototyping from Voltera</a></li><li>Blog: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/print-multilayer-flexible-stretchable-circuits-nova?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=multilayer-blog" id="">Print Multilayer Flexible and Stretchable Circuits with NOVA</a></li><li>Videos: <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbZdiubRTqorowIyWJ2htVEbDG9y_XrZa&feature=shared" id="">Projects completed using NOVA</a></li><li>Videos: <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbZdiubRTqorfB-5XzLLe62Xbr9i-fqRc&feature=shared">Projects completed using V-One</a></li></ul><p id="">Ready to talk about how our products and printing service can help you prototype? <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-silver-conductive-inks&utm_content=book-a-meeting" id="">Book a meeting</a> to speak with a Voltera technical representative.</p>

Webinar Recap: Printing Electronics with Silver Conductive Inks

In this webinar, we explored how silver conductive inks are used in printed electronics, covering V-One and NOVA applications and material properties.

<figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67cf1ce3b65ec093aab2581d_ingestible-sensor-monitoring-gut-biomarker-electrodes.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Bioelectronics monitoring biomarkers" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Bioelectronics monitoring biomarkers</figcaption></figure><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/bioelectronics?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=ai-powered-ingestible-sensor-monitoring-gut-health&utm_content=bioelectronics" id="">Bioelectronics</a> is where biology shakes hands with electronics, creating devices that “chat” with our bodies — think sensors that monitor glucose levels or implants that ease chronic pain. Prototyping these devices is like crafting a futuristic toolset: engineers, biologists, and product designers team up to turn bold ideas into devices that improve our quality of life.</p><p id="">Early prototypes often start as patchwork experiments: flexible circuits printed on skin-like materials, tiny sensors that “talk” to enzymes, or <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu" id="">wearable patches</a> that track your heartbeat — all tested in labs (or sometimes garages).&nbsp;</p><p id="">When it comes to prototyping, a printing technology called <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=ai-powered-ingestible-sensor-monitoring-gut-health&utm_content=diw" id="">direct ink writing</a> helps researchers and developers iterate biosensor designs quickly by enabling design changes on-the-fly. Stretchable conductive inks and biocompatible materials ensure these devices conform seamlessly to and in the body. From <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-33254-4" id="">smart contact lenses that measure eye pressure</a> to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6824398/" id="">neural implants restoring movement</a>, bioelectronics is reshaping healthcare.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">Printing a wearable sensor using NOVA&nbsp;</h2><p id="">Measuring gas concentrations in the gut offers important insights into our digestive health. By analyzing levels and locations of different gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide, researchers can better understand the activity of the microbiome [1] and the complex interactions between gut bacteria and various health conditions, including imbalances linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or malabsorption [2].</p><p id="">Recently, researchers from the University of Southern California [3] used Voltera’s <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=ai-powered-ingestible-sensor-monitoring-gut-health&utm_content=nova" id="">NOVA materials dispensing system</a> to develop a wearable sensor that, together with an ingestible pill, maps gas concentrations in the gut with precision — all from the comfort of home.</p><p id=""><a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-physical-science/fulltext/S2666-3864(24)00250-9" id="">Keep reading</a> to see how it works…</p><p id="">Want to see how NOVA can support your biosensor and medtech projects? <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=ai-powered-ingestible-sensor-monitoring-gut-health&utm_content=contact-us" id="">Contact us</a> for a demo. And if you're curious about future projects completed using NOVA, please <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1DG3jeG6BRDOZ6o0OGyVv-g34u2a?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=ai-powered-ingestible-sensor-monitoring-gut-health&utm_content=subscribe-newsletter" id="">subscribe to our newsletter</a>!&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">References</h2><p id="">[1] Chen, A. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/01/08/575944661/gut-check-gas-sniffing-capsule-charts-the-digestive-tract" id="">Gut Check: Gas-Sniffing Capsule Charts The Digestive Tract</a>. 2018.</p><p id="">[2] Dickson, I.&nbsp; (2018). Gas-sensing gut capsules. <em id="">Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &amp; Hepatology.</em> 15(131). <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2018.3" id="">https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2018.3</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">[3] Angsagan, A., et al. (2024). 3D gas mapping in the gut with AI-enabled ingestible and wearable electronics. <em id="">Cell Reports Physical Science</em>. 5(7). <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.101990" id="">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.101990</a>.&nbsp;</p>

AI-Powered Ingestible Sensor for Monitoring Gut Health 

Researchers from the University of Southern California used Voltera NOVA to develop a wearable sensor for gut health monitoring.

AI-Powered Ingestible Sensor for Monitoring Gut Health

<figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eH_6OMEIpI"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_eH_6OMEIpI" title="Webinar: Printing Multilayer Flexible and Stretchable Circuits"></iframe></div></figure><p id="">In this webinar, our Technical Sales Lead, <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/giovanni-obando-78512a7b" id="">Giovanni Obando</a>, walked attendees through the process of printing multilayer circuits using <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/print-multilayer-flexible-stretchable-circuits-nova?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-multilayer-flexible-stretchable-circuits&utm_content=plan" id="">Plan</a>, the latest software feature of Voltera’s <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-multilayer-flexible-stretchable-circuits&utm_content=nova" id="">NOVA materials dispensing system</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">It included a live demonstration showcasing how Plan enables a new multilayer printing workflow, followed by a Q&amp;A session where attendees had the opportunity to gain deeper insights into compatible materials, print settings, and best practices for printing multilayer flexible circuits.</p><h2 id="">Webinar highlights&nbsp;</h2><h3 id="">Overview of Plan and multilayer printing</h3><p id="">Key benefits of Plan include:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Efficient multilayer workflows: Users can stack up to four layers and visualize print sequences before execution.</li><li id="">Improved print job editing: Tool paths, probe targets, and traces can be adjusted for higher accuracy.</li><li id="">Height mapping optimization: Ensures precise ink dispensing on flexible and stretchable substrates.</li></ul><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67cf228a76acdb4eb871ea91_nova-printing-multilayer-flexible-stretchable-circuits.webp" loading="lazy" alt="" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">NOVA probing the existing layer to account for height change</figcaption></figure><p id="">NOVA probing the existing layer to account for height change</p><h3 id="">Live demonstration</h3><p id="">Giovanni demonstrated the step-by-step process of printing multilayer designs with Plan:</p><ol id=""><li id="">Loading files: Importing Gerber files for a three-layer flexible circuit</li><li id="">Editing files: Adjusting dispense start/stop points, reordering layers, and refining print settings</li><li id="">Height mapping: Using the probe to measure layer height and prevent nozzle collisions</li><li id="">Executing the print job: Printing a conductive circuit on a flexible polyimide film</li></ol><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67cf227570523dc049ec648f_printing-multilayer-flexible-stretchable-circuits-inspection.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Inspecting print result using NOVA’s camera" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption>Inspecting print result using NOVA’s camera</figcaption></figure><p id="">Attendees saw first-hand how Plan simplifies multilayer printing and optimizes print quality and repeatability.</p><h3 id="">Key takeaways from Q&amp;A&nbsp;</h3><p id="">During the Q&amp;A, attendees asked insightful questions about multilayer printing, material compatibility, and best practices. Some key takeaways included:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Flexible and stretchable materials: NOVA supports most screen-printable inks, including <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/aci-ss1109-2ml-cartridge" id="">stretchable silver</a> and <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/aci-sc1502-2ml-cartridge" id="">carbon inks</a>, for applications such as <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/wearables" id="">wearables</a>, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/printed-antennas" id="">printed antennas</a>, and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/bioelectronics" id="">bioelectronics</a>.</li><li id="">Substrate compatibility: NOVA can print on soft substrates such as fabric, flexible substrates like <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/polyimide-5-sheets" id="">polyimide (PI)</a> and <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/pet-5-sheets" id="">polyethylene terephthalate (PET)</a>, as well as rigid substrates like <a href="https://store.voltera.io/search?q=fr1&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&filter.p.m.custom.product_type=Substrates&sort_by=relevance" id="">FR1</a> and <a href="https://store.voltera.io/search?q=fr4&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&filter.p.m.custom.product_type=Substrates&sort_by=relevance" id="">FR4</a>.</li><li id="">Ink selection and curing: The choice of ink depends on conductivity, adhesion, and flexibility, with thermal curing required after each layer.</li><li id="">Alignment and fiducials: We recommend using fiducial markers for precise layer alignment.</li><li id="">Offline use of Plan: An internet connection is required to enable cloud access. Stay tuned for future updates to this functionality.</li></ul><h2 id="">Additional resources</h2><p id="">Want to explore multilayer projects completed with NOVA? Check out these helpful resources:</p><ul id=""><li id="">White paper: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-multilayer-flexible-membrane-keyboard-conductive-silver-ink-dielectric-ink-pet" id="">Printing a Flexible Membrane Keyboard with Conductive Silver Ink and Dielectric Ink on PET</a></li><li id="">White paper: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-electroluminescent-ink-paper-pet" id="">Printing Electroluminescent Ink on Paper and PET</a></li><li id="">White paper: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-flexible-pcb-silver-ink-pet">Printing a Flexible PCB with Silver Ink on PET</a></li></ul><p id="">Ready to print multilayer flexible circuits? <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-multilayer-flexible-stretchable-circuits&utm_content=book-a-meeting" id="">Book a meeting</a> to learn more about NOVA, or check out our <a href="https://www.voltera.io/printing-service?srsltid=AfmBOoqLpYy3QISNkxU4dFea2CKBaCVGlCC9rwZvLMKEGiLz8xovhQBr" id="">printing service</a>.</p>

Webinar Recap: Printing Multilayer Flexible And Stretchable Circuits

This webinar explored multilayer flexible circuit printing using Plan, NOVA’s latest software feature, demonstrating layer stacking and trace editing.

<p id="">In the ever-evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing, terminology often carries hidden histories and technical nuances that shape industry practices. Two such terms — printed wiring board (PWB) and printed circuit board (PCB) — are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct phases in the evolution of electronics.&nbsp;</p><p id="">While modern usage increasingly favors PCB as the catch-all term, comparing PWB and PCB reveals a fascinating journey from rudimentary electrical interconnections to today’s sophisticated, multi-functional electronic systems.</p><h2 id="">PWB and PCB: A historical and functional comparison</h2><p id="">The terms PWB and PCB both describe non-conductive substrates with conductive pathways, but they carry different historical and functional implications. <a href="https://www.mclpcb.com/blog/history-of-pcbs/#history" target="_blank" id="">Historically</a>, PWB referred to boards with simple etched traces on basic substrates like phenolic paper, focusing solely on wiring connections. These were foundational in early electronics, such as industrial control systems, where basic interconnections were all that was required.</p><p id="">In contrast, PCB emerged as the modern term for boards with more advanced materials, such as FR4 fiberglass, and designs, supporting features like multilayer routing, plated through-holes, and high-density interconnects. According to <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/pwb-vs-pcb" target="_blank" id="">Wevolver</a>, PCBs support advanced functionalities like multilayer designs, signal integrity management, and thermal regulation, making them indispensable in modern electronic devices like smartphones and automotive systems.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67ae5257289ed7626e788097_pwb-pcb-additive-electronics-fr4-boards.webp" loading="lazy" alt="several fr4 boards" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">FR4 substrates</figcaption></figure><p id="">[script]https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac591c6aa6e9/67ae529b5e0e99ea60df0666_Blog_PWB%20and%20PCB%20table%201.txt[/script]</p><p id="">Even though the term PWB is still used in some regions — such as Japan — <a href="https://absolutepcbassembly.com/pwb-vs-pcb/" target="_blank" id="">to avoid confusion with polychlorinated biphenyls</a> (toxic chemicals), the term PCB is now the global standard for unpopulated circuit boards.</p><h2 id="">From bare boards to functional electronics: PCBA and packaging&nbsp;</h2><p id="">The critical distinction lies not between PWB and PCB, but between bare boards (PWB/PCB) and assembled boards (PCBAs). While PWBs and PCBs serve as the foundation of electronic circuits, they remain non-functional until components are mounted onto them.</p><p id="">For example, the motherboard in a smartphone begins as a multilayer PCB substrate. During <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/pcb-vs-pcba" target="_blank" id="">PCB assembly</a>, surface mount technology (SMT) streamlines placement of tiny micro-components such as resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits (ICs) onto the board. Reflow soldering then secures these components, bringing the PCB to life as a functional electronic system.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67ae52dcfd5722c02c75644e_pwb-additive-electronics-voltera-pcba-reflow.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A PCB assembly being reflowed on Voltera's V-One PCB printer" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">A decimal counter PCB assembly being reflowed on V-One</figcaption></figure><p id="">Beyond assembly, advanced electronics packaging has further transformed how circuit boards function. Technologies like <a href="https://ats.net/en/technologies/ecp-technology/" target="_blank" id="">embedded component packaging</a> (ECP) integrate passive components directly into PCB layers, reducing size while improving performance. Similarly, <a href="https://www.protoexpress.com/kb/enig/" target="_blank" id="">electroless nickel immersion gold</a> (ENIG) finishes enhance signal reliability and corrosion resistance, making PCBs more durable in high-performance applications like 5G networks, aerospace systems, and IoT devices.</p><p id="">The journey from simple PWBs to highly integrated PCBs and advanced packaging reflects how electronics have evolved from basic interconnections to intelligent, high-density systems that power the intelligent era.</p><h2 id="">Rethinking the future of PCB fabrication with additive manufacturing</h2><p id="">As electronics demand greater customization, miniaturization, and sustainability, additive manufacturing is redefining PCB fabrication. One such technology is <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct Ink writing</a> (DIW). Unlike traditional subtractive etching, DIW deposits conductive ink, dielectric ink, or other functional inks and pastes directly onto PCB substrates. This method <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542435118301302" target="_blank" id="">significantly reduces material waste</a> and enables rapid prototyping of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001868624000186" target="_blank" id="">complex geometries</a>, such as stretchable surfaces for wearable devices.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67ae52f94df649055d04dace_pwb-pcb-additive-electronics-conductive-traces.webp" loading="lazy" alt="High precision conductive traces printed by V-One" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">High precision conductive traces printed by V-One</figcaption></figure><p id="">Even PCBA is evolving through additive techniques. Traditional PCBA relies on stencil printing, where a metal stencil is used to apply solder paste onto PCB pads before components are placed and reflow soldered. As such, it has several limitations, including the need for custom stencils for each PCB design, difficulty in handling fine-pitch components, and inefficiencies in prototyping or low-volume runs. DIW platforms such as Voltera’s <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One PCB printer</a> and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA materials dispensing system</a> can directly print solder paste onto PCB substrates, reducing the need for traditional stencils.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/673b855a8af066bbb936caec_flexible-pcb-solder-dispensing.webp" loading="lazy" alt="NOVA dispensing solder paste exactly where needed" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">NOVA dispensing solder paste exactly where needed</figcaption></figure><p id="">Researchers and developers have also explored <a href="https://www.ipc.org/system/files/technical_resource/E15&S28_01.pdf" target="_blank" id="">embedding components during fabrication</a> — a potential step toward merging fabrication and assembly into a single, seamless process. This shift could blur the lines between PCB fabrication and PCBA, leading to entirely new ways of designing and manufacturing electronics.</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">While the terms PWB and PCB reflect historical nuances in board fabrication, they both describe non-functional substrates — until PCBA brings them to life. But the shift from PWB to PCB wasn’t just about terminology. It reflected a major leap in how electronics are designed and manufactured, paving the way for more complex, high-performance systems.</p><p id="">Now, with the rise of additive manufacturing, we are well on our way to another transformation — one that could merge PCB fabrication with assembly. The fascinating journey of electronics is far from over. As we rethink legacy technologies and embrace new PCB manufacturing methods, the future of circuit boards will continue to evolve in ways we have yet to imagine, but one thing is for sure: the future is being built layer by layer.</p><p id="">Want to see our additive PCB prototyping projects? Check out these resources:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-control-board-line-following-robot-silver-ink-fr1" id="">Printing a Control Board for a Line Following Robot with Silver Ink on FR1</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/dispensing-solder-paste-factory-fabricated-pcbs" id="">Dispensing Solder Paste on Factory Fabricated PCBs</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-flexible-pcb-silver-ink-pet" id="">Printing a Flexible PCB with Silver Ink on PET</a></li></ul><p id="">And if you're curious about the latest Voltera content, don’t forget to <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1DG3jeG6BRDOZ6o0OGyVv-g34u2a?__hstc=13863464.a6e861abd69863d5e355c083710f6ae2.1708615212577.1737667977279.1737694163529.597&__hssc=13863464.2.1737694163529&__hsfp=3011104808" id="">subscribe to our newsletter</a>!</p>

PWB and PCB in the Age of Additive Electronics

Ever wondered what a PWB is? This blog compares PWBs and PCBs while exploring how PCB manufacturing technologies adapted to meet the demands of a new age.

<p id="">Today, Voltera is announcing NOVA software update v1.16, which unlocks an exciting beta feature — multilayer printing and print job editing. This feature is in direct response to requests from NOVA users who are frequently printing multilayer or multi-material designs.</p><h2 id="">What is Plan?</h2><p id="">To understand Plan, it’s important to first understand NOVA. NOVA uses <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct ink writing (DIW) technology</a> to print circuits on soft, stretchable, and conformable substrates. Its free software is what enables users to interact with NOVA. You can choose different workflows to perform different operations:&nbsp;</p><ul id=""><li id="">Dispense: Dispense a selected material on a selected substrate.</li><li id="">Materials: Browse, create, modify, and delete material profiles.</li><li id="">Calibrate: Figure out print settings for a new material or nozzle.</li></ul><p id="">And now, we are adding another tile — Plan.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/678ab14a3e8d68cba69cd1e5_676074a59d951f67841cfb69_printing-multilayer-circuits-workflows-nova-software.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Workflows in the NOVA software" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Workflows in the NOVA software</figcaption></figure><p id="">Here is how Plan makes your printing process smoother:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Multilayer printing<ul id=""><li id="">View and set up complete multilayer designs in one step.</li><li id="">Identify print errors before dispensing, ensuring repeatable results.</li><li id="">Generate smart probe points, taking into account subtle height changes each subsequent layer creates.</li><li id="">Create a detailed height map while minimizing height mapping time.</li></ul></li><li id="">Print job editing<ul id=""><li id="">Easily visualize design features such as toolpaths and probe points.</li><li id="">Adjust the print order of design features to achieve repeatable results.</li><li id="">Delete unwanted design features to simplify the print process.</li><li id="">Save print jobs with the same settings, allowing for easy reprints with consistent results.</li></ul></li></ul><p id="">Watch this video to see it in action:</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6wUTKv6mYs"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i6wUTKv6mYs" title="Print Multilayer and Multi-Material Flexible Circuits Voltera NOVA's Plan Feature"></iframe></div></figure><p id="">If you're curious about NOVA’s specifications and how they tie into printing multilayer designs, here’s what you need to know:</p><p id="">[script]https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac591c6aa6e9/677816f8e0a27d5ae5435dc1_Blog_Plan%20Feature%20Launch%20table%201.txt[/script]</p><p id="">* Designs with more than 4 stack-up layers are achievable but depend on a number of factors. For more information, contact Support at support@voltera.io.</p><h2 id="">What you can do with Plan</h2><p id="">Now that we’ve covered Plan’s features, let’s take a closer look at the multilayer flexible circuits we’ve completed.</p><h3 id="">Flexible membrane keyboard</h3><p id="">This flexible membrane keyboard consists of a control board and a 10-number keypad printed on PET using ACI Materials’ silver ink, insulating ink, and T4 solder paste. <a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-multilayer-flexible-membrane-keyboard-conductive-silver-ink-dielectric-ink-pet" id="">Read the white paper</a> to learn more.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/678ab14a3e8d68cba69cd1e8_67607970589894e4655e978b_printing-multilayer-circuits-flexible-membrane-keyboard.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Flexible membrane keyboard on PET" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Flexible membrane keyboard on PET</figcaption></figure><p id="">[script]https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac591c6aa6e9/677816f84632617df2fe99fc_3f42e6b7a983525e5716598fbbe5e35f_Blog_Plan%20Feature%20Launch%20table%202.txt[/script]</p><h3 id="">Electroluminescent circuit</h3><p id="">This is an electroluminescent display printed on PET and paper using Saralon’s conductive inks, phosphor ink, and dielectric ink. <a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-electroluminescent-ink-paper-pet" id="">Read the white paper</a> to learn more.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/678ab14a3e8d68cba69cd1cb_67607a373950efc6642b2f8d_printing-multilayer-circuits-electroluminescent-display-paper.webp" loading="lazy" alt="__wf_reserved_inherit" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Electroluminescent circuit on paper</figcaption></figure><p id="">[script]https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac591c6aa6e9/677816f8750749270399ea44_Blog_Plan%20Feature%20Launch%20table%203.txt[/script]</p><h3 id="">Flexible LED roulette circuit</h3><p id="">For this project, we took a LED roulette circuit we had previously developed as a rigid PCB on FR4, and then converted it for printing on PET.<a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-flexible-pcb-silver-ink-pet" id=""> Read the white paper</a> to learn more.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/678ab14a3e8d68cba69cd1ce_67607ad020d26aa924f9e294_printing-multilayer-circuits-flexible-led-roulette.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Flexible LED roulette circuit on PET" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Flexible LED roulette circuit on PET</figcaption></figure><p id="">[script]https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac591c6aa6e9/6778177c30b815aec910f276_5b6653749db506e40a620487d2ac06fb_Blog_Plan%20Feature%20Launch%20table%204.txt[/script]</p><p id="">The possibilities are endless. Explore more multilayer projects by checking out our <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers" id="">other white papers</a>.</p><h2 id="">What makes Plan different?</h2><p id="">Unlike other software solutions for multilayer electronics printing, Plan is designed to be beginner-friendly, focusing on ease of use and efficient printing. Nick Levinski, an MASc student in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo, shared his experience after using Plan to prototype flexible and stretchable sensors for <a href="https://www.voltera.io/applications/wearables" id="">wearable electronics</a>:</p><p id="">“The plan feature has definitely simplified a lot of my regular workflows. For my research, a lot of it involves developing sensors. With the Plan feature multilayer deposition, I can now relax a lot of constraints by separating different sensor elements, traces, or components to different layers and removing toolpaths that I don’t want.”</p><p id="">Watch to see how Plan helps Nick print multilayer sensors for soft robotics:</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://youtu.be/tG3YzCNbIs0"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tG3YzCNbIs0" title="Voltera NOVA | Introducing Plan, NOVA's New Feature for Printing Multilayer Flexible Circuits"></iframe></div></figure><p id="">‍</p><h2 id="">What’s next?</h2><p id="">Now that you’ve seen how Plan works and the possibilities it unlocks, here’s how to get started:</p><h3 id="">If you have NOVA</h3><p id="">Update the software:</p><ol id=""><li id="">Connect your NOVA to your computer and the internet.&nbsp;</li><li id="">Visit <a href="http://www.myvoltera.io" id="">www.myvoltera.io</a> and log into your account.&nbsp;</li><li id="">The NOVA software update (v1.16) will download automatically. Once the update is complete, the <strong id="">Plan</strong> tile will appear as a new workflow on your home screen.&nbsp;</li></ol><h3 id="">Offline users</h3><p id="">Offline use of Plan is not available in this release, and an internet connection is required. Stay tuned for <a href="https://docs.voltera.io/nova/software/release-notes">future updates</a> to enable offline functionality.</p><h3 id="">Don’t have a NOVA yet?&nbsp;</h3><p id="">If you’re printing multilayer flexible or stretchable circuits and don’t have a NOVA yet, contact us at <a href="mailto:sales@voltera.io" id="">sales@voltera.io</a> or <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Plan%2FMultilayer%20Launch&utm_source=website&utm_medium=plan-launch-blog&utm_term=printing-multilayer-circuits-nova-plan-feature&utm_content=book-a-meeting" id="">book a demonstration </a>with our technical team.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the meantime, check out these resources for additional information:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://docs.voltera.io/nova/plan/designing-multi-layer-artworks" id="">Designing Multi-Layer Artworks</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://docs.voltera.io/nova/learn-more/working-with-custom-inks" id="">Working with Custom Inks</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/electronics-that-bend-the-rules-the-benefit-of-flexible-multilayer-designs" target="_blank" id="">Electronics That Bend the Rules: The Benefit of Flexible Multilayer Designs</a></li></ul>

Print Multilayer Flexible and Stretchable Circuits with NOVA

Are you printing multilayer flexible, stretchable, and conformable electronics? Check out how NOVA’s new Plan feature makes multilayer printing easy.

<p id="">Sensors are everywhere — these clever electronic devices detect and respond to changes in the environment, turning physical, chemical, or biological information into measurable signals. From smart watches to medical devices, they’re shaping the future of technology.</p><p id="">And that future is growing fast. According to <a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/printed-and-flexible-sensors-2024-2034-technologies-players-markets/993" target="_blank">IDTechEx</a>, the printed sensor market was valued at USD $421 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at 8.6% annually through 2034. One area driving this growth is biosensors, which are gaining momentum thanks to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/679a41db36a8495ec54a8a08_679a40f51b873211fa8a8fba_advancing-printed-sensors-idtechex-market-report.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A market report showing market size of printed sensors" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/printed-and-flexible-sensors-2024-2034-technologies-players-markets/993" target="_blank">Global sensor market size, 2024 – 2034</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">At Voltera, we’re right in the middle of this exciting space, pushing the boundaries of printed electronics. Biosensors are a particular focus for us, and we’ve been working on some exciting projects, including:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu">Gold electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-rfid-tag-copper-ink-paper">Ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-strain-gauges-tpu-laminated-glove-remote-hand-control">Stretchable strain gauges</a></li></ul><p id="">But it’s not just us driving innovation. Our <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/customer-stories" id="">customers</a> are constantly inspiring us with their work. For example, researchers from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Spain recently developed a biosensor using our <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA materials dispensing system</a> and published their findings in Electronics [1]. It’s research like this that keeps us excited about the future of sensor technology.</p><h2 id="">Developing a stretchable respiration sensor</h2><p id="">The research team aimed to develop a wearable sensor to track inspiration (the process of inhaling air into the lungs) and expiration (the process of exhaling air out of the lungs) cycles. The sensor consists of three key components:</p><ul id=""><li id="">A UHF RFID tag</li><li id="">A copper strip</li><li id="">An adhesive belt</li></ul><h3 id="">Sensor design&nbsp;</h3><p id="">The RFID tag features two non-symmetrical meander dipoles with a central loop that connects to the <a href="https://www.murata.com/~/media/webrenewal/products/rfid/rfid/uhf/uhf-smd/media-datasheets/uhf%20rfid%20tag%20lxms21acnp-184%20datasheet%20rev1_1_181130.ashx?la=en-us" target="_blank">UHF RFID chip</a>. This asymmetric design enhances sensitivity to displacement variations (Δ𝑑), making it well-suited for respiration monitoring.&nbsp;</p><p id="">During testing, the sensor was integrated into an elastic belt and worn around the abdominal region, allowing it to detect breathing by monitoring changes in the relative position of the copper strip and RFID tag during respiration.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/679a41db36a8495ec54a8a13_679a414d2ac50f8784179ce7_advancing-printed-sensors-design-diagram-sensor.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Design diagram of the RFID sensor" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/14/2/262" target="_blank">Diagram and photograph of the sensor</a></figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Printing the RFID tag</h3><p id="">The RFID tag was printed using NOVA with <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/aci-fs0142-2ml-cartridge?">ACI FS0142A silver conductive ink</a> on a <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/polyimide-5-sheets">0.2 mm thick Kapton (polyimide) substrate</a>, chosen for its flexibility and durability.&nbsp;</p><p id="">The NOVA software, which supports Gerber files from any ECAD software, automatically generated toolpaths to dispense the conductive ink onto the designated area. After printing, the tag was cured at 40°C for 20 minutes to ensure optimal electrical performance while maintaining flexibility for wearable applications.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/679a41db36a8495ec54a8a10_679a417e8e39516d11580e57_advancing-printed-sensors-fabrication-process-rfid.webp" loading="lazy" alt="The printing process of the RFID tag" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/14/2/262" target="_blank">The printing process</a></figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Sensor operation</h3><p id="">The sensor functions through mutual inductive coupling between the printed RFID tag and the copper strip. Changes in displacement (Δ𝑑) during respiration modulate the tag impedance, which affects power transmission efficiency, and the transmission coefficient, which influences the backscattered signal strength received by the reader.</p><h3 id="">Results</h3><p id="">Experimental results demonstrated a 9 dB reduction in the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and a 2.3 m decrease in read range within the first 12 mm of displacement. In addition, the sensor successfully tracked respiratory cycles, showing an approximate 5 dB variation between inspiration and expiration phases when worn around the abdominal region.</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">The study validated the sensor’s potential for remote patient monitoring as a cost-effective, battery-free solution. Its lightweight, flexible design enables seamless integration into <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/wearables">wearable applications</a>, providing real-time respiratory tracking without bulky or invasive equipment.</p><p id="">Want to see how NOVA can support your next big idea? <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=advancing-printed-sensors-rfid-tag-breath-monitoring&utm_content=book-a-meeting">Contact us</a> today! And if you're curious about this, or other projects completed using NOVA, don’t forget to <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1DG3jeG6BRDOZ6o0OGyVv-g34u2a?__hstc=13863464.a6e861abd69863d5e355c083710f6ae2.1708615212577.1737667977279.1737694163529.597&__hssc=13863464.2.1737694163529&__hsfp=3011104808" id="">subscribe to our newsletter.</a>&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">Reference</h2><p id="">[1] Hussain, T., Gil, I., &amp; Fernández-García, R. (2025). Wearable Displacement Sensor Using Inductive Coupling of Printed RFID Tag with Metallic Strip. <em id="">Electronics</em>, 14(2), 262. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14020262" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14020262</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Advancing Printed Sensors: RFID Tag for Breath Monitoring

Researchers used NOVA to print a ultra-high frequency RFID tag for a stretchable respiration sensor that enables real-time, non-invasive breath monitoring.

<p id="">There is a rising demand for smaller, thinner, and stretchable electronics to bring the innovations of tomorrow to life. In response, electronics manufacturing is adapting to meet these new requirements across industries. Flexible hybrid electronics (FHE), in particular, are notable for their capacity to bend and stretch without compromising the integrity of the electronic circuits, while enabling rapid prototyping.</p><h2 id="">What are flexible hybrid electronics?</h2><p id="">Flexible hybrid electronics combine the best of printed and traditional electronics to create electronics that can bend, stretch, and conform to their environment. They are characterized by the combination of printed, conductive interconnects, flexible or stretchable substrates, and mounted components. This allows for devices that are not only lightweight and flexible, but also highly functional, enabling <a href="https://www.voltera.io/applications" id="">new applications</a> in fields such as healthcare, consumer electronics, automotive, and beyond.</p><p id="">Printable and flexible hybrid electronics open new doors for industries that require flexible, biocompatible, conformable, and stretchable devices. With advancements in materials and manufacturing processes, FHE offers a tremendous impact for <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/industries" id="">industries</a> creating wearable devices, flexible displays, and even implantable electronics that can stretch with the body or adapt to irregular surfaces, among many others.</p><h2 id="">Key components of flexible hybrid electronics</h2><p id="">The combination of flexible materials and rigid components makes flexible hybrid electronics unique from printed electronics or traditional rigid PCBs. FHEs integrate the advantages of flexible substrates with the robustness of conventional rigid electronic components and integrated circuits (IC), allowing researchers and engineers to customize electronics for their research, applications, and products.</p><h3 id="">Substrates for FHEs</h3><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67575c5215dd04c49acc860f_67575ad97d5c5c3dd312bc32_bendable-pet-substrate-flexible-hybrid-electronics.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Bending PET with printed traces" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Bendable PET</figcaption></figure><p id="">What makes FHEs unique from other types of electronics is their use of substrates that are flexible and stretchable. <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/pet-5-sheets?_pos=6&_fid=65f88ddf8&_ss=c" id="">Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)</a> is commonly used for FHEs because it is cost-effective, durable, and flexible. However, <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/intexar-tpu-5-sheets?_pos=7&_fid=65f88ddf8&_ss=c" id="">thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)</a>, <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/polyimide-5-sheets?_pos=8&_fid=65f88ddf8&_ss=c" id="">polyimide (PI)</a>, <a href="https://na.industrial.panasonic.com/products/electronic-materials/printed-and-flexible-hybrid-materials/lineup/beyolex-stretchable-circuit-materials" target="_blank" id="">BEYOLEX</a>, and even novel substrates can offer different advantages, like biocompatibility or increased stretchability.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Some common substrate suppliers include (but are not limited to):</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://na.industrial.panasonic.com/products/electronic-materials/printed-and-flexible-hybrid-materials" target="_blank" id="">Panasonic</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://normandy-coating.com/en/" target="_blank" id="">Normandy Coating</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.dupont.com/electronics-industrial/printed-circuit-boards.html" target="_blank" id="">Dupont</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://polyonics.com/Resources/about-our-products.php#" target="_blank" id="">Polyonics</a></li></ul><h3 id="">Conductors and interconnects for FHEs</h3><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67575c5215dd04c49acc860c_67575b0cbddec4287e182d8d_printing-conductive-copper-ink-flexible-hybrid-electronics.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Printing copper ink using direct ink writing" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-rfid-tag-copper-ink-paper">Printing copper ink</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">Conductive inks are printed on flexible substrates to create electrical connections between components in FHEs. These inks are often flexible and/or stretchable to maintain conductivity, even when the substrate is bent, twisted, or stretched. Ink is printed via printing processes such as direct ink writing, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-inkjet-technology?srsltid=AfmBOooLgmtxfhJnJcFE6HwnMhtaAIAZc-sEWeeArH1babbH5SFoRI7f" id="">inkjet printing</a>, and aerosol printing. <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/screen-printing-direct-ink-writing-printed-electronics" id="">Direct ink writing</a>, in particular, ensures that ink is only applied where it is needed which eliminates unnecessary material waste.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Some common ink suppliers for FHE include (but are not limited to):</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.acimaterials.com/products/" target="_blank" id="">ACI Materials&nbsp;</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.celanese.com/" target="_blank" id="">Celanese</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.copprint.com/products/" target="_blank" id="">Copprint</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.creativematerials.com/products" target="_blank" id="">Creative Materials</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.elantas.com/europe/products/printed-electronics/products.html" target="_blank" id="">Elantas</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/ca/en/products/industrial-coatings/inks-coatings.html" target="_blank" id="">Henkel</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.heraeus-group.com/en/heraeus-businesses/#electronics" target="_blank" id="">Heraeus</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://novacentrix.com" target="_blank" id="">Novacentrix</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://vfp-ink-technologies.com/functionnal-decorative-inks-varnishes/" target="_blank" id="">VFP</a></li></ul><h3 id="">Components for FHEs</h3><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67575c5215dd04c49acc8655_675759a4c441da78918b7d60_flexible-hybrid-electronics-printed-pcb.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Bending flexible printed circuit on TPU" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-flexible-pcb-silver-ink-pet">Flexible printed circuit</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">Flexible hybrid electronics use traditional components such as silicon chips or resistors. Thinned silicon dies are often used in FHEs to make circuits smaller, lighter, and more adaptable to flexible applications. Components are mounted onto the printed conductive paths, forming the <a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/flexible-hybrid-electronics-future-of-flexible-printed-circuit-boards/20603" target="_blank" id="">hybrid nature of FHEs</a>. Components are often coated with an encapsulant like epoxy resins, silicone, or polyimide to protect against corrosion and contaminants, and help to reinforce components on the substrate when flexed.</p><h2 id="">Flexible hybrid electronics vs printed electronics vs flexible printed circuit boards</h2><p id="">Other types of electronics are similar to flexible hybrid electronics, so you might be wondering, how do flexible hybrid electronics compare to printed electronics (PE) and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/flexible-pcbs">flexible printed circuit boards</a> (FPCB)? Each type is uniquely positioned to tackle different electronics applications, so understanding the differences is key to choosing the right solution for different projects.&nbsp;</p><h3 id=""><a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/flexible-hybrid-electronics-future-of-flexible-printed-circuit-boards/20603" target="_blank">Comparison of FHE vs PE vs FPCB</a></h3><p id="">[script]https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac591c6aa6e9/67586618b3c3ed4a68f1dd6a_FHE%20blog%20table.txt[/script]</p><h2 id="">Future outlook for flexible hybrid electronics</h2><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67575c5215dd04c49acc8696_67575b836033c6402dc43a27_gold-ecg-electrode-bioelectronics-future.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Printed ECG electrode taped on arm" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu">Printed ECG electrode</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">Technological innovations are continually shaping the way industries approach electronics, and as a result, there is a growing demand for FHEs. According to<a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/flexible-hybrid-electronics-2024-2034/950" target="_blank" id=""> IDTechEx</a>, the flexible hybrid electronics market is projected to reach $1.8 billion USD by 2034.&nbsp;</p><p id="">The main industries positioned for growth in the flexible hybrid electronics market are:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/applications/bioelectronics" id="">Bioelectronics</a>: FHEs enable flexible, biocompatible devices like biosensors, electrodes, and wearable health monitors, improving personalized medicine and real-time patient care.</li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/applications/wearables" id="">Wearables</a>: FHEs make smart devices, fitness trackers, and e-textiles lighter, more comfortable, and more durable.</li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/applications/printed-batteries" id="">Printed batteries</a>: FHEs support the development of lightweight, flexible printed batteries, creating energy storage solutions ideal for small, portable, and wearable devices.</li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/applications/printed-antennas" id="">Antennas</a>: FHE-based antennas enable high-performance, bendable communication systems for 5G, IoT devices, and compact wearables.</li></ul><p id="">By merging the best features of printed electronics and traditional electronics, FHEs offer the versatility to meet the growing demand for smaller, thinner, and more flexible devices without compromising on performance or reliability. FHE technologies will drive the next wave of electronics, offering solutions that are functional, comfortable, and integrated seamlessly into everyday life.</p><p id="">Take a look at some of our in-house FHE projects:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-electroluminescent-ink-paper-pet" id="">Printing Electroluminescent Ink on Paper and PET</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-multilayer-flexible-membrane-keyboard-conductive-silver-ink-dielectric-ink-pet" id="">Printing a Flexible Membrane Keyboard with Conductive Silver Ink and Dielectric Ink on PET</a></li></ul><p id="">Want the latest news in printed electronics? <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1BPx4J9lvQ7-8px6MtaXF0w34u2a" id="">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>. Meanwhile, if you have questions about your PCB printing needs, please contact us at <a href="mailto:sales@voltera.io" id="">sales@voltera.io</a> or <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting" id="">book a meeting</a>.</p>

What are Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE)?

A guide to flexible hybrid electronics, their key components, future outlook, and a comparison with printed electronics and flexible printed circuit boards.

What are Flexible Hybrid Electronics? | Voltera

<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5EiL5QOOO0"><div><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h5EiL5QOOO0" title="Webinar: Printing PCBs for Hands-On Learning"></iframe></div></figure><p id="">In a recent webinar, our Support Lead, Nathan Shinkar, demonstrated the printing process of a seven-segment display (99 decimal counter) using our PCB printer, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a>.</p><p id="">This project, designed by <a href="http://itiz.co.kr/vone/" id="">ITIZ</a>, our authorized reseller in South Korea, aims to teach a fundamental aspect of electrical engineering: PCB development. It includes circuits for power regulation, pulse generation, and digital counting.</p><h2 id="">Webinar highlights&nbsp;</h2><h3 id="">Overview of the software and the print workflow</h3><p id="">Nathan began the webinar with an overview of the V-One software and one of its four workflows: <strong id="">Print</strong>. Before the live demonstration, he walked through several preparation steps, including:</p><ol id=""><li id="">Loading the Gerber file</li><li id="">Cleaning the X and Z positioner</li><li id="">Clamping the FR4 board</li><li id="">Mounting the probe</li></ol><h3 id="">Project overview</h3><p id="">While the Smart Probe created a height map of the FR4 board, Nathan showcased the final product and provided an overview of the project. It features three interconnected PCBs:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Voltage regulator board<ul id=""><li id="">Converts a 9V input into a steady 5V output, allowing students to compare linear and switching regulators.</li></ul></li><li id="">Pulse generator board<ul id=""><li id="">Uses a 555 timer chip to produce pulse signals, which are sent to the final board to drive the counting circuit.</li></ul></li><li id="">Digital counter board<ul id=""><li id="">Counts from 0 to 99 using seven-segment displays, with adjustable speed control and a reset button.</li></ul></li></ul><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67782cbaeec7a93878566945_67782c5c7f638c68dc6cca50_webinar-recap-printing-pcbs-final-product.webp" loading="lazy" alt="__wf_reserved_inherit" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Final product of the decimal counter</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Live demonstration and Q&amp;A&nbsp;</h3><p id="">We demonstrated the printing process for the digital counter board. After calibrating the ink, V-One printed conductive traces on the FR4 board. The process took approximately 15 minutes, during which Nathan addressed attendee questions. Here are a few highlights:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Can V-One print multiple layers?some text<ul id=""><li id="">V-One supports two-sided PCB printing, including drilling functionality for vias and through-holes.</li></ul></li><li id="">What material was used in this project?some text<ul id=""><li id="">The ink we used for this print is, <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/conductor-3-ink-cartridge-2ml" id="">Conductor 3</a>, a silver-based and semi-sintering ink that provides strong conductivity after curing.</li></ul></li><li id="">What nozzles should be used?&nbsp;some text<ul id=""><li id="">We generally recommend using a nozzle with a diameter that is at least six times larger than the average particle size in your ink.&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67782cbaeec7a93878566940_67782c6dd15762c9ca554af9_webinar-recap-printing-pcbs-digital-counter.webp" loading="lazy" alt="__wf_reserved_inherit" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">V-One printing the digital counter board</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Additional resources</h2><p id="">Excited to try this project? Download Gerber files <a href="https://5264434.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5264434/_Sales%20(SALE)/Sales_Assets/ITIZ%20parts%20list%20and%20design%20files.zip?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--3uwhwvbGFcPVzB998QlxbgUNz4eIdljcVnFTdGHObjSk-D5gBBkLuUHAA49BSVmlUiNw3" id="">here</a>.&nbsp; Interested in other projects to teach the basics of PCB prototyping? Check out these resources:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Tutorial: <a href="https://docs.voltera.io/v-one/getting-started/hello-world-project" id="">Printing a Basic LED Circuit Using the V-One PCB Printer</a></li><li id="">Tutorial: <a href="https://docs.voltera.io/v-one/getting-started/punk-console-project" id="">Printing a Punk Console Using the V-One PCB Printer</a></li><li id="">White paper: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/applications/flexible-pcbs">Printing a Flexible PCB with Silver Ink on PET</a></li><li id="">Video: <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbZdiubRTqoqS9CDbZrtc5kbc-bhfKdUw&si=TpSbDWjqoyVp_tcQ" id="">Other Voltera webinars on additive electronics</a></li></ul><p id="">To discuss your PCB prototyping needs, contact us at <a href="mailto:sales@voltera.io" id="">sales@voltera.io</a> or <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-pcbs-learning&utm_content=book-a-meeting" id="">book a meeting</a>. To stay informed on upcoming webinars, <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1DG3jeG6BRDOZ6o0OGyVv-g34u2a" id="">subscribe to our newsletter</a>!&nbsp;</p>

Webinar Recap: Printing PCBs for Hands-On Learning 

This webinar showcased the process of printing a single-sided PCB as part of an educational project for teaching the fundamentals of electronics development. 

Webinar Recap: Printing PCBs for Hands-On Learning

This webinar showcased the process of printing a single-sided PCB as part of an educational project for teaching the fundamentals of electronics development.

<p id="">In a recent webinar, we demonstrated the process of dispensing in-mold electronics (IME) ink onto a polycarbonate substrate. This was achieved using <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a>, our direct-ink write printer designed for high-resolution materials dispensing and flexible hybrid electronics prototyping.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6765e4e7efa24f7e2cab3be6_6765e40dff15f5e90502d3fd_webinar-printing-in-mold-electronic-prototypes.webp" loading="lazy" alt="webinar image" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Webinar: Printing in-mold electronic prototypes for automotive applications</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Webinar highlights</h2><h3 id="">Overview of the industry</h3><p id="">Our Support Lead, Nathan Shinkar, kicked off the webinar with a brief overview of the in-mold electronics industry, discussing its market size, typical applications, and ink property requirements.</p><h3 id="">Overview of the project and best practices</h3><p id="">Nathan then walked through the steps to complete the final product — an automotive console — including:</p><ol id=""><li id="">Preparing the circuit design and ink</li><li id="">Calibrating the ink</li><li id="">Printing the ink on polycarbonate</li><li id="">Curing the circuit in an oven</li><li id="">Post-processing</li><li id="">Injection molding</li></ol><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6765e4e6efa24f7e2cab3b87_6765e4334e7babbc9ab68ed4_webinar-printing-ime-prototypes-automotive-console.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Nathan showing the automotive console final product" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Automotive console, final product</figcaption></figure><p id="">Once the process was explained, Nathan shared best practices for printing similar IME projects to ensure durability and functionality.</p><h3 id="">Dispensing thermoformable conductive ink on polycarbonate</h3><p id="">Since we covered the calibration workflow in previous webinars, such as <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/webinar-recap-printing-wearable-electronics" id="">Printing Wearable Electronics</a>, we instead focused on a live demonstration of dispensing <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/elantas-bectron-cp-6680-2ml-cartridge-copy?srsltid=AfmBOoqiamG1bo1YJ7BX-Z6OdjOaibfOLVlASR1tU30O7pH3ZdNP6x4s" id="">Bectron® CP 6680 thermoformable conductive silver ink</a>, made by <a href="https://www.elantas.com/" id="">Elantas</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">The process began with generating a height map for the polycarbonate substrate, followed by a flow check to ensure proper ink flow and confirm the nozzle was unclogged. NOVA then took care of dispensing the ink. After printing the circuit, Nathan inspected the print quality using NOVA’s high-resolution camera and was pleased with the precise quality.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6765e4e6efa24f7e2cab3b84_6765e45a8d7106c80e3f4040_webinar-printing-ime-prototypes-inspect-print.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Viewing print quality in the NOVA software" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Inspecting print quality in the NOVA software</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">This webinar highlighted the immense potential of IME applications in the automotive industry, but their possibilities extend far beyond. IME technology can also be applied to consumer electronics, home appliances, industrial equipment, and more. NOVA’s capability to dispense IME inks on flexible and thermoformable substrates opens the door to even more innovative opportunities.</p><p id="">Special thanks to Philipp and Ben, Technical Sales Managers at ELANTAS, and Benjamin Redford, Founder and CPO at Mayku, for answering questions throughout the webinar! Last but not least, thank you to everyone who participated and asked thought-provoking questions.</p><p id="">Didn’t make it to the webinar? Watch it here: </p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FER16I0GlLk"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FER16I0GlLk" title="Webinar: Printing In Mold Electronic Prototypes for Automotive Applications"></iframe></div></figure><p id="">Interested to learn more about IME? Check out the following resources:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Blog: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/in-mold-electronics" id="">What Is In-Mold Electronics?</a></li><li id="">Video: <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbZdiubRTqoqS9CDbZrtc5kbc-bhfKdUw&si=TpSbDWjqoyVp_tcQ" id="">Other Voltera webinars on additive electronics</a></li><li id="">Market report: <a href="https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/in-mold-electronics-market/#:~:text=In%2DMold%20Electronics%20Market%20Size%20And%20Forecast,forecasted%20period%202024%20to%202031." id="">In-Mold Electronics Market Size and Forecast</a></li></ul><p id="">We offer <a href="https://www.voltera.io/printing-service?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-ime-automotive&utm_content=paas" id="">printing as a service</a>, where we can create flexible hybrid electronics prototypes for you. To discuss your in-mold electronics prototyping needs, contact us at <a href="mailto:sales@voltera.io" id="">sales@voltera.io</a> or <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-ime-automotive&utm_content=book-a-meeting" id="">book a meeting</a>. To stay informed on upcoming webinars, <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1BPx4J9lvQ7-8px6MtaXF0w34u2a?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=link&utm_term=subscribe-to-newsletter&utm_content=webinar-recap-wearable-electronics" id="">subscribe to our newsletter</a>!&nbsp;</p>

Webinar recap: Printing In-Mold Electronic Prototypes

Learn about dispensing in-mold electronics ink on thermoformable polycarbonate for IME applications in the automotive industry from our recent webinar. 

Webinar Recap: Printing In-Mold Electronic Prototypes

Learn about dispensing in-mold electronics ink on thermoformable polycarbonate for IME applications in the automotive industry from our recent webinar.

<p id="">In the ever-evolving landscape of advanced manufacturing and material deposition, screen printing and direct ink writing (DIW) have emerged as two prominent technologies. Both techniques have found applications across various industries, including <a href="https://www.voltera.io/applications/electroluminescent-displays" id="">display electronics</a>, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/applications/bioelectronics" id="">biomedical devices</a>, and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/applications/printed-batteries" id="">energy storage systems</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Understanding the differences between these two methods is crucial for selecting the appropriate technology for specific applications. This blog will explore the key differences, advantages, and limitations of screen printing and DIW.</p><h2 id="">Screen printing</h2><p id="">Screen printing is a well-established technique widely used in the field of printed electronics. It involves the use of a mesh screen to transfer conductive inks, dielectric pastes, or other functional materials onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable by a blocking stencil. The ability to print a variety of materials, such as silver, carbon, and dielectric inks, makes screen printing essential for <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/flexible-hybrid-electronics" id="">flexible</a> and rigid electronics.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520ec3aadd17a2036bb6cb_67520e7f46347380734069e5_screen-printing-diw-stencil-squeegee-ink.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A screen printer" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Screen printing</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">How screen printing works</h3><p id="">The screen printing process in printed electronics involves several key steps:</p><ol id=""><li id="">Screen preparation: A mesh screen is coated with a photosensitive emulsion and a stencil of the desired circuit pattern is created by exposing the emulsion to light through a film positive. The unexposed areas of the emulsion are washed away, leaving a stencil that defines the electronic pattern on the screen.</li><li id="">Ink application: Conductive or functional ink is placed on the screen, and a squeegee is used to press the ink through the mesh openings, transferring the pattern onto substrates such as <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/pet-5-sheets">PET</a>, <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/polyimide-5-sheets">polyimide</a>, or other materials commonly used in electronics.</li><li id="">Curing: The printed substrate is typically cured using heat, UV light, or other methods to solidify the ink and ensure proper conductivity and adhesion.</li></ol><h3 id="">Advantages of screen printing in printed electronics</h3><ul id=""><li id="">Scalability: Screen printing is ideal for large-scale production of printed electronics, such as <a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-rfid-tag-copper-ink-paper" id="">RFID antennas</a>, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-multilayer-flexible-membrane-keyboard-conductive-silver-ink-dielectric-ink-pet" id="">flexible circuits</a>, and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu" id="">wearable sensors</a>, offering a cost-effective solution for mass manufacturing.</li><li id="">Versatility: Screen printing supports a wide range of conductive, resistive, and insulating materials, allowing for the fabrication of diverse electronic components on various substrates, including flexible and rigid surfaces.</li><li id="">Thick film deposition: Screen printing excels in depositing relatively thick layers of conductive or dielectric inks, which is advantageous in applications like thick-film resistors and printed circuit boards where material build-up is essential for functionality.</li></ul><h3 id="">Limitations of screen printing</h3><ul id=""><li id="">Costs: Initial setup costs, including screen preparation and stencil creation, can be high, especially for small runs or frequent design changes. Specialized inks are also costly, and material waste, particularly of expensive inks, adds significantly to the overall expense.</li><li id="">Resolution: The resolution of screen printing is constrained by the mesh size, limiting the minimum achievable line widths and spacing. This makes it challenging for applications requiring fine feature sizes, such as advanced microelectronics.</li><li id="">Complexity in multilayer printing: While screen printing is capable of creating multilayer structures, aligning each layer accurately is critical and can be complex. Misalignments can lead to electrical short circuits or open connections, impacting the performance of printed electronic devices.</li></ul><h2 id="">Direct ink writing</h2><p id="">DIW is an additive manufacturing process that deposits conductive inks, solder pastes, and other functional materials onto substrates, layer by layer. Similar to screen printing, DIW technology is compatible with a wide variety of materials, but unlike screen printing, which prints entire patterns at once, DIW creates patterns feature-by-feature. This allows DIW machines like <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a> to offer precise control of the material dispensed and makes it ideal for prototyping and customization of printed electronics.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520ec3aadd17a2036bb6be_67520e6e545e0807f3636280_screen-printing-diw-direct-ink-writing.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Direct ink writing of a circuit" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Direct ink writing</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">How direct ink writing works</h3><p id="">The DIW process in printed electronics involves the following steps:</p><ol id=""><li id="">Ink/paste preparation: Depending on the material, inks or pastes may need purging to remove trapped air. For solder pastes, it's crucial to let the cartridge reach room temperature before dispensing.</li><li id="">Dispensing: The ink is extruded through a nozzle, following precise paths controlled by software. The nozzle moves relative to the substrate, dispensing material onto specific areas to create intricate electronic patterns layer by layer.</li><li id="">Curing: The dispensed material is typically solidified through heat or UV light, ensuring the conductivity and stability required for electronics to function.</li></ol><h3 id="">Advantages of direct ink writing in printed electronics</h3><ul id=""><li id="">High precision: DIW offers high resolution, allowing for the creation of fine, detailed features that are ideal for intricate electronic patterns and components. This precision makes it suitable for applications requiring meticulous design and control over material placement.</li><li id="">Material versatility: DIW printing supports a variety of materials, including conductive inks, composites, epoxies, encapsulants, and multi-materials, enabling complex and functional electronic structures.</li><li id="">Customization: DIW is perfect for prototyping and small-batch production, offering flexibility and easy design adjustments, ideal for custom electronic applications.</li><li id="">Scalability to screen printing: DIW is highly compatible with screen-printable inks or pastes, making it easy to transition from prototyping with DIW to large-scale deployment with screen printing.</li></ul><h3 id="">Limitations of direct ink writing in printed electronics</h3><ul id=""><li id="">Speed: Although the setup process is simpler, DIW builds patterns feature by feature, making it slower compared to the rapid, full-pattern deposition of screen printing.&nbsp;</li><li id="">Material preparation: DIW relies on ink cartridges, which may run out during the printing process, requiring frequent reloading and causing downtime for material changeovers. This can interrupt the workflow.</li><li id="">Scale: Due to the workflow of DIW, scaling up to mass production is challenging compared to screen printing.</li></ul><h2 id="">Screen printing vs. DIW: When to choose which?</h2><p id="">The choice between screen printing and DIW in printed electronics depends on the specific needs of your application. Screen printing is well-suited for high-volume production where speed and cost-efficiency of manufacturing are crucial. As such, it’s ideal for large-scale manufacturing of electronics.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520ec3aadd17a2036bb6db_67520ea8e4bf526f3c7b988f_screen-printing-diw-large-scale-manufacturing.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Mass manufacturing of PCBs" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Large-scale manufacturing of PCBs</figcaption></figure><p id="">On the other hand, DIW is the preferred choice for applications that require high precision, customization, and the ability to work with advanced materials. Applications such as biomedical devices and microelectronics can benefit from DIW due to its ability to create complex geometries and functional structures, especially during the prototyping stage when frequent design changes are common.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520ec3aadd17a2036bb6af_67520eb8bd013209a9e0e3f3_screen-printing-direct-write-customized-electronics.webp" loading="lazy" alt="High-precision and highly customized electronics" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">High-precision and customized prototyping</figcaption></figure><p id="">Using the NOVA materials dispensing system as an example, here’s how it stacks up against screen printing:</p><p id="">[script]https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac591c6aa6e9/67a25d5dd1f78a9bfd7d8259_8df73127d69d79cb953be53bc2917cb1_Blog_Screen%20printing%20vs%20DIW_table%201.txt[/script]</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">Deciding between screen printing and DIW comes down to what your project needs most. Knowing the strengths and limitations of each method helps you match the right technology to your design goals, whether you're focusing on scalability, precision, or working with advanced materials in printed electronics.&nbsp;</p><p id="">For more information on technologies in printed electronics, check out the following blogs:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">Introduction to Direct Ink Writing (DIW) Printing Technology</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing" id="">Introduction to Screen Printing</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-inkjet-technology" id="">Introduction to Inkjet Technology</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-to-gravure-printing-technology" id="">Introduction to Gravure Printing Technology</a></li></ul><p id="">Meanwhile, if you have questions about your PCB printing needs, please contact us at <a href="mailto:sales@voltera.io" id="">sales@voltera.io</a> or <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting" id="">book a meeting with us</a>!</p><h2 id="">References</h2><p id="">[1] <a href="https://www.pcb-hero.com/blogs/lickys-column/the-importance-of-pcb-trace-widths-in-pcb-design?utm_source=chatgpt.com" id="">The Importance of PCB Trace Widths in PCB Design</a>.</p><p id="">[2] <a href="https://www.silkscreenprintingsupply.com/news/influence-of-screen-parameters-on-printing-film-thickness?utm_source=chatgpt.com" id="">Influence of screen parameters on printing film thickness</a>.</p>

Screen Printing vs. Direct Ink Writing for Printed Electronics

Discover the differences and similarities between screen printing and direct ink writing, in terms of their workflow, advantages, and limitations.

<p id="">Twenty years ago, the idea of integrating electronics into devices seemed impossible — or, at least, very expensive. As new additive manufacturing methods like Voltera’s <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a> platform are introduced to the market, those newer, lighter, smaller, and more complex designs are becoming a reality.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">Definition of in-mold electronics</h2><p id="">In-mold electronics (IMEs) is the process of incorporating electronic elements into molded plastic objects. It typically consists of the following process:</p><ol id=""><li id="">Printing a thermoformable circuit</li><li id="">Thermoforming the circuit into a designated 3D shape</li><li id="">Injecting a thermoplastic polymer to encapsulate the electronic devices</li></ol><p id="">Depending on their end use, IMEs can include all the surface-mount devices (SMDs) included in traditional electronics to increase functionality, such as sensors, LEDs, and microcontrollers. SMDs are usually placed on the circuit before thermoforming. The final product is a functional, rigid plastic component.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520e0949ffc696dd647248_67520cd40832bcd40e723cab_in-mold-electronics-definition.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A plastic box being Injection molded" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Injection molding</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Market potential of in-mold electronics</h2><p id="">IMEs offer unparalleled design freedom, allowing for sleek, modern, and lightweight designs that maintain high functionality, creating an excellent user experience. These electronics are water, scratch, and chemically resistant, making them highly durable and ideal for applications in harsh environments. Additionally, the highly automated workflow of IMEs can reduce manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance costs.</p><p id="">As a more sophisticated solution compared to the traditional approach of mounting rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs) inside rigid enclosures, IMEs are becoming increasingly popular in human-machine interface (HMI) applications in the automotive, medical equipment, aerospace, and consumer electronics <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/industries">industries</a>. According to the report "<a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/in-mold-electronics-2023-2033/919" target="_blank">In-Mold Electronics 2023-2033</a>" by IDTechEx, the market for IMEs is forecasted to reach around USD $2 billion by 2033.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">Applications</h2><h3 id="">Automotive industry</h3><p id="">IME technology in the automotive sector is used to design sophisticated HMIs, including touch-sensitive dashboards, integrated lighting, and control panels. These designs eliminate traditional mechanical buttons, wires, and connectors, allowing for a streamlined, button-free interface. The resulting designs are not only visually clean but also functionally integrated, blending seamlessly with the vehicle's interior.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6752068484bbcc4a5c211f1c_675206633cf6159d9b9caf7b_warming-coffee-in-mold-structural-electronics-automotive-console.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Automotive IME" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Application of IME in automotives (image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/black-car-door-with-black-lever-AHyZ9cQW3ZU" id="">Markus Spiske</a>)</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Consumer Electronics</h3><p id="">In consumer electronics, IME is applied to products such as headphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart home devices. <a href="https://www.tactotek.com/" id="">Tactotek</a>, for example, has utilized IME technology to develop headphones with a thin, transparent user interface set into a curved plastic frame. This design emphasizes minimalism and subtle integration of electronic controls. The touch controls and responsive lights are discreetly incorporated, providing an intuitive and straightforward user experience.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520e0949ffc696dd64723d_67520dfcafa41b8c122fdbf4_in-mold-electronics-consumer-electronics.webp" loading="lazy" alt="IME application in consumer electronics" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Application of IME in consumer electronics</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Inks for in-mold electronics</h2><p id="">Conductive inks, dielectric inks, and conductive adhesives used in IMEs must withstand the thermoforming and injection molding processes, requiring resistance to high temperatures, pressure, and elongation. <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/elantas-bectron-cp-6680-2ml-cartridge-copy">Conductive inks</a>, in particular, need to provide high electrical conductivity, low contact resistance, and good adhesion. To ensure compatibility and optimal performance, it is advisable to select inks from the same supplier.</p><p id="">A few ink suppliers that make inks for IMEs include:&nbsp;</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.celanese.com/products/micromax" target="_blank" id="">Celanese</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.creativematerials.com/thermoformable-in-mold-compatible-electrically-conductive-ink/" target="_blank" id="">Creative Materials</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.dycotecmaterials.com/products/in-mold-electronic-inks/" target="_blank" id="">Dycotec Materials</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.genesink.com/applications/in-mold-electronics/" target="_blank" id="">GenesInk</a></li></ul><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">As the market for IME technology continues to grow, its potential to enhance user experiences and improve product performance is increasingly recognized. To learn more about IMEs, check out these resources:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/in-mold-electronics-2023-2033/919" target="_blank" id="">In-Mold Electronics 2023-2033</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/unravelling-competing-in-mold-electronics-manufacturing-methodologies/29146" target="_blank" id="">Unravelling Competing In-Mold Electronics Manufacturing Methodologies</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.industryarc.com/Research/in-mold-electronics-ime-market-research-800274" id="">In-Mold Electronics (IME) Market Report</a></li></ul><p id="">Want the latest news in printed electronics? <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1BPx4J9lvQ7-8px6MtaXF0w34u2a" id="">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>. If you have questions about additive prototyping and low volume manufacturing of electronics , please <a href="mailto:sales@voltera.io" id="">contact us</a>.</p>

What Is In-Mold Electronics?

As electronics evolve, in-mold electronics are becoming more common. In this article, we discuss the market potential, explore applications, and outline ink requirements.

<p id="">Choosing the right development platform for your electronics project can significantly impact its efficiency and success rates. Breadboards and printed circuit boards (PCBs) each offer unique advantages suited to different stages of development. This blog will explore the key differences between the two in terms of definitions, materials and substrates, manufacturing processes and costs, as well as benefits and applications, helping you make informed decisions for your electronics projects.</p><h2 id="">Definitions</h2><h3 id="">What are breadboards?</h3><p id="">Breadboards, also known as protoboards, consist of a perforated plastic board with a grid of holes where components can be inserted. The central area of the breadboard is divided into rows, each with internal electrical connections, allowing components placed in the same row to be connected without soldering. Separate vertical columns, known as power rails, line the outer edges to facilitate easy power distribution across the board.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520b8eaa72227488846090_67520921bb35ff6ae6d321f1_breadboards-pcbs-definitions-materials-costs-benefits-applications-definition.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A breadboard with components connected to an Arduino Uno board" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">A breadboard connected to an Arduino Uno</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">What are PCBs?</h3><p id="">Printed circuit boards mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components through conductive tracks, pads, and other features. PCBs are a crucial component in any electronic device.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520b8caa72227488846064_6752097539389a8a6d2a45b9_breadboards-pcbs-definitions-materials-costs-benefits-applications-what-pcbs.webp" loading="lazy" alt="An Arduino Leonardo printed circuit done with V-One" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">An Arduino Leonardo printed circuit done with V-One</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Types of PCBs</h2><p id="">In modern electronics, single-layer, double-layer, and multilayer PCBs are common, each offering varying levels of complexity and functionality. Among these, several types of PCBs stand out for their popularity: breakout boards, template boards, and development boards.</p><h3 id="">Breakout boards</h3><p id="">Breakout boards are compact PCBs designed to provide easy access to the pins of an integrated circuit or other components. They "break out" the connections from a single component or chip to a more manageable layout, typically with larger, more accessible pins. This design makes it easier to integrate specific components into your projects without dealing with very small or densely packed pins.</p><h3 id="">Template and development boards</h3><p id="">Template boards, also known as development boards, are pre-designed PCBs equipped with common microcontrollers or other integrated circuits (ICs), along with the necessary circuitry to support programming and prototyping. Examples include:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/arduino-uno-template?_pos=9&_fid=a687361e0&_ss=c" id="">Arduino</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/raspberry-pi-b-template?_pos=11&_fid=a687361e0&_ss=c" id="">Raspberry Pi</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/particle-photon-template?_pos=12&_fid=a687361e0&_ss=c" id="">Particle</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/feather-templates?_pos=13&_fid=a687361e0&_ss=c" id="">Adafruit</a></li></ul><p id="">These boards offer a standardized platform for building and testing projects, facilitating rapid development, and experimentation.</p><h3 id="">PCBA</h3><p id="">It is worth noting that a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) is not the same as a PCB. While a PCB is not functional on its own, a PCBA includes the PCB itself and all the components soldered onto it, making it a complete and functional assembly for its intended application.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520b8eaa72227488846081_675209c16306a7bbec9b6d48_breadboards-pcbs-definitions-materials-costs-benefits-applications-pcba.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A PCBA" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">A PCBA</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Differences between PCBs and breadboards</h2><h3 id="">Materials and substrates</h3><h4 id="">Breadboards</h4><p id="">Breadboards are primarily made from a plastic body featuring numerous holes with metal strips underneath. These strips are usually made of spring metal to create a temporary electrical connection when the leads of components are inserted into the holes. Breadboards are inherently rigid due to their plastic construction, and are typically not used with flexible materials.</p><h4 id="">PCBs</h4><p id="">Traditional PCBs are typically made from layers of fiberglass reinforced with epoxy resin, known as <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/3-x-4-substrates" id="">FR4</a>. This material provides a sturdy, non-conductive substrate. The conductive paths are generally made of copper etched onto the board to form tracks that electrically connect components.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520b8eaa7222748884608d_67520a129b2a0e79f58852c7_breadboards-pcbs-definitions-materials-costs-benefits-applications-pcbs.webp" loading="lazy" alt="PCBs with gold finish" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">PCB boards</figcaption></figure><h4 id="">Flexible PCBs</h4><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/flexible-pcbs" id="">Flexible PCBs</a> represent a variant of standard PCBs, made from materials that allow them to bend, flex, and move without breaking. Typically constructed from a flexible high-performance plastic like polyimide, these PCBs incorporate conductive copper layers and, in many cases, dielectric layers to ensure electrical insulation and mechanical strength.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520b8caa72227488846061_67520a586db6a2a7ac25bd2d_breadboards-pcbs-definitions-materials-costs-benefits-applications-flexible-pcbs.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Flexible PCBs" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Flexible PCBs printed on <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a></figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Manufacturing processes and costs</h3><h4 id="">Breadboards</h4><p id="">Breadboards require no manufacturing for individual projects since they are reusable and do not need to be customized. This makes them cost-effective for initial testing and development. Prices generally range from a few dollars for basic models to higher amounts for larger or specialty types.</p><h4 id="">PCBs</h4><p id="">PCBs, on the other hand, involve a complex manufacturing process. This includes designing the circuit layout, printing the design onto the substrate, etching copper layers, drilling holes, and sometimes adding a protective solder mask and silk-screening component labels. The cost of producing PCBs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the design, the number of layers, and the quantity produced. While unit costs decrease with larger batch sizes, the initial setup and design work can be costly.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520b8eaa72227488846084_67520ab360512214fbe01e99_breadboards-pcbs-definitions-materials-costs-benefits-applications-manufacturing-pcbs.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Traditional fabrication of PCBs" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Traditional fabrication of PCBs</figcaption></figure><p id="">The manufacturing of PCBs in a traditional factory setting is often not the most efficient approach, particularly when the process involves multiple iterations in quick succession. In such cases, the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">Voltera V-One PCB printer</a> can be extremely useful. It allows users to modify their PCB designs on the fly and produce up to 15 boards in one day, while also ensuring that the design files and intellectual property remain secure.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">Workflows</h3><h4 id="">Breadboards</h4><p id="">Breadboards are straightforward to use and require no special tools, making them ideal for beginners and those testing concepts or learning about circuits. Their non-permanent nature allows for easy adjustments and corrections without additional cost.</p><h4 id="">PCBs</h4><p id="">PCBs, however, involve a significant upfront investment in design and planning. Designing a PCB typically requires using specialized software to lay out circuits, which can present a steep learning curve initially. However, for advanced projects and mass production, PCBs are more efficient once the initial setup is complete. They provide a more reliable and professional outcome, suitable for commercial products.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520b8eaa72227488846087_67520afe113d928277a1e9f7_breadboards-pcbs-definitions-materials-costs-benefits-applications-workflows.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A PCB mounted on a breadboard" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">A PCB mounted on a breadboard</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Benefits and applications</h3><h4 id="">Breadboards</h4><p id="">Breadboards offer simplicity and flexibility, making them ideal for beginners and for educational purposes. They facilitate quick assembly and easy modifications of circuits without the need for soldering. This non-permanent setup is perfect for iterative testing and debugging, allowing users to learn and adjust as they go.</p><p id="">Breadboards are commonly used in educational settings to <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-decimal-counter-circuit-silver-conductive-ink-fr1" id="">teach electronics</a>, in hobbyist projects for experimenting with new circuit designs, and during the prototype testing phase of electronic development, especially when frequent adjustments are anticipated. Examples of projects using breadboards include FM radio transmitters, LED cubes, and digital thermometers.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520b8eaa7222748884608a_67520b41bda1cb8a2508c79c_breadboards-pcbs-definitions-materials-costs-benefits-applications-benefits.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Breadboards and electronic components" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Breadboards and electronic components</figcaption></figure><h4 id="">PCBs</h4><p id="">PCBs provide enhanced durability and reliability, supporting complex and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/print-multilayer-flexible-stretchable-circuits-nova" id="">multi-layered circuit designs</a> with dense component placement, essential in professional-grade electronics. They are designed to handle more permanent and advanced applications, ensuring consistent performance over time.</p><p id="">PCBs are crucial in <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/industries" id="">various industries</a>, including consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive components, and other demanding applications that require long-term reliability and efficiency under varying environmental conditions. Examples of these applications include advanced driver-assistance systems, MRI scanners, and the flight control systems of drones.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520b8eaa72227488846093_67520b80113d928277a27fb0_breadboards-pcbs-definitions-materials-costs-benefits-applications-benefits-pcbs.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A PCBA for a robotic hand" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/building-a-remote-controlled-robotic-hand-with-strain-gauges" id="">A PCBA for a remote control robotic hand made with V-One and NOVA</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">Both breadboards and PCBs play essential roles in electronics development. Breadboards are perfect for prototyping, testing, and educational purposes due to their flexibility and ease of use. On the other hand, PCBs are indispensable for final product development, offering stability, reliability, and suitability for complex and high-frequency circuits.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Understanding the strengths and limitations of each tool will help you choose the right one for your project, ensuring success in your electronics endeavors.&nbsp;</p><p id="">For more information on additively printed circuit boards, check out these projects:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-magnesium-zinc-battery-saral-inks-pet" id="">Printing a Magnesium Zinc Battery with Saral Inks on PET</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-electroluminescent-ink-paper-pet" id="">Printing Electroluminescent Ink on Paper and PET</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-multilayer-flexible-membrane-keyboard-conductive-silver-ink-dielectric-ink-pet" id="">Printing a Flexible Membrane Keyboard with Conductive Silver Ink and Dielectric Ink on PET</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/webinar-recap-printing-electronics-with-carbon-ink" id="">Printing Electronics with Carbon Ink</a></li></ul><p id="">Meanwhile, if you have questions about your PCB printing needs, please contact us at <a href="mailto:sales@voltera.io" id="">sales@voltera.io</a>.</p>

Breadboards vs. PCBs: Definitions, Materials, Costs, Benefits, and Applications

Discover the differences and similarities between breadboards and printed circuit boards, in terms of materials, costs, benefits, applications and more. 

Breadboards vs. PCBs: Materials, Costs, and Applications

Discover the differences and similarities between breadboards and printed circuit boards, in terms of materials, costs, benefits, applications and more.

<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5WuA4h4fN0"><div><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v5WuA4h4fN0" title="Webinar: Dispensing Solder Paste on Factory Fabricated PCBs"></iframe></div></figure><p id="">In our latest webinar, we dove into the process of dispensing T4 solder paste onto factory-fabricated circuit boards using the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one">V-One PCB printer </a>— a key innovation in PCB prototyping that streamlines PCB assembly.</p><h2 id="">Precision solder paste dispensing</h2><p id="">The webinar focused on V-One’s solder paste dispensing workflow. With features like aligned dispensing, selective printing, and an integrated heated bed, the V-One simplifies the often complex and messy process of applying solder paste, making <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/additive-pcb-prototyping">PCB prototyping</a> accessible for everyone.</p><h2 id="">Webinar highlights</h2><h3 id="">Live demonstration</h3><p id="">We kicked off with a live demonstration of V-One in action, showcasing the paste setup process, dispensing solder paste onto the PCB, and even correcting unsatisfactory results on the fly. This real-time demo highlighted the ease of using V-One’s software and the precision of the dispensing process, emphasizing its role in reducing manual errors and improving consistency in PCB assembly.</p><h3 id="">Workflow overview</h3><p id="">The session provided a comprehensive overview of the entire solder paste dispensing workflow, including the alignment of the factory-fabricated board, dispensing the solder paste, and performing reflow on the heated bed. Voltera’s support lead, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanshinkar/" id="">Nathan Shinkar</a>, shared tips on achieving optimal results with V-One, such as calibrating the machine and selecting the correct print settings.</p><h3 id="">Tips and tricks</h3><p id="">We also showcased a completed print with components populated, sharing tips and tricks on how to place the components to the right place of your own boards and cure the print on V-One, all guided by a detailed software walkthrough.</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">As demonstrated by the webinar, the capabilities to dispense solder paste and reflow PCBs make V-One an ideal tool for PCB prototyping, whether it’s precise and repeatable dispensing of your selected paste, reworking your solder pads on the fly, or creating addons for your PCBAs.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Special thanks to everyone who joined and participated in the live chat. Your questions about solder paste selection, board alignment, and reflow processes helped make this webinar interactive and informative.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Interested to learn more? Check out the following resources:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Blog: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-solder-paste" id="">What is Solder Paste?</a></li><li id="">White paper: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/dispensing-solder-paste-factory-fabricated-pcbs" id="">Dispensing Solder Paste on Factory Fabricated PCBs</a></li></ul><p id="">As mentioned in the webinar, we offer <a href="https://www.voltera.io/printing-service" id="">printing as a service</a>, where we can create your prototypes for you. To discuss your PCB printing needs, contact us at sales@voltera.io or <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting" id="">book a meeting with us</a>. To stay informed on upcoming webinars, <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1BPx4J9lvQ7-8px6MtaXF0w34u2a?__hstc=13863464.a6e861abd69863d5e355c083710f6ae2.1708615212577.1725990309429.1725995530379.319&__hssc=13863464.11.1725995530379&__hsfp=141023726" id="">subscribe to our newsletter</a>!&nbsp;</p>

Webinar recap: Dispensing Solder Paste on Factory-Fabricated PCBs

Learn more about our webinar on dispensing solder paste on factory fabricated boards using the Voltera V-One PCB printer.

<p id="">Researchers from Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Italy recently published a study in Nature where they utilized Voltera <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a> PCB printer to print interdigital electrodes on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, forming part of a three-layer piezoresistive sensor.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6776f11845b7946b3c2efb9a_66704a93f1a58c82efb10402_Research-using-VOne-PCB-printer-published-Nature.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Research Using V-One PCB Printer Published in Nature" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption>V-One PCB printer</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">The research problem</h2><p id="">This study aimed to formulate an eco-friendly conducting ink that maintains high electrical performance while being biodegradable. The ink formulation involves using biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) as a matrix combined with conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and silver flakes, to create a conducting ink suitable for flexible electronic devices.</p><h2 id="">The role of V-One</h2><p id="">The V-One was used to create eight-finger interdigitated electrodes on a PDMS substrate. V-One’s ability to handle conductive inks and produce intricate electrode patterns was vital in demonstrating the practical application and effectiveness of the newly developed biodegradable ink in flexible pressure sensors.</p><p id=""><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-60315-z" target="_blank" id="">Read the full article</a></p><p id="">‍</p>

Research Using V-One PCB Printer Published in Nature

Read research conducted using the V-One PCB printer where researchers printed interdigital electrodes on PDMS, as part of a piezoresistive sensor. 

This research was conducted using the V-One PCB printer where researchers printed interdigital electrodes on PDMS, as part of a piezoresistive sensor. 

<p id="">In the world of additive fabrication, two technologies stand out for their transformative potential: 3D printing and PCB (printed circuit board) printing. They share the fundamental principle of additive manufacturing, but are different in a number of ways.&nbsp;</p><p id="">In this article, we will delve into the main differences between traditional 3D printing and additive PCB printing, as seen in machines like the Voltera <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a>, in order to clarify their distinct roles in modern manufacturing.</p><h2 id="">How does 3D printing and PCB printing work?</h2><h3 id="">3D Printing</h3><p id="">With 3D printing, printers create objects by layering material, typically thermoplastic, from the bottom up. You begin with designing a model using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Next, you export the .stl file to your 3D printer software which will slice the model into thin horizontal layers, generating&nbsp; G-code for each layer. Depending on the type, your 3D printer will then extrude or solidify material layer by layer to form the final object.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66be5b359aadbe103e20f21d_667048027567407f41e872d6_3D-printing-PCB-printing-difference-workflow.webp" loading="lazy" alt="3D printing workflow: step one - design, step two - slice, step three - print" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">3D&nbsp;printing workflow</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">PCB printing</h3><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/additive-pcb-prototyping">Additive PCB printing</a> shares similarities with 3D printing in terms of its workflow. Using electrical computer-aided design (ECAD) software, you design your project, then export the Gerber file and upload it to your printer’s software. PCB fabricators, such as V-One, will then interpret the Gerbers and deposit <a href="https://store.voltera.io/collections/materials?filter.p.m.custom.product_type=Inks">conductive materials</a> to construct the layers of a printed circuit board.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66be5b349aadbe103e20f215_6670484757c3abc5b1827714_3D-printing-PCB-printing-difference-VOne-software.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Voltera software displayed on a computer screen" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Viewing your project with V-One software</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Key differences between 3D printing and PCB printing</h2><h3 id="">Materials and substrates</h3><p id="">The most apparent difference lies in the materials used. Traditional 3D printers work with a wide array of materials, including plastics such as PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, and resin, as well as nylons and metals. In contrast, PCB printers utilize conductive inks, such as silver, copper, or graphite, and more to create functional circuit boards.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66be5b359aadbe103e20f247_6670488d546fedb28555bcd4_3D-printing-PCB-printing-difference-Conductor-3.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Important update: Conductor 3, benefits include upright curing on the heated bed, 44% faster curing, and no burnishing required" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/conductor-3-ink-cartridge-2ml" id="">Voltera Conductor 3 ink</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">While you can print a three-dimensional object directly on the heated bed of a 3D printer, PCB printing requires fixing a <a href="">substrate</a> to the bed. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose more rigid substrates such as <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/2-x-3-fr1-substrates">FR1</a>, <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/3-x-4-substrates">FR4</a>, or more flexible ones such as <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/intexar-tpu-5-sheets">TPU</a>, paper or fabric.</p><h3 id="">Precision</h3><p id="">3D printers are generally used for larger objects and may not achieve the fine detail required for PCB manufacturing. The <a href="https://www.3erp.com/blog/how-dimensionally-accurate-are-3d-printed-parts/" target="_blank" id="">accuracy of desktop 3D printers</a> varies, ranging from ± 0.1 mm to ± 0.5 mm.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66be5b359aadbe103e20f22d_667048d961a073c36efc7f3a_3D-printing-PCB-printing-difference-RFID-tag.webp" loading="lazy" alt="RFID tag print on paper using Copprint LF301 nano copper ink" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/copper-rfid-tag" id="">RFID tag printed on paper</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">In contrast, PCB printers are designed for high precision, which is crucial for the intricate pathways and components of circuit boards. Notably, machines that use <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct-ink-writing technology</a>, such as <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a>, enable the production of features as small as 100 µm.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66be5b359aadbe103e20f24a_6670498fe92d6eb0734ce684_3D-printing-PCB-printing-difference-NOVA-traces.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Various print results using NOVA" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Details of conductive traces printed by NOVA</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Capabilities and applications</h3><p id="">3D printers are handy when it comes to producing complex geometries and shapes. Some industries use 3D printing to manufacture the final product, such as architectural models, automotive parts, and dentures.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520881ebdcd6cdde502825_6752080b9b2a0e79f586433b_3d-printing-pcb-printing-difference-capabilities-applications.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A 3D printed arm brace" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">A 3D-printed custom orthoses</figcaption></figure><p id="">However, these 3D printed projects, on their own, cannot perform functions such as sensing, monitoring, moving, amplifying, controlling, or mirroring, which require a printed circuit board and a range of electronic components. In order to test and iterate electronics projects, you will need a PCB printer.&nbsp;</p><p id="">The applications of PCB printers range from simple personal projects such as a weather station that monitors temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, to complex R&amp;D endeavors such as a <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-strain-gauges-tpu-laminated-glove-remote-hand-control">prototype for robotic arms</a> capable of performing surgeries.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520881ebdcd6cdde502835_67520867113d9282779ec55a_3d-printing-pcb-printing-difference-capabilities-applications-robot.webp" loading="lazy" alt="An AI robot" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">A robot in a shopping mall in Kyoto</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Costs</h3><p id="">Due to the differences in all the aforementioned aspects, these technologies are available at varying costs. Desktop 3D printers can be priced anywhere from <a href="https://formlabs.com/blog/how-to-calculate-3d-printer-cost/" target="_blank" id="">USD $200 to $2,500</a>, whereas desktop PCB printers tend to range from USD <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/v-one" id="">$5,199.98</a> to $27,800.</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">3D printing allows for the creation of a broad spectrum of objects, whereas PCB printing offers a specialized, rapid, and cost-effective solution for circuit board production.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Despite their differences, 3D printing and PCB printing can be highly complementary. Leveraging these technologies together will streamline the electronics prototyping process.&nbsp;</p><p id="">As the technology continues to evolve, there is tremendous potential for further integration and innovation in both fields. For more insights on additive PCB manufacturing, check out these resources:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-printed-electronics-conductive-inks" id="">What is Printed Electronics? Conductive Inks</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">Introduction to Direct Ink Writing (DIW) Printing Technology</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-inkjet-technology" id="">Introduction to Inkjet Technology</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing" id="">Introduction to Screen Printing</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/resistance-resistivity-and-sheet-resistance" id="">Resistance, Resistivity &amp; Sheet Resistance</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyICoRTERFI" target="_blank" id="">Webinar: Printing on BEYOLEX™ High-Temperature Stretchable Film with NOVA</a></li></ul><p id="">Meanwhile, if you have questions about your PCB printing needs, please contact us at <a href="mailto:sales@voltera.io" id="">sales@voltera.io</a>.</p>

3D Printing vs. PCB Printing — What’s the Difference?

Discover the differences and similarities between two additive technologies, 3D printing and PCB printing, in terms of materials, precision, and more.

<h2 id="">Voltera is one of Canada’s top emerging startups and a pioneer in additive electronics. </h2><p id="">The goal? Print electronics on anything and everything, opening up a world of possibilities.</p><p id="">Over the years, there’s been plenty of debate in the startup sphere over whether university is ‘worth it.’ The college dropout turned tech superstar is a much lauded story arc in Silicon Valley. However, for the co-founders of Waterloo-based <a href="https://www.voltera.io/about/about-us">Voltera</a>, university was not just worth it, but the genesis of their company.</p><p id="">What began as a school project by four University of Waterloo engineering students turned into one of Canada’s fastest-growing startups as Voltera blazes new trails in electronics.</p><p id="">Specifically, Voltera specializes in additive electronics, which have the potential to open up a world of possibilities like circuitry in sneakers to track your runs or parkas with <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/webinar-recap-printing-wearable-electronics">smart heated pockets</a> that respond to outside temperature. The goal is to print electronics on practically any material in a manner that’s also more sustainable than traditional manufacturing methods.<br><br><a href="https://www.rbcx.com/ideas/profiles/how-waterloos-voltera-is-upending-the-world-of-electronics/" target="_blank" id="">Keep reading...</a></p>

Voltera on RBCx: How Waterloo’s Voltera Is Upending the World of Electronics

Voltera specializes in additive electronics, which have the potential to open up a world of possibilities like circuitry in sneakers to track your runs or parkas with smart heated pockets that respond to outside temperature. The goal is to print electronics on practically any material in a manner that’s also more sustainable than traditional manufacturing methods.

<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k_DRhbHZGA"><div><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8k_DRhbHZGA" title="Webinar: Printing Electronics with Flexible Inks"></iframe></div></figure><p id="">In this webinar, we hosted <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bambach-17072793" id="">Andrew Bambach</a>, Engineering Manager at <a href="https://www.acimaterials.com/" id="">ACI Materials</a>, to explore cutting-edge advancements in printed electronics, focusing on flexible conductive inks and their transformative applications.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">Announcements</h2><p id="">During the webinar, our Support Lead, <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/nathanshinkar" id="">Nathan Shinkar</a>, unveiled our new electronics <a href="https://www.voltera.io/printing-service" id="">printing service</a>. You can now outsource your novel electronics designs for cost-effective, precise prints without minimum order quantities. In addition, we have added more inks to <a href="https://store.voltera.io/collections/materials" id="">our store</a>. Because these inks cater to niche applications with smaller quantity requests, please inquire through the store to see if we have them in stock.</p><h2 id="">Webinar highlights</h2><h3 id="">Overview of ACI’s Alchemy inks</h3><p id="">Andy introduced <a href="https://www.acimaterials.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ACI_Data_Sheet-Shared_Alchemy_Inks_1-1.pdf" id="">ACI’s Alchemy ink series</a>, emphasizing their unique semi-sintering technology that combines high conductivity (4–5 times better than polymer thick films) with low-temperature curing.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Key innovations of the Alchemy line include:</p><ul id=""><li>Cavitation process: A manufacturing method, proprietary to ACI Materials, which uses vacuum bubbles to disperse particles without damaging morphology, ensuring stable, clog-resistant inks</li><li><a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/aci-sc1502-2ml-cartridge" id="">Stretchable carbon ink SC1502</a>: An ink optimized for demanding applications such as <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/wearables" id="">wearables</a>, offering flexibility under strain</li><li>Fine feature printing: 20 μm traces (comparable to etched copper) for transparent metal meshes are achievable</li><li>Environmental edge: The Alchemy line reduces reliance on copper etching, slashing toxic waste, and enabling eco-friendly additive manufacturing</li></ul><p id="">Andy also introduced a circuit with fine traces printed with ACI’s FS0117 Semi-Sintering Ink on <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">Voltera’s NOVA materials dispensing system</a> to accommodate the world’s smallest 555 timer.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67d445b94c6b42259bd6697b_printing-electronics-flexible-inks-fine-traces.webp" loading="lazy" alt="An image showing fine traces printed with ACI semi-sintering ink using Voltera’s NOVA materials dispensing system"></div><figcaption>Fine traces printed by NOVA</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Live demonstration: Printing stretchable inks with NOVA</h3><p id="">Nathan demonstrated printing ACI’s stretchable carbon ink SC1502 on <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/pet-5-sheets?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-flexible-inks&utm_content=pet" id="">PET</a> using a <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/nordson-efd-7018395-dispensing-tip-27-gauge-clear-1-4-50-box?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-flexible-inks&utm_content=nordson-dispensing-tip" id="">Nordson EFD 7018395 200 μm dispensing tip</a> on NOVA.&nbsp;</p><p id="">The process included:</p><ol id=""><li>Probing: NOVA probed the PET substrate and created a height map to ensure precise ink deposition.</li><li>Adjusting print settings: Nathan adjusted trace width, print height, and temperature for uniform traces.</li><li>Calibrating the ink: NOVA printed the calibration pattern, taking a picture with the built-in camera and guiding Nathan to improve the print results</li></ol><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67d445eb5881814723e8962e_printing-electronics-flexible-inks-probing-pet.webp" loading="lazy" alt="An image showing NOVA probing the PET substrate to create a height map"></div><figcaption>NOVA probing the height of the PET substrate</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Q&amp;A&nbsp;</h3><p id="">The webinar wrapped up with a Q&amp;A session where participants asked about multilayer printing, curing conditions, conductivity, and material compatibility. Key insights included:</p><ul id=""><li>Current handling: Alchemy traces support 1–2 amps for bus lines and about 0.5 amps for wearables (e.g., 40mm × 7mm traces).</li><li>High-frequency circuits: Smooth topography and high conductivity make Alchemy inks ideal for <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/printed-antennas?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-flexible-inks&utm_content=antenna-applications" id="">antenna applications</a>.</li><li>Curing and development: Developmental inks cure at 120°C (2–3 minutes in ovens), with ongoing R&amp;D to boost conductivity at lower temperatures.</li><li>Ink compatibility: NOVA handles viscosities from 1,000 to 1,000,000 cPs. For custom inks, we recommend prioritizing consistent particle size to avoid nozzle clogs.</li></ul><h2 id="">Additional resources</h2><p id="">Want to learn more about flexible inks and projects completed using flexible inks? Check out these resources:</p><ul id=""><li>Blog: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/ultimate-guide-choosing-materials-new-electronics-product?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-flexible-inks&utm_content=ultimate-guide-choosing-material" id="">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Materials for a New Electronics Product</a></li><li>Blog: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/ask-an-expert-conductive-ink-challenges-misconceptions-and-more-with-mike?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-flexible-inks&utm_content=talking-ink-mike" id="">Ask an Expert: Talking Conductive Ink with Mike Mastropeitro from ACI</a></li><li>White paper: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-flexible-pcb-silver-ink-pet?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-flexible-inks&utm_content=printing-flexible-pcb" id="">Printing a Flexible PCB with Silver Ink on PET</a> (stretchable insulator)</li><li>White paper: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-silver-conductive-ink-cotton-fabric?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-electronics-flexible-inks&utm_content=printing-cotton" id="">Printing Silver Conductive Ink on Cotton Fabric</a> (stretchable heating ink)</li></ul><p id="">Looking to print flexible electronics with flexible inks? <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Demo%20Webinar&utm_source=website&utm_medium=%2Fwebinar-recap-printing-electronics-flexible-inks&utm_content=book-a-meeting" id="">Book a meeting</a> to learn more about NOVA.</p>

Webinar Recap: Printing Electronics with Flexible Inks

In this webinar, we invited ACI Materials to discuss NOVA’s compatibility with flexible inks to create eco-friendly, high-conductivity flexible circuits.

<p id="">The printed electronics landscape has seen substantial growth in recent years and there’s no sign of it slowing down. In 2023, the global printed electronics market size by material and substrate reached <a href="https://market.us/report/printed-electronics-market/" target="_blank">13.1 billion</a> USD. The healthcare/wellness and automotive sectors <a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/flexible-and-printed-electronics-2023-2033-forecasts-technologies-markets/943" target="_blank" id="">dominated the market</a>, fueled by various applications ranging from in-mold touch sensing to wearable glucose test strips.&nbsp;</p><p id="">As 2024 kicks off, the forecast for the printed electronics market is showing promising growth — supporting well established sectors like conductive inks while also shining light on emerging use cases like <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/in-mold-electronics">in-mold electronics</a>. These trends serve as an indicator of how closely the next generation of electronics will integrate with our daily lives.</p><p id="">Let's take a closer look at where the market is headed.</p><h2 id="">Printed electronics market size</h2><p id="">According to <a href="https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/electronics-manufacturing-trends/" target="_blank" id="">StartUs Insights</a> printed electronics is forecasted to rank as the sixth most impactful trend in electronics manufacturing in 2024.</p><p id="">Individually, the market for printed electronics is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately <a href="https://market.us/report/printed-electronics-market/" target="_blank" id="">19% between 2024 and 2033</a>. By the end of 2024, the market is projected to reach a total value of over 15 billion USD.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66be68b263342bd62767433d_66704635d15051aaa15e4ca3_2024-trends-printed-electronics-global-market-size.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Graph showing the global printed electronics market from 2022-2029" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image:&nbsp;<a href="https://greyviews.com/reports/printed-electronics-market/62" target="_blank" id="">GreyViews</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="">What are the market drivers in printed electronics?</h2><p id="">A number of market drivers contribute to the predicted growth rate of printed electronics. These include:&nbsp;</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/role-conductive-inks-additive-electronics-manufacturing" id=""><strong id="">Conductive inks</strong></a><strong id="">:</strong> Being the most critical component of printed electronics applications, continued investment in conductive inks will enable cost-effective production of lightweight and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/flexible-hybrid-electronics" id="">flexible electronics</a>.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Substrates: </strong>Equally as important as conductive inks, the rise in lightweight, flexible, and stretchable applications will also result in increased demand for materials to print on.</li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/copper-rfid-tag" id=""><strong id="">RFID technology</strong></a><strong id="">:</strong> As retail tracking and data communication continues to expand, RFID technology will grow in tandem, particularly with regards to opportunities in smart packaging. <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/printed-electronics-market" target="_blank" id="">Grand View Research</a> expects this technology to realize the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030.</li><li id=""><strong id="">The Internet of things (IoT): </strong><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/19/2024-iot-and-smart-device-trends-what-you-need-to-know-for-the-future/?sh=7cec41e97f34" target="_blank" id="">Forbes</a><strong id=""> </strong>projected that<strong id=""> </strong>by the end of 2024, over 200 billion IoT devices, ranging from toys to appliances, will be connected online. With the form factors of electronics rapidly evolving, it’s expected that IoT devices will help drive global adoption of printed electronics.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Flexible and stretchable electronics:</strong></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/electroluminescent-displays"><strong id="">Displays:</strong></a> With applications in consumer electronics and automotive dashboards, displays hold the highest market share at <a href="https://market.us/report/printed-electronics-market/" target="_blank" id="">over 38%</a>.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Sensors: </strong>Innovations in healthcare, environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and wearables can be attributed to the continued growth of sensors.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Photovoltaics (PV)</strong>: Within the energy sector, flexible PVs are predicted to gain large traction primarily driven by integration with buildings.</li></ul><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66be68b263342bd627674346_6670467d219a72391a792ee4_2024-trends-printed-electronics-market-drivers.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A graph showing the global printed electronics market from 2024-2033" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image:&nbsp;<a href="https://market.us/report/printed-electronics-market/" target="_blank" id="">Market.US</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">We can clearly see the dominance of conductive inks in printed electronics displayed in this data. Flexible substrates, though not as dominant as conductive inks, are still projecting growth in the global market up to 2033.</p><h2 id="">Where is the largest market for printed electronics?</h2><p id="">According to <a href="https://market.us/report/printed-electronics-market/" target="_blank" id="">Market.US</a>, who analyzes the regional trends and market drivers that make up this industry’s global landscape, the largest markets for printed electronics are:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><strong id="">Asia-Pacific (APAC): </strong>This region represents the largest market for printed electronics adoption. This can be attributed to a robust electronics manufacturing hub created by key market players like <a href="https://www.samsungdisplay.com/eng/index.jsp" target="_blank" id="">Samsung Display</a>, <a href="https://www.lgdisplay.com/eng" target="_blank" id="">LG Display CO. Ltd</a>., and <a href="https://www.eink.com/" target="_blank" id="">E Ink Holdings</a>. Furthermore, the APAC region’s economic growth in major countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, fuels investment in the printed electronics sector.&nbsp;</li><li id=""><strong id="">North America:</strong> Shortly behind APAC comes North America. Their demand for printed electronics primarily focuses on research and development in sectors like healthcare, aerospace, and defense. Some key market players in this region include <a href="https://www.nextflex.us/" target="_blank" id="">NextFlex</a>, <a href="https://flex.com/" target="_blank" id="">Flex Ltd</a>, and <a href="https://www.molex.com/en-us/home" target="_blank" id="">Molex LLC</a>.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Europe:</strong> Renowned for innovation and sustainability, European countries like Germany are projected to continue increasing research and development in advanced consumer electronics and automotive displays, due to the demand for electric vehicles and eco-friendly electronics.</li><li id=""><strong id="">South America:</strong> A smaller market, countries like Brazil and Mexico are fueled by a younger demographic's interest towards technology and innovation.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Middle East and Africa:</strong> The smallest market, this region mainly focuses on technological infrastructure and educational advancement.</li></ul><h2 id="">Printed electronics technology</h2><p id="">In the same report mentioned above by <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/printed-electronics-market" target="_blank" id="">Grand View Research</a>, this following graph segments the printed electronics market by technology.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66be68b263342bd62767432f_667046d1f45369d2657e0f11_2024-trends-printed-electronics-technology.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A graph showing the global printed electronics market in 2021 with screen printing taking the largest share" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image: <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/printed-electronics-market" target="_blank" id="">Grand View Research</a></figcaption></figure><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing" id="">Screen printing</a> represents the largest share of the market by technology, holding over 64% of total revenue. <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-inkjet-technology" id="">Inkjet</a> is close behind, followed by flexographic and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-to-gravure-printing-technology" id="">gravure</a> printing technology. While not listed, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct ink write dispensing</a> is gaining momentum in the industry for its affordability, accuracy, and low cleaning requirements.</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">These factors serve as a general indicator of where the printed electronics market is headed for 2024 and beyond. However, the industry’s potential isn’t limited to only a few trends. Whether it’s the digital dashboards transforming automobile interior design, or cellular smart labels revolutionizing shipment tracking for both sender and receiver, these trends will inspire confidence for industry innovators worldwide.</p>

2024 Trends in Printed Electronics

Explore printed electronics trends expected to emerge or grow in 2024. This article covers the industry’s projected growth, market drivers, regional trends, and printing technology.

<p id="">Precision fluid dispensers play a crucial role in manufacturing the products we interact with regularly. They are used in a wide range of industries, so much so, we often forget their role in our everyday lives.</p><p id="">In this article, we will provide a brief overview of fluid dispensing systems, highlight their applications, discuss common challenges with the technology, and share an overview of <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova" id="">NOVA</a>, our materials dispensing system.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">What are precision fluid dispensing systems?</h2><p id="">Precision fluid dispensing systems allow users to deposit micro amounts of assembly fluids onto a substrate in targeted areas. When dealing in microlitres or nanolitres, the amount of fluid deposited is often nearly impossible to control with most manual pumps and flowmeters. These systems were developed to implement control, precision, accuracy, and consistency in applications requiring microdispensing.</p><p id="">The two most common types of systems for fluid dispensing are:&nbsp;</p><h4 id="">Non-contact&nbsp;</h4><p id="">Also known as jet dispensing or jetting. In a jetting system, the fluid is deposited or “jetted” onto the substrate from a distance.&nbsp;</p><h4 id="">Contact&nbsp;</h4><p id="">This method uses a valve to deposit material in a highly controlled manner. It offers compatibility with a wider range of fluids compared to non-contact systems. Some examples of contact systems include:</p><ul id=""><li><strong id="">Pneumatic/time pressure</strong>: Pulses of air engage the top of the plunger in a specific pattern, driving the plunger forward in the syringe and depositing material.</li><li><strong id="">Mechanical positive displacement</strong>: A rod or piston that forces fluid out of the cartridge.</li><li><strong id="">Auger</strong>: A motor enables the auger screw to rotate, pulling material from the reservoir and guiding it towards the nozzle.</li><li><strong id="">Progressive cavity (PC) pump</strong>: Similar to an auger system, PC pumps utilize a rotor and stator to fill tightly sealed cavities with precise amounts of fluid which are then pushed towards the nozzle, enabling larger consistent deposits with high viscosity fluids.</li></ul><h3 id="">Fluid dispensing applications</h3><p id="">Numerous industries utilize dispensing systems for depositing materials, such as:</p><ul id=""><li>Electronics: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-solder-paste" id="">Solder pastes</a>, conductive adhesives, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/role-conductive-inks-additive-electronics-manufacturing" id="">conductive inks</a>, flux, coatings, underfill adhesives, and dam and fill.&nbsp;</li><li>Medical: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu" id="">Biomarker detection</a>, and in- and on-body <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/printed-tattoo-electrodes" id="">biomedical sensors</a>.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/copper-rfid-tag" id="">RFID</a>: Eco-friendly and cost effective non-contact data transfer and localization systems.</li></ul><p id="">Recent <a href="https://www.precedenceresearch.com/fluid-dispensing-systems-market" id="">research</a> indicates the electrical and electronics assembly segment was the leading global market for fluid dispensing equipment in 2024.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6824a6de43f1ffa35b392ab0_precision-fluid-dispensing-system-market-share.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A graph of the fluid dispensing systems market share, by application, 2024. From left to right: electrical and electronics assembly (36%), automotive (29%), medical devices (20%), construction (10%), and others (5%)."></div><figcaption>Fluid dispensing systems market share, by application in 2024. Source: <a href="https://www.precedenceresearch.com/fluid-dispensing-systems-market">Precedence Research</a></figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Materials used in fluid dispensing&nbsp;</h3><p id="">Precision fluid dispensers enable a diverse range of <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/compatibility-guide-inks-substrates" id="">material compatibility</a>. Some of the most common materials used in these systems are:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><strong id="">Flux: </strong>A chemical compound used in preparing metal surfaces for soldering.&nbsp;</li><li id=""><strong id="">Conductive ink:</strong> Printable materials that are capable of conducting electricity.&nbsp;</li><li id=""><strong id="">Lubricant:</strong> Oily materials that help reduce friction in surfaces that contact each other.&nbsp;</li><li id=""><strong id="">Solder paste:</strong> Powdered metal solder that is suspended in flux.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li id=""><strong id="">Adhesive: </strong>Substances that are capable of<strong id=""> </strong>holding at least two surfaces together permanently.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Sealants:</strong> Materials that attach at least two surfaces together, filling the space between them.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Conformal coatings:</strong> A film applied over components that provides protection against contaminants and environmental factors.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Epoxy underfill: </strong>An epoxy-material used in PCBs to connect a chip to the board through capillary action.</li></ul><p id="">In the same research report referenced above, the graph below shows the growth of fluid dispensing systems of various materials in the global market.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6824a7182f16b031a170df7a_precision-fluid-dispensing-system-global-market.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A chart showing the fluid dispensing systems market share, by application in 2024. From biggest to smallest: Asia Pacific (46%), North America (29%), Europe (20%), Latin America (10%), MEA (5%)"></div><figcaption>Fluid dispensing systems market share, by region, 2024. Source: <a href="https://www.precedenceresearch.com/fluid-dispensing-systems-market" id="">Precedence Research</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">Though the Asia-Pacific region accounted for 46% of the global revenue for fluid dispensing equipment in 2024, the global demand is projected to increase for systems that are compatible with lubricant, solder paste, adhesives, and sealants. This is primarily driven by advancements in electronics and automotive manufacturing [1].</p><h2 id="">Benefits of precision fluid dispensing&nbsp;</h2><p id="">The primary benefit of precision fluid dispensers is the ability to print high-resolution patterns and features quickly. They are designed to implement control methods to ensure high quality results are achieved. Many applications developed using these systems require consistent prints in high volume orders, so repeatability is key.</p><p id="">These systems can also be integrated into production lines to significantly reduce development time. They offer customizable features like interchangeable dispensers and programmable settings. Swappable dispensers allow users to disperse different types of material that would otherwise take longer to complete using manual processes, or even require a different tool altogether. A user can switch from a precision nozzle designed for depositing an adhesive ink, to a nozzle designed for spraying a coating in a matter of seconds.</p><h2 id="">Challenges with precision dispensing systems</h2><p id="">One of the primary challenges that exists is finding the right system for your application. Unless you’re a material scientist, it is easy to become overwhelmed by technical specifications, even if you know your application’s requirements. There is no one-size-fits-all materials dispensing system on the market; each has its own advantages and disadvantages, most often tailored to specific applications. Even after settling on a system to purchase, it's extremely common to face difficulties with material reliability and flow.</p><p id="">Let’s say you have your system, the material, and a substrate. How do you tell the system where to deposit the fluid? How much should it deposit? When and where should it start and stop?&nbsp;</p><p id="">Balancing these aspects while also adjusting settings to manage consistency, material leakage, and quality results, is often no easy task — especially without an intuitive user interface.</p><h2 id="">NOVA: Voltera’s precision fluid dispensing system</h2><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova" id="">NOVA</a> is a precision materials dispensing system that dispenses screen-printable materials (1,000 to 1,000,000 cP) on flexible, stretchable, conformable, and biocompatible materials, as well as rigid substrates. It is ideal for:</p><ul id=""><li>Flexible hybrid electronics R&amp;D</li><li>Novel materials research</li><li>Precise material dispensing</li><li>Seamless transition to mass production</li></ul><p id="">In 2025, we released <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/print-multilayer-flexible-stretchable-circuits-nova" id="">Plan</a>, a software feature that enables multilayer printing and print job editing for NOVA, further improving user experience for printing multi-material and multilayer circuit designs.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">Benefits of NOVA</h3><ul id=""><li>Achieve repeatable results with close-loop pressure feedback, temp-controlled dispensing, and an optimized algorithm for multilayer printing.</li><li>Stack up to four layers of materials and visualize multilayer print sequences before execution.</li><li>Experiment with a wide range of printable materials, from conductive inks and adhesives to solder paste on both flexible and rigid substrates.</li><li>Change designs on the fly and iterate without screens or stencils, eliminating delays and reducing costs while prototyping in-house.</li><li>…and more</li></ul><p id="">For technical specifications of NOVA, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/technical-specifications" id="">click here</a>.&nbsp;</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6824a7a66bae719bafe5740e_precision-fluid-dispensing-system-nova-carbon.webp" loading="lazy" alt=" NOVA is printing a potentiometer circuit using functional carbon ink, Voltera Conductor 3 silver ink, and ACI FS0142 flexible silver ink on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate"></div><figcaption>NOVA printing a functional carbon ink developed by Voltera’s Applications team on <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/pet-5-sheets" id="">PET</a> sheet</figcaption></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6824a7e2eb0941c0b3792081_precision-fluid-dispensing-system-nova-stretchable.webp" loading="lazy" alt="NOVA is printing a heating element pattern made up of meander lines that resemble a hand using the ACI SH5025 printed fixed resistance heater ink on cotton fabric"></div><figcaption>NOVA printing the ACI SH5025 printed fixed resistance heater ink on cotton fabric</figcaption></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6824a801659d73890470e99d_precision-fluid-dispensing-system-nova-gold.webp" loading="lazy" alt="NOVA printing ECG electrodes shaped like hexagonal labyrinths using Creative Materials’ EXP 2613-40 biocompatible gold ink and Celanese’s Intexar PE874 silver ink on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) substrate"></div><figcaption>NOVA printing Creative Materials’ EXP 2613-40 biocompatible gold ink on <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/intexar-tpu-5-sheets" id="">TPU</a> to make ECG electrodes</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">As additive manufacturing continues to revolutionize research outcomes and product development, innovators are searching for the right solution to meet their goals. They’re looking to accelerate development timelines and find cost effective methods for achieving reliable, high quality results.</p><p id="">If you would like to see if <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova" id="">NOVA</a> is a fit for your application, <a href="https://meetings.hubspot.com/royperez/v-one-or-nova-demo?__hstc=13863464.f4bac85f003ca4e96b9dc2632e0f0baa.1698168973705.1701183200004.1701198740111.109&__hssc=13863464.3.1701198740111&__hsfp=1999393944" id="">book a meeting</a> with one of our application specialists.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">References</h2><p id="">[1] Precedent Research, <a href="https://www.precedenceresearch.com/fluid-dispensing-systems-market" id="">Fluid Dispensing Systems Market Size, Share, and Trends 2025 to 2034</a>, 2025.</p>

What are Precision Fluid Dispensing Systems? 

Learn how precision fluid dispensing systems are changing additive electronics. Explore their benefits, materials, challenges, and where Voltera’s NOVA system fits in.

<figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyICoRTERFI&list=PLbZdiubRTqoqS9CDbZrtc5kbc-bhfKdUw"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gyICoRTERFI" title="Webinar: Printing on BEYOLEX™ High-Temperature Stretchable Film with NOVA"></iframe></div></figure><p id="">In this webinar, Voltera's Support Lead, <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/nathanshinkar" id="">Nathan Shinkar</a>, and Panasonic's Business Director, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andybehr" id="">Andy Behr</a>, explored the capabilities of <a href="https://na.industrial.panasonic.com/products/electronic-materials/printed-and-flexible-hybrid-materials/lineup/beyolex-stretchable-circuit-materials/series/144592" id="">BEYOLEX™ high-temperature stretchable film</a>, a groundbreaking substrate designed for soft circuit applications.&nbsp;</p><p id="">The session provided an in-depth look at BEYOLEX's unique properties and a live demonstration of printing a force-sensitive resistor (FSR) using <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a> and <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/aci-ss1109-2ml-cartridge?srsltid=AfmBOor9orMYVz2nygWbpSlawy40hsk0MnVp5nIIdByx6pKKRf-8vQ5U" id="">ACI SS1109 stretchable silver ink</a>.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/679bf49f0b247dfa4ab2a3a2_679bf3d0d374072a239fb64c_webinar-recap-printing-beyolex-stretchable-film.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Webinar: Printing on BEYOLEX™ high-temperature stretchable film for soft-circuit applications" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Webinar: Printing on BEYOLEX™ high-temperature stretchable film for soft-circuit applications</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Webinar highlights&nbsp;</h2><h3 id="">Introduction to BEYOLEX™</h3><p id="">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:</p><ul id=""><li id="">High elongation (200%) with near-zero hysteresis, meaning it can stretch and return to its original shape without deformation.</li><li id="">Exceptional heat resistance, withstanding temperatures over 300°C, making it ideal for applications that require soldering or exposure to high temperatures.</li><li id="">Superior durability, retaining mechanical properties even after prolonged exposure to extreme environments.</li></ul><p id="">Andy also discussed various potential applications of BEYOLEX, including wearables, robotics, flexible heaters, and sensor patches, highlighting its versatility in printed electronics.</p><h3 id="">Printing demonstration with NOVA</h3><p id="">Following the introduction, Nathan conducted a live printing demonstration using the NOVA modular dispensing system. The session covered key steps in the process, including:</p><ol id=""><li id="">Preparing the substrate: BEYOLEX was mounted onto the NOVA vacuum module to ensure a stable print surface.</li><li id="">Loading the materials: ACI’s SS19 stretchable silver ink was selected due to its compatibility with BEYOLEX's stretchability and temperature resistance.</li><li id="">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.</li><li id="">Post-processing: The printed circuit was cured at 135°C for 5 minutes, well below BEYOLEX's threshold, ensuring proper conductivity and flexibility.</li></ol><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/679bf49f0b247dfa4ab2a3b7_679bf4652856fb23add81aa1_webinar-recap-beyolex-printed-sensors-stretched.webp" loading="lazy" alt="The sensors being stretched" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">The sensors being stretched</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Additional resources</h2><p id="">Curious what other projects can be done using stretchable substrates like BEYOLEX™? Check out these resources:</p><ul id=""><li id="">White papers: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers">Projects done using our dispensing systems</a></li><li id="">Blog: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/compatibility-guide-inks-substrates">A Compatibility Guide for Inks and Substrates</a></li><li id="">Video: <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbZdiubRTqoqS9CDbZrtc5kbc-bhfKdUw&si=TpSbDWjqoyVp_tcQ">Other Voltera webinars on additive electronics</a></li></ul><p id="">Ready to print your soft circuits? <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=webinar-recap-printing-beyolex&utm_content=book-a-meeting" id="">Book a meeting</a> with us now. To stay informed on upcoming webinars, <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1DG3jeG6BRDOZ6o0OGyVv-g34u2a" id="">subscribe to our newsletter</a>!&nbsp;</p>

Webinar Recap: BEYOLEX™ Stretchable Film for Soft Circuits

In this webinar, we explored Panasonic BEYOLEX™ stretchable film’s properties and printed force-sensitive resistors using ACI’s stretchable silver ink.

<p id="">In our latest webinar, the spotlight was on printing biomedical sensors using <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA technology</a>, a landmark in the evolution of printed electronics. We also highlighted Creative Materials’ <a href="https://server.creativematerials.com/datasheets/DS_124_36.pdf" target="_blank" id="">124-36 Ag/AgCl (silver silver-chloride) ink</a>, which was perfect for the application we demonstrated.</p><h2 id="">Precision materials dispensing&nbsp;</h2><p id="">The webinar focused primarily on the precision and adaptability of NOVA in printing biomedical sensors. With the use of advanced materials and sophisticated printing techniques, made easier with products like NOVA and Creative Materials inks, you’re able to create sensors that are both highly functional and biocompatible.</p><h2 id="">Webinar highlights</h2><p id=""><strong id="">Printing techniques explored:</strong> We discussed various methods like syringe dispensing and screen printing, emphasizing their relevance in biomedical applications.</p><p id=""><strong id="">Material compatibility:</strong> The webinar highlighted the compatibility of NOVA with a range of materials, including innovative silver/silver-chloride inks.</p><p id=""><strong id="">Flexibility:</strong> Customization became a key theme, with discussions in the live chat of the webinar on tailoring sensor designs to specific biomedical needs and the flexibility of materials on different substrates.</p><p id=""><em id="">Interested in exploring NOVA's capabilities for your biomedical projects?&nbsp;</em><a href="https://meetings.hubspot.com/royperez/meet-with-team-voltera" id=""><em id="">Get in touch</em></a><em id=""> with our experts for a personalized demo or more information.</em></p><h2 id="">Audience Q&amp;A insights</h2><p id=""><strong id="">Ink selection:</strong> One question inquired on the difference between pure silver inks and silver/silver-chloride inks. Our experts explained that while pure silver offers higher conductivity, silver/silver-chloride inks provide greater biocompatibility, crucial for sensors in direct contact with skin.</p><p id=""><strong id="">Printing on flexible materials:</strong> A question arose about NOVA's ability to print on flexible substrates and we clarified that NOVA's precision and pressure feedback dispensing make it ideal for such applications, above and beyond the capability of the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a>.</p><p id=""><strong id="">Ink preparation and handling:</strong> Questions about ink preparation underscored the importance of proper material handling for optimal printing results. Many helpful tools and techniques were highlighted, including but not limited to:&nbsp;</p><ul id=""><li id="">A planetary mixer to help blend materials to ensure a complete mix and consistent flow.</li><li id="">Deflection testing to identify whether there’s air in the dispenser, which is further helped by the pressure feedback from NOVA’s Smart Dispenser.</li><li id="">Consultation with experts (like <a href="https://www.creativematerials.com" target="_blank" id="">Creative Materials</a>) for recommendations when you’re looking to create custom mixed materials for your application.</li></ul><h2 id="">Practical demonstration</h2><p id="">A significant portion of the webinar was dedicated to a live demonstration, showcasing the printing of a biomedical sensor using NOVA. This hands-on display not only highlighted the machine’s capabilities but also addressed practical considerations like setup time and material preparation.</p><p id=""><em id="">Didn’t make it to the webinar? Watch it here:</em></p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://youtu.be/dcr2Itxfbq4?feature=shared"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dcr2Itxfbq4" title=""></iframe></div></figure><h2 id="">Applications and future of printed electronics in a biomedical setting&nbsp;</h2><p id="">We discussed the wide range of applications for <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/bioelectronics">printed biomedical sensors</a>, from ECG/EKG and EEG sensors to more novel uses in drug delivery systems and comfortable, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/wearables">wearable health monitors</a>. The session also touched upon future trends and potential advancements in this rapidly evolving field.</p><p id="">Special thanks to everyone who participated in the chat. There were tons of questions about the capabilities of NOVA and Creative Materials inks. The most common themes were the importance of precision in dispensing, versatility in materials, and customization for creating advanced medical devices.</p><p id="">To stay informed on future webinars, <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1BPx4J9lvQ7-8px6MtaXF0w34u2a?__hstc=13863464.a6e861abd69863d5e355c083710f6ae2.1708615212577.1725990309429.1725995530379.319&__hssc=13863464.9.1725995530379&__hsfp=141023726" id="">subscribe to our newsletter</a>.</p>

Webinar Recap: Printing Biomedical Sensors with Ag/AgCl ink

A summary of Voltera's printed electronics webinar, including techniques and materials that are compatible with biomedical applications.

A recap of our webinar on biomedical sensors printed with silver silver-chloride ink using NOVA.

<p id="">In a future characterized by flexibility, stretchability, sustainability, and affordability, conductive inks serve as tools to foster electronics innovation. In this blog, we will explore the role of conductive inks in today’s printed electronics landscape.</p><h2 id="">What are conductive inks?</h2><p id="">Conductive inks are printable materials that are capable of conducting electricity. These inks contain conductive particles or flakes such as silver, copper, and carbon, and enable electrical conduction. Most inks aren’t conductive right from the beginning — they need to be processed to evaporate the solvents which strengthens the connection between the metal particles. After printing, they are cured in different ways to render them electrically conductive. Typically, the main curing process we use on <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a> for low temperature inks is thermal curing. This process applies heat to initiate polymerization, solidifying the ink and changing the volume of the traces. However, there are alternative methods for processing conductive inks, such as ultraviolet (UV) curing. UV curing exposes the uncured ink to UV light, converting the monomers to polymers which hardens the liquid.</p><p id="">To learn more about what conductive inks are made of, see <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-printed-electronics-conductive-inks">What is Printed Electronics? Conductive Inks.</a></p><h2 id="">Advantages of conductive inks in additive manufacturing:</h2><p id="">The <a href="https://www.precedenceresearch.com/flexible-electronics-market#:~:text=The%20global%20flexible%20electronics%20market%20is%20poised%20to%20grow%20at,USD%2071.54%20billion%20by%202032." target="_blank" id="">increasing demand</a> for flexible and stretchable electronic devices requires conductive materials that can satisfy the characteristics of the devices. Traditionally, subtractive manufacturing processes like chemical etching, require an extensive production process that is costly, wastes material, and is environmentally harmful. Conversely, conductive inks are used in additive manufacturing processes — providing an extensive list of benefits to users:</p><h3 id="">Testing and design acceleration</h3><p id="">Because conductive inks are additive in nature:</p><ul id=""><li id="">They accelerate the design and iteration stage for developing electronics.&nbsp;</li><li id="">They avoid multi-step procedures related to chemically stripping materials (keep reading — there’s more on this process below.&nbsp;</li></ul><p id="">Instead, they utilize a more streamlined process of printing only what’s needed where it is needed. This approach eliminates material waste and enables users to develop and test their prototypes faster.</p><h3 id="">Material versatility of conductive inks</h3><p id="">Conductive inks are comprised of a wide variety of materials, providing users with a diverse range of application compatibility. With various resistance thresholds and temperature ranges, conductive inks allow for compatibility with <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/flexible-hybrid-electronics" id="">flexible</a> and stretchable applications, on a wide variety of films and substrates. Here are a few examples of the inks and their potential applications:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><strong id="">Silver</strong> <strong id="">conductive inks</strong> are easy to print and offer excellent conductivity and low resistance, making them ideal for applications requiring high flexibility. Typical applications where silver conductive inks are used include aerospace electronics, alternative<a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/printed-batteries"> energy solutions</a>, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/bioelectronics">biosensors</a>, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-rfid-tag-copper-ink-paper">RFID tags</a>, and automotive sensors.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) inks </strong>are an environmentally friendly option, commonly used in biomedical electronics. Their smooth finish and ability to achieve different resistance and sensitivity levels by adjusting their ratio, makes them specifically suitable for on or in-body applications like <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu">health monitoring patches and sensors</a>.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Carbon inks</strong> offer high thermal stability at a lower cost compared to silver conductive inks. Their chemical inertness makes carbon inks suitable for printing resistors and conductors on non-conductive materials such as plastics, ceramics, and paper. Carbon-based inks are useful for applications like windshield defrosters, resistors, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-multilayer-flexible-membrane-keyboard-conductive-silver-ink-dielectric-ink-pet">computer keyboards</a>, and capacitive sensors where conductivity and stability are required.&nbsp;</li><li id=""><strong id="">Gold</strong> <strong id="">and platinum</strong> <strong id="">conductive inks</strong> offer very high conductivity and longevity, and are used in applications where the higher conductivity can justify the high price. These conductive inks durability can be attributed to their resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Some common applications where gold and platinum conductive inks are used include photovoltaics and thin film transistors.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3 id="">Sustainability and material waste</h3><p id="">Subtractively manufactured electronics involves chemical etching, a process that subjects material to chemicals to remove excess material until the final form is obtained. This process results in significant material waste and also exposes handlers to toxic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide or ferric chloride.&nbsp;</p><p id="">A much safer option is printing conductive inks additively onto a substrate or film in the desired pattern — resulting in no exposure to toxic chemicals or creation of material waste.</p><h2 id="">Applications of conductive inks</h2><p id="">There are numerous applications for conductive inks. We’ve highlighted a few below that been developed on our materials dispensing systems, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a> and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a>:</p><h3 id="">Remote controlled robotic hand with strain gauges</h3><p id="">This project involved designing a remote controlled robotic hand, printed using a highly conductive <strong id="">stretchable silver ink</strong> from <a href="https://materials.celanese.com/gb/products/pdf/SI/Micromax%E2%84%A2%20Intexar%E2%84%A2%20PE874-gb.pdf" target="_blank" id="">Celanese</a>. The process of building a remote controlled robotic hand involved designing strain gauges that could stretch while maintaining conductivity and exhibiting a measurable change in resistance. Using this stretchable conductive ink opens the door for designing strain gauges on nearly any flexible material.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/675a09a54d4089b505c75dd4_667041fdeaa7325a8cf65e6b_Role-conductive-inks-robotic-hand-strain-gauges.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Robot hand and control glove shown side by side" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/building-a-remote-controlled-robotic-hand-with-strain-gauges" id="">See the build process</a></figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Insole pressure sensor&nbsp;</h3><p id="">This application saw the full design and build of an insole with a force sensitive resistor capable of detecting pressure and weight distribution in a shoe. Using the same stretchable silver conductive ink as the robotic glove above, traces were printed onto a sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which then comes into contact with a carbon sheet under pressure — allowing for resistance to increase in various regions of the print.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/675a09a54d4089b505c75dd1_6670424ea43c873f9045b0c1_Role-conductive-inks-insole-pressure-sensor.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Insole pressure sensor laid out on a table, connected to wires" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Insole pressure sensor</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Biomedical sensors with silver-silver chloride ink</h3><p id="">Another industry where we continue to see the application of conductive inks flourish is biomedical health monitoring. In our webinar <strong id="">Printing Biomedical Sensors</strong>, we demonstrated printing a biomedical sensor using Creative Materials’ <a href="https://server.creativematerials.com/datasheets/DS_124_36.pdf?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4FZ7IrgeZBrspF9UgInjiWDGpZ2zkWPzzlX4ld_93xfqFIrVmyoD7KjPSul3O02kAeA2y" target="_blank" id="">124-36 silver-silver chloride</a> on TPU.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Didn’t get a chance to attend the webinar? Watch the&nbsp;recording on our YouTube channel:</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://youtu.be/dcr2Itxfbq4?feature=shared"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dcr2Itxfbq4" title="Webinar: Printing Biomedical Sensors with NOVA"></iframe></div></figure><h3 id="">RFID Tags with nano copper ink</h3><p id="">Another common application for conductive inks is printing RFID tags. In this example, the tags were printed using Copprint’s <a href="https://www.copprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TDS-LF-301-Beta-22-08-21.pdf" target="_blank" id="">LF-301</a> nano copper ink on paper in the desired pattern. This process resulted in better performance than an off-the-shelf tag we purchased from a market volume leader in RFID. With NOVA, we were able to produce one fully printed RFID tag antenna in less than 15 minutes.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/675a09a54d4089b505c75de4_667042c41dcc310945a22cd4_Role-conductive-inks-RFID-nano-copper-ink.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Printing with NOVA: Copper RFID tags on paper" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/copper-rfid-tag" id="">See more</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Choosing an ink</h2><p id="">Each ink has its own unique specifications and applications. Making a decision on which ink to choose can seem intimidating, so we are going to help simplify this process for you:</p><p id="">When choosing an ink, there are a few main aspects to consider to ensure your application achieves the results you're looking for. The main consideration is <strong id="">what you're trying to achieve</strong> with your application. This main decision will lead to other secondary considerations such as the substrate you plan to print on, the technology you intend to print with, and your budget. For a detailed breakdown on ink compatibility, see <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/compatibility-guide-inks-substrates" id="">A Compatibility Guide for Inks and Substrates</a>.</p><p id="">Some conductive ink suppliers include:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.acimaterials.com/" target="_blank" id="">ACI Materials</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.creativematerials.com/" target="_blank" id="">Creative Materials</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.copprint.com/" target="_blank" id="">Copprint</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.celanese.com/products/micromax" target="_blank" id="">Celanese</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.novacentrix.com/" target="_blank" id="">Novacentrix</a></li></ul><p id="">If you have questions about ink compatibility with our NOVA or V-One dispensing systems, please contact us at <a href="mailto:support@voltera.io" id="">support@voltera.io</a>.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">The innovation of technology can’t exist without the innovation of processes. As electronics continue to move into a more flexible, sustainable, affordable, and reliable future, conductive inks serve as tools to make these innovations achievable.&nbsp;</p><p id="">To discuss whether a NOVA or V-One dispensing system might be right for your application, <a href="https://meetings.hubspot.com/royperez/v-one-or-nova-demo" target="_blank" id=""><strong id="">book a meeting</strong></a> with one of our application specialists.</p>

The Role of Conductive Inks in Additive Electronics Manufacturing

Explore the pivotal role conductive inks play in advancing printed electronics. From faster design, to their benefits and applications, discover how these versatile inks continue to revolutionize additive electronics.

Explore the pivotal role conductive inks play in advancing printed electronics. From their design, to their benefits, to their applications, discover how these versatile inks continue to revolutionize additive electronics.

<h2 id="">Nordson EFD nozzles launched</h2><div data-rt-embed-type='true'><a id="nordson-efd-nozzles-launched-anchor">Nordson EFD nozzles launched</a></div><p id="">Voltera is excited to announce that we’ve added Nordson EFD straight barrel nozzles to our <a href="https://store.voltera.io/collections/consumables" id="">online store</a> in four different sizes: 100, 150, 200, 250 μm. These disposable stainless steel nozzles can improve dispensing with lower viscosity fluids and inks on <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a> and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a>, but are not recommended for use with solder paste.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Not sure which nozzle you need? Your application and material will dictate which is right for you. For help choosing the correct nozzle, see <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/nordson-efd-high-performance-low-cost-nozzles#how-to-choose-a-nozzle-anchor" id="">How to choose a nozzle </a>below.</p><h2 id="">Benefits of Nordson EFD nozzles</h2><div data-rt-embed-type='true'><a id="benefits-of-nordson-efd-nozzles-anchor">Benefits of Nordson EFD nozzles</a></div><p id="">Nozzles (or dispensing tips) direct the flow of material as it exits the cartridge onto your substrate. They are a critical component of the dispensing system and control many aspects of the quality of your output. The Nordson EFD nozzles new to our store offer a wide range of benefits:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><strong id="">Versatile fluid handling</strong>: These nozzles are designed to handle a wide range of assembly fluids.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Precise and consistent depositing</strong>: Their burr-free passivated stainless steel tubing allows for precise and consistent fluid depositing, making these nozzles suitable for lower viscosity materials.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Leak-proof design</strong>: Their polypropylene SafetyLok™ hubs prevent leakage and ensure drip-free dispensing.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Cost-efficiency: At a more economical price point than Subrex nozzles, these will reduce consumable costs while still achieving high quality dispensing.</strong></li></ul><p id="">While we now offer these Nordson EFD nozzles in our store, you can still find other nozzles there as well, including Voltera disposable and Subrex metal nozzles.</p><h3 id="">Voltera disposable nozzles</h3><div data-rt-embed-type='true'><a id="voltera-disposable-nozzles-anchor">Voltera disposable nozzles</a></div><p id="">Disposable nozzles serve a cost effective purpose — minimizing ink volume and maximizing flow. They can also be a suitable option if you find your metal Subrex nozzles are clogging or breaking frequently.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" style="max-width:40%" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="40%"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66db569ce46d4305fdb13ce3_667040491dcc310945a03cd7_Nordson-EFD-nozzles-Voltera-disposable-nozzles.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Voltera disposable nozzles" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption>Voltera disposable nozzles</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Subrex precision nozzles</h3><div data-rt-embed-type='true'><a id="subrex-precision-nozzles-anchor">Subrex precision nozzles</a></div><p id="">These precision nozzles provide excellent resolution and more accurate dispensing of ink and solder paste but are more expensive and fragile than other nozzles. The enhanced performance comes from a tapered design and a thinner wall to improve flow performance with high viscosity materials and reduce spread at the target location.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" style="max-width:40%" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="40%"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66db569ce46d4305fdb13cea_667040938723d8e7d0e94451_Nordson-EFD-nozzles-Subrex-precision-nozzles.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Subrex precision nozzles" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption>Subrex precision nozzles</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">How to choose a nozzle</h2><div data-rt-embed-type='true'><a id="how-to-choose-a-nozzle">How to choose a nozzle</a></div><p id="">This table gives you a brief overview of the types of nozzles we carry as well as their printer and fluid compatibility:</p><p id="">[script]https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6334888a34bfac591c6aa6e9/665f130ae3dff8ef7e8c2b7a_Table%20template.txt[/script]</p><p id=""><em id="">* Please note: Nozzles can be used with materials and printers not currently stocked in the Voltera online store.&nbsp;</em></p><p id="">Still not sure which nozzle you need? We’ve put together documentation that will help you choose the right nozzle for your project.&nbsp;</p><h5 id=""><a href="https://docs.voltera.io/nova/learn-more/working-with-custom-inks#choosing-nozzles" id="">How to choose a nozzle</a></h5><p id="">If you have questions about material or nozzle compatibility, we can help! Please contact us at <a href="mailto:hello@voltera.io" id="">hello@voltera.io</a>.</p><h5 id=""><a href="https://store.voltera.io/collections/consumables?filter.p.m.custom.product_type=Nozzles" id="">Shop nozzles</a></h5>

Nordson EFD: High Performance, Low Cost Nozzles

You can now purchase four different Nordson EFD dispensing nozzles directly from the Voltera store. They are compatible with NOVA and V-One platforms, and provide a cost-effective alternative with excellent dispensing performance for conductive inks.

<p id="">In the field of printed electronics, researchers are constantly pushing boundaries to discover novel applications for emerging materials and technologies. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10007579" target="_blank" id="">latest research</a> on carbon nanotube field emissions will have lasting impacts in this field, offering vital insights into properties of this material and opening up the opportunity for a wider discussion on its use cases. We're going to synopsize those findings for you; this is a must-read for researchers in printed electronics. </p><p id="">Let's start with the basics.</p><h2 id="">What are carbon nanotubes?</h2><p id="">Colloquially called buckytubes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a hollow, cylindrical structure with a diameter in the nanometer range. Their versatility is what makes them so attractive for research. Their structure can adjust slightly to allow for greater functionalization (by slightly shifting the bonded carbon hexagons) and they have great electronegativity, meaning that they have an easy time bonding with other materials. Their cylindrical structure lends them the ability, via ease of covalent bonding, to combine with other materials in order to augment and enhance them. Their predecessors, buckyballs, did not share the same depth of functionality due to the limits of the ball shape.</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">The power of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)</strong></h2><p id="">Carbon nanotubes have emerged as a significant player in the realm of nanotechnology, owing to their remarkable electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Composed of carbon atoms in a cylindrical structure, CNTs are at the forefront of innovations in nanotechnology, enabling advancements in fields such as nanoelectronics, energy storage, and sensing. In this context, space propulsion is a key part of MIT’s research.</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">MIT's pioneering research</strong></h2><p id="">Researchers at MIT’s Velasquez Group have delved into the intricate world of carbon nanotube field emissions, exploring the previously uncharted territories of their potential. Their investigations have focused on understanding the intrinsic properties and behaviors of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) when exposed to external electric fields. Advanced experimentation and comprehensive analysis have enabled the researchers to gain deeper insights into the emission characteristics of CNTs. Their work is shedding light on optimizing the configurations and conditions under which CNTs operate, thereby enhancing their performance and expanding their potential applications in printed electronics.</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Precision and control: Leveraging NOVA in research</strong></h2><p id="">The Velasquez Group employed <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a>, a materials dispensing system which utilizes advanced <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology">direct ink writing technology</a> to print detailed structures with extreme precision.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" style="max-width:25%" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="25%"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6776f822bbde3bc1712aa45d_66703baff8eaacf0224752d5_Carbon-nanotube-field-emitters-device-design.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Spiralized, in-plane gated field emission device design" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Spiralized, in-plane gated field emission device design. Red trace is copper (extractor electrode), yellow trace is printed CNT ink (emitting electrode). Vias connect to underlying blue traces leading to a card edge connector away from the device.</figcaption></figure><p id="">Concentric spirals of copper and CNT ink were printed <strong id="">with a minimal 15 µm variation</strong> between them.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6776f822bbde3bc1712aa457_66703cacc24b09c1e4486591_Carbon-nanotube-field-emitters-CNT-traces.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Printed CNT traces, a confocal microscope view with overlaid measurement line and profile of measurement line" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Printed CNT traces. A) Confocal microscope view with overlaid measurement line. B) Profile of measurement line, showing rough copper traces and rounded CNT traces with roughly 15 µm misalignment.</figcaption></figure><p id="">This precision is extraordinary and is not commonly achievable with cleanroom equipment available today. Providing crucial control over surface mapping, optical alignment, and pressure control, NOVA was key in realizing such unprecedented results.<br><br></p><blockquote id=""><em id="">“With NOVA, we can make devices and align them to sub 10 micron precision, which is essential to everything that we do. If we have a 20 micron deviation, our devices explode. So you know, we need a lot of precision, we need to have tuned materials, and NOVA enables both of those.”</em><br></blockquote><blockquote id=""><em id="">- Alex Kashkin, Graduate Researcher, Velásquez Group at MIT</em><br></blockquote><h2 id=""><strong id="">Groundbreaking findings: Emission mechanisms and properties</strong></h2><p id="">The study provides a profound understanding of the emission mechanisms of carbon nanotubes, emphasizing the significance of field enhancement factor (FEF) and emission areas. Researchers have discovered that the emission currents of CNTs are highly dependent on the geometric configuration and alignment of the nanotubes, as well as the applied electric field. By manipulating these variables, it's possible to optimize the emission properties of CNTs to suit various applications in printed electronics.</p><p id="">One of the key highlights of the research is the revelation that the emission currents are highly localized, occurring predominantly at the tips of the nanotubes, which has crucial implications for designing efficient emission sources. This understanding is pivotal for harnessing the full potential of CNTs in developing advanced electronic devices, sensors, and other nanotechnology applications.</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Possible real-world applications</strong></h2><p id="">The exploration of carbon nanotube field emitters is just the tip of the iceberg. MIT's work is opening up new avenues for research and development in printed electronics. We're optimistic about harnessing the wide range of capabilities that CNTs exhibit to help transform the landscape of nanotechnology and printed electronics.</p><p id="">‍<strong id="">Medical and scientific instruments:</strong> The devices could prove invaluable in miniaturized mass spectrometers, and even in crafting compact x-ray generators.</p><p id="">‍<strong id="">Relaxed vacuum needs:</strong> The compatibility with low-vacuum environments, especially at the 10 mTorr level, synchronizes perfectly with the industry’s move towards easing vacuum preconditions for compact instruments.</p><p id="">‍<strong id="">Radiography and materials analysis:</strong> Envision a handheld x-ray source, adept at material analysis through fluorescent spectroscopy. With the required currents being significantly lesser than the bias voltages essential for x-ray production, the feasibility is undeniable.</p><p id="">‍<strong id="">Nanosatellite electric propulsion: </strong>The CNT fully-printed electron sources can be the go-to for neutralizers in pico and nanosatellite electric propulsion systems. Given their resilience against oxygen traces in low-Earth orbit (LEO), they could find a role in a plethora of nanosatellite missions, ranging from Earth surveillance and communication to weather prediction.</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Closing thoughts</strong></h2><p id="">MIT’s in-depth research on carbon nanotube field emissions is helping to part the veil on the potential of CNTs in printed electronics. The findings of this study are pivotal for fostering advancements and innovations in nanotechnology. Voltera is proud to play a critical role in unlocking research opportunities, with tools like <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a> enabling research advancements through novel printed electronics technologies.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Our goal has always been to empower scientists and researchers to explore new possibilities, promising a future where the applications and implications of printed electronics are bound only by the limits of human imagination. By bridging the gap between research and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications">real-world applications</a>, we are stepping into a future with potential for groundbreaking discoveries and developments that could impact daily life from the clothes we wear, to revolutionary medical treatments, and the exploration and understanding of space.</p><p id="">Stay tuned for more developments in printed electronics research by <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1DG3jeG6BRDOZ6o0OGyVv-g34u2a?">subscribing to our newsletter</a>. Want to explore the world of possibilities opened up by cutting-edge, easy-to-use printing platforms? Want to join the conversations happening at the frontier of scientific discovery and innovation in printed electronics? <a href="https://www.voltera.io/contact" id="">Contact us</a>.</p>

Unlocking the Potential of Carbon Nanotube Field Emitters: A Glimpse into MIT's Revolutionary Research

Additively manufactured CNT electron sources on glass substrates via direct ink writing, yielding 120 μA emission currents and enabling cost-effective applications like mass spectrometry and nanosatellite propulsion.

MIT’s Research on Carbon Nanotube Field Emitters in Printed Electronics

Highlighting research from Alex Kashkin and his team at MIT. Explore the design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of the first fully additively manufactured carbon nanotube (CNT) field emission electron sources

<p id="">What if items in a room could "talk" to each other wirelessly — without any configuration, batteries, or contact? What if instead of having to wait in line at the supermarket, you could just checkout by walking out the front door? Or the next time you misplace your keys, they could tell you where they were located? RFID is a technology that can do all this and more.</p><h2 id="">What is RFID?</h2><p id="">Radio Frequency Identification (commonly known as RFID) is a technology that leverages wireless communication over radio waves to both transfer data and locate objects. Many of us use RFID as part of our everyday life without noticing it, whether it be entry keycards, contactless payments, or toll road transponders on vehicles. While RFID has been streamlining processes for decades, there has been an explosion in the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/printed-batteries">applications of RFID</a> in recent years.</p><p id="">Retail businesses have started using RFID to speed up the checkout process and improve customer experience. Some countries have begun using RFID to augment their passports with additional information to verify an individual’s identity. RFID is even used in healthcare, with the FDA certifying the use of RFID to track donated blood, including using RFID tags to track the origin, type, and date of donation for blood [1].</p><p id="">So what’s the catch?&nbsp;Well, with nearly 28 billion RFID tags sold in 2021 and a yearly growth of 36% [2], the sheer volume of these tags will result in significant environmental challenges, due to the wasteful and resource intensive nature of current production methods. In addition, current RFID tags leverage aging material technology that is quickly being supplanted in performance and cost by novel approaches, namely nano copper inks, like <a href="https://www.copprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TDS-LF-301-Beta-22-08-21.pdf" target="_blank">Copprint LF-301</a>.</p><h2 id="">Materials used to produce RFID&nbsp;tags</h2><p id="">Nano copper inks offer several advantages over existing materials used in RFID production.&nbsp; The most common way tags are made today is by etching aluminum, a subtractive process similar to how PCBs are made. A laminate of aluminum foil and <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/pet-5-sheets">PET</a> is put through a chemical process where excess aluminum is subtracted to form the final tag pattern. In contrast, nano copper inks use additive processes where conductor material is deposited onto a substrate in the desired pattern. This results in no copper waste, or toxic chemical byproducts from the production process. What’s more, with an ink like Copprint LF-301 the tag can be made right on a paper substrate such that the RFID tag is compostable, a big change compared to non-recyclable and non-compostable etched aluminum tags.</p><h2 id="">How we printed the RFID&nbsp;tag</h2><p id="">We set out to create an RFID tag using an innovative ink by <a href="https://www.copprint.com/" target="_blank" id="">Copprint</a>. Specifically, we designed, printed, assembled and tested a UHF (ultra-high frequency) RFID tag. This sort of tag is commonly used in asset-tracking applications, like logistics and consumer retail. Using industry-standard design and simulation software, a high-performance UHF RFID tag was designed, but as with everything, you don’t know how something really works until you make your first prototype.</p><h3 id="">Using NOVA</h3><p id="">Fortunately, getting up to speed with a new ink and substrate is a breeze with <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a>. Using the Smart Dispenser, combined with the built-in ink calibration workflow, we were able to tune an ink profile to use with Copprint LF-301. What’s more, NOVA’s Vacuum Table module made it a breeze working with paper substrates. After placing the paper on the Vacuum Table, it is held in place until the print is complete. Once the ink was dialed in, and paper substrate was in place, we were ready to print — no upfront costs or time waiting for custom screens to print our prototype pattern: just NOVA, Copprint LF-301, and cardstock paper.</p><p id="">With NOVA set up, we printed the RFID antenna pattern which was based on the Modified Half-Dipole antenna topology which is commonly used in this sort of application. From beginning to end, including surface-mapping with the Smart Probe, it took less than 15 minutes to produce one RFID tag antenna print.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p id="">Once printed, we followed the sintering instructions provided by Copprint; sintering is a critical step for nano copper inks as it transforms the structure of the material, from many disconnected microscopic particles of copper to one continuous bulk. This is the magic of Copprint’s ink, as the sintering process transforms the easy-to-print ink into a high performance copper antenna.&nbsp; This is achieved by using a simple oven and heat press, all within our lab.</p><p id="">With the antenna printed and processed, all that was left was to bond the RFID transceiver integrated circuit to the antenna itself. This IC controls the antenna and responds to an incoming RFID signal. While these are often bonded using specialized adhesives known as Anisotropic Conductive Adhesives (ACA), we chose to simply solder the IC to the antenna as the sintered ink behaves just like bulk copper on a PCB. And with that, our tag was complete!</p><h3 id="">Results: How our printed RFID&nbsp;tag performed</h3><p id="">After testing the RFID tag we produced, we were surprised at the performance: this custom tag which was designed and prototyped in-house in a week performed slightly better than the off-the-shelf tag we purchased from a market-volume leader in RFID. This was accomplished with minimal upfront cost, using NOVA to rapidly prototype our design, moreover with the quick production time for each tag, iterations of the design can be rapidly created and tested.</p><h2 id="">Further reading</h2><ul id=""><li>Overview: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/printed-antennas" id="">Printed Antennas</a>‍</li><li>White paper: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-rfid-tag-copper-ink-paper">Printing an RFID Tag with Copper Ink on Paper</a>‍</li></ul><p>Have questions about how NOVA&nbsp;can help with your application? <a href="mailto:sales@voltera.io">Reach out to our Sales team</a>.<br>‍</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="padding-bottom:56.206088992974244%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="fullwidth" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="56.206088992974244%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://youtu.be/2COFihlYVos?feature=shared"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2COFihlYVos" title=""></iframe></div></figure><p id="">‍<strong id="">‍</strong><br></p><p id="">[1]<a href="https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/fda-approves-rfid-based-blood-tracking" target="_blank" id=""> https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/fda-approves-rfid-based-blood-tracking</a>&nbsp;</p><p id="">[2]<a href="https://rainrfid.org/rain-rfid-market-research-report/" target="_blank" id=""> https://rainrfid.org/rain-rfid-market-research-report/</a>;<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220414005172/en/RAIN-RFID-Tag-IC-2021-Sales-Volume-Rockets-Up-36" target="_blank" id=""> https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220414005172/en/RAIN-RFID-Tag-IC-2021-Sales-Volume-Rockets-Up-36</a></p>

Making an RFID Tag using Revolutionary Copper Ink on Paper

We explore the benefits of using nano copper inks to print UHF (ultra high frequency) RFID tags on paper using NOVA. In particular, we printed using Copprint's LF-301 nano copper ink.

We explore the benefits of using nano copper inks to print UHF (Ultra High Frequency) RFID tags on paper using NOVA. In particular, we printed using Copprint's LF-301 nano copper ink.

<h2 id=""><strong id="">Comparing inkjet and extrusion printing methods</strong></h2><p id="">Biomedical electrodes play a crucial role in evaluating the internal processes of the human body by converting biological stimuli into electrical signals. This process is commonly used for <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu">electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG)</a>, electromyography (EMG), and electroencephalogram (EEG) procedures, and almost always uses <a href="http://silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl)">silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl)</a> electrodes with male connector snap closures.&nbsp;</p><p id="">While there are benefits to using these electrodes, they “are susceptible to motion artifacts, can be uncomfortable for the user, and are unsuitable for long term use,” according to <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361717600_Inkjet_and_Extrusion_Printed_Silver_Biomedical_Tattoo_Electrodes" target="_blank" id="">research</a> by York University’s Yoland El-hajj et al.&nbsp;</p><p id="">In contrast, electrodes printed on tattoo paper offer a promising alternative for monitoring biological activities. In an interview with Voltera, El-hajj noted the best way to acquire signals from the body is to use a sensor that fits seamlessly with the body, rather than a sensor that sits rigidly on the skin.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://youtu.be/MEW3q7GKYQA"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MEW3q7GKYQA" title=""></iframe></div></figure><h2 id="">Extrusion printing with NOVA</h2><p id="">In <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361717600_Inkjet_and_Extrusion_Printed_Silver_Biomedical_Tattoo_Electrodes" target="_blank" id=""><em id="">Inkjet and Extrusion Printed Silver Biomedical Tattoo Electrodes</em></a>, El-hajj et al compared two common methods — <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-inkjet-technology" id="">inkjet printing</a> and extrusion printing — to print the electrodes using silver ink.</p><p id="">According to the study, “Silver-based inks were selected as the printing medium due to their high conductivity, mechanical robustness, biocompatibility, and moderate cost compared to other inks (e.g. gold, graphene).”</p><p id="">Using <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">Voltera NOVA</a>, the group studied various shapes to test the performance and signal quality of the printed electrodes. El-hajj noted that, because the tattoo paper is quite thin, it can be used for many functional purposes, such as integration with prosthetic devices.&nbsp;</p><p id="">“This is a starting point. Once the printing parameters for printing the specific ink on the specific substrate are optimized, you can go further. You can work on different sensors that can be integrated with the body, such as strain sensors, or even potentially explore areas of energy harvesting.”&nbsp;</p><p id="">When it came to summarizing how NOVA helped her in this study, El-hajj observed that NOVA makes the printing process more efficient, and calibrating materials and aligning patterns is easier than ever. NOVA is more cost effective and reduces the time it takes to print patterns on a substrate compared to other printing methods, including inkjet.</p><h2 id="">Results: Inkjet vs. extrusion printing</h2><p id="">The research findings indicated that inkjet printed electrodes are ideal for acquiring signals in areas of the body engaged in higher movement (e.g. EMG) due to their ability to better withstand bending strain. However, the extrusion printed electrodes exhibit a lower sheet resistance and impedance, and the ink does not absorb into the paper — a common issue encountered with inkjet printed tattoo electrodes.</p><h3 id="">Inkjet vs. extrusion sheet resistance</h3><ul id=""><li id="">Extrusion printed electrodes: 9.4 mΩ/sq</li><li id="">Inkjet printed electrodes: 25.1 kΩ/sq</li></ul><h3 id="">Inkjet vs. extrusion impedance</h3><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bfb968b9af844c0d4bab22_66703583a405e353b91ea7e9_Printed-tattoo-electrodes-inkjet-extrusion-impedance.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A graph showing impedance over contact area" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Source: <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9781535" target="_blank" id="">Inkjet and Extrusion Printed Silver Biomedical Tattoo Electrodes</a> published in 2022 IEEE International Conference on Flexible and Printable Sensors and Systems (FLEPS)</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">Printed silver biomedical tattoo electrodes represent a promising advancement in biomedical monitoring technology. Their potential to offer greater comfort, flexibility, and efficiency, as well as their personalized, non-invasive nature compared to traditional electrode options is paving the way for innovative advancements in healthcare. In fact, El-hajj has gone on to continue her research in biomedical printed electronics, founding her own company called Epictrode Health.&nbsp;</p>

Printed Tattoo Electrodes: Cutting-Edge Biomedical Monitoring

Biomedical electrodes play a crucial role in evaluating the internal processes of the human body by converting biological stimuli into electrical signals. Electrodes printed on tattoo paper offer a promising alternative for monitoring these biological activities

Biomedical electrodes play a crucial role in evaluating the internal processes of the human body by converting biological stimuli into electrical signals. Electrodes printed on tattoo paper offer a promising alternative for monitoring biological activities

<p id="">In our recent webinar, we took a closer look at carbon inks by discussing the advantages of the material, then used it to print a strain gauge sensor with <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a>. This article is a comprehensive recap of what we covered.</p><h2 id="">Spotlight on NOVA and NovaCentrix HPR-059 Carbon Black Ink</h2><p id="">During the webinar, we demonstrated printing on NOVA with<a href="https://www.novacentrix.com/product/hpr-059-carbon-black/" target="_blank" id=""> NovaCentrix HPR-059</a>, a water-based carbon conductive ink. Not only is this ink environmentally friendly (clean-up can be done with water instead of harsh chemicals), but it also adheres well on a wide range of substrates like paper, plastics, glass, and metal.</p><h2 id="">The versatility of carbon Inks</h2><p id="">The range of carbon-based inks is vast and can be used in applications such as:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology">Direct dispensing</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing">Screen printing</a></li><li id="">Flexographic application</li><li id="">Pad printing</li><li id="">Spraying</li><li id="">Dip coating</li><li id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-inkjet-technology">Inkjet printing</a></li></ul><p id="">Resins that can be used for curing are:<br></p><ul id=""><li id="">Water-based</li><li id="">Silicone</li><li id="">Thermoplastic</li><li id="">Polyimide</li><li id="">Thermosetting</li><li id="">Epoxy<br></li></ul><p id="">If you couldn't join us live, we've got you covered! Watch the recording:</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://youtu.be/HulJpAOBWMQ?feature=shared"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HulJpAOBWMQ" title="Webinar: Printing Electronics with Carbon Ink using NOVA"></iframe></div></figure><h2 id="">Benefits of carbon inks</h2><p id="">Our webinar highlighted a number of key advantages of carbon inks, such as:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Resilience against physical wear like abrasion, scratching, creasing, and flexing.</li><li id="">Chemical inertness, ensuring low reactivity with solvents and other chemicals.</li><li id="">High conductivity and strong adhesion.</li></ul><h2 id="">Applications in printed electronics</h2><h3 id=""><strong id="">EMI/RFI shielding</strong></h3><p id="">Carbon inks have emerged as a highly versatile and valuable material in the electronic industry. One of the key uses of carbon inks is in Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) / Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) shielding, where they are employed to protect electronic devices from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. This shielding property is crucial in ensuring the proper functioning of sensitive electronic components, preventing any disruption or damage caused by external electromagnetic signals.</p><h3 id=""><strong id="">Printed heaters</strong></h3><p id="">Another significant application of carbon inks is in the production of printed heaters. These heaters are created by printing a carbon ink pattern onto a substrate, which can then generate heat when an electric current is passed through it. This technology finds extensive use in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, where it is employed for applications such as defogging windows, heating seats, and warming electronic devices.</p><h3 id=""><strong id="">Medical sensors</strong></h3><p id="">Carbon inks also play a vital role in the development of medical sensors. These printed electronic sensors are designed to monitor various physiological parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, providing valuable data for healthcare professionals. Carbon inks are utilized in the fabrication of these sensors due to their excellent electrical conductivity and biocompatibility, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements while being safe for use in medical applications.</p><h3 id=""><strong id="">Electrostatic dissipation</strong></h3><p id="">Another application for carbon inks is electrostatic dissipation, where the ink is used to control and dissipate static electricity. Static electricity can pose a significant risk in certain environments, particularly in industries such as electronics manufacturing and explosive handling. Carbon inks are incorporated into materials and surfaces to create a conductive path, allowing the safe discharge of static charges and minimizing the potential for damage or accidents.</p><h2 id="">How NOVA’s intuitive UI enables a smooth printing experience</h2><p id="">With the introduction of <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a>, Voltera addressed some touch sensing and positioning inefficiencies that were present in the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a>.&nbsp; We recognized the need for a solution that would surpass the current limitations we were encountering and provide an even better user experience.</p><p id="">To achieve this, we implemented strain gauge resistors printed with carbon ink in the design of NOVA. By incorporating strain gauge resistors, we were able to combine the XY and Z axes, accurately measure and interpret touch inputs with utmost precision, and overall ensure a highly responsive and intuitive user interface.</p><p id="">The use of carbon ink in the printing process also added an extra layer of durability to NOVA. Due to carbon ink's exceptional resistance to wear and tear, it was the ideal choice for long-lasting performance. This feature ensures that NOVA can withstand the rigors of daily use, providing users with a reliable and robust touch sensing and positioning solution.</p><h2 id="">What’s next for carbon inks in printed electronics?</h2><p id="">As the domain of printed electronics advances, the significance of carbon inks continues to grow. Their adaptability, efficiency, and durability make them a front-runner for many <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications">applications</a> in the industry. Researchers are still uncovering new properties and uses for carbon black, graphene, and other carbon nanomaterials in printed electronics. For those interested in diving deeper into the subject, stay tuned to our blog for additional resources and research summaries that will offer more in-depth insights.</p><p id="">We'd like to thank everyone who attended the webinar. For those who missed out, or those eager to learn more, don't hesitate to <a href="https://www.voltera.io/contact" id="">reach out.</a></p>

Webinar Recap: Printing Electronics with Carbon Ink

Learn about the advantages of carbon/graphene inks in printed electronics applications like printed sensors, flexible circuits, emi/rfi shielding, and more.

Exploring Applications for Conductive Carbon Inks in Printed Electronics: A Comprehensive Recap on our NOVA Webinar

 Our webinar on carbon inks highlighted NovaCentrix HPR-059's versatility in printed electronics. Covering application methods, benefits, and use in products like NOVA, it explored the inks' potential in shielding, sensors, and more. Access the replay here.

<p id="">In our latest webinar, we dove into the process of printing wearable devices with NOVA on<a href="https://materials.celanese.com/en/products/datasheet/US/Micromax%20Intexar%20TE-11C" id=""> Celanese Intexar™ TE-11C</a> thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film using <a href="https://materials.celanese.com/en/products/datasheet/US/Micromax%20Intexar%20PE874" id="">Celanese Intexar™ PE874</a>, a stretchable silver conductive ink.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520fef15ded4d7485ff51b_67520f94df764efa88ba8501_webinar-printing-wearable-electronics-recap.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Webinar banner for Printing Wearable Electronics with NOVA" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Webinar: Printing Wearable Electronics with NOVA</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Webinar highlights</h2><h3 id="">Live demonstration of ink calibration</h3><p id="">We kicked off the webinar with a brief overview of <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova">NOVA</a>, Voltera’s material dispensing system. Our Support Lead, Nathan Shinkar, performed a live demonstration of NOVA’s calibration process, explaining how to fine-tune advanced parameters such as trace width, print height, and nozzle temperature to achieve optimal results.</p><h3 id="">Live demonstration of dispensing inks</h3><p id="">Next, we demonstrated how to dispense materials once the substrate is secured on NOVA’s vacuum table. We discussed methods for securing both flexible and rigid substrates. As with the calibration step, print settings can be adjusted based on your ink and substrate choices within the software. The actual printing of the design took approximately five minutes.</p><h3 id="">Tips and tricks</h3><p id="">As highlighted during the webinar, it’s a good practice to inspect the print results using NOVA’s built-in camera and LED lights. We discussed using selective printing in the software to reprint unsatisfactory features, allowing you to avoid reprinting the entire design.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520fef15ded4d7485ff51e_67520fb671289a854261485c_webinar-recap-printing-wearable-electronics-examination.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Examining print results through NOVA's camera and software" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Examine print results in NOVA&nbsp;software</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">As demonstrated in the webinar, the final print exhibited excellent stretchability after being laminated onto a piece of fabric, showcasing NOVA’s ability to work with flexible, stretchable, and conformable substrates, as well as dispense advanced functional materials.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520fef15ded4d7485ff4f9_67520fce1dbf8e6eb501ea3f_webinar-recap-printing-wearable-electronics-fabric.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Hands stretch an electronic design printed on a piece of cloth" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Printed stretchable circuits laminated onto fabric</figcaption></figure><p id="">A special thanks to everyone who joined and participated in the live chat. Your questions about compatible substrates with NOVA, setting ink temperatures, and prototyping with both V-One and NOVA helped make the webinar interactive and informative.</p><p id="">Didn’t make it to the webinar? Watch it here:</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-center" style="padding-bottom:33.723653395784545%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="33.723653395784545%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://youtu.be/SPKzf2gvkyQ?si=UFeYbc0nIN5MvfSO"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SPKzf2gvkyQ" title="Webinar: Printing Wearable Electronics with NOVA"></iframe></div></figure><p id="">Interested to learn more? Check out the following resources:</p><ul id=""><li id="">White paper: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu" id="">Printing ECG Electrodes with Biocompatible Gold Ink on TPU</a></li><li id="">White paper: <a href="https://www.voltera.io/application-whitepapers/printing-strain-gauges-tpu-laminated-glove-remote-hand-control" id="">Printing Strain Gauges on TPU laminated on a Glove for Remote Hand Control</a></li><li id="">Video: <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbZdiubRTqoqS9CDbZrtc5kbc-bhfKdUw&si=TpSbDWjqoyVp_tcQ" id="">Previous Voltera webinars on additive electronics</a></li></ul><p id="">We offer <a href="https://www.voltera.io/printing-service" id="">printing as a service</a>, where we can create your prototypes for you. To discuss your PCB printing needs, contact us at sales@voltera.io or <a href="https://meetings.hubspot.com/giovanni-obando/gios-meeting-link?uuid=439b62e5-bb0d-41f6-a392-dcad595889f8" id="">book a meeting</a> with us. To stay informed on upcoming webinars, <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1BPx4J9lvQ7-8px6MtaXF0w34u2a" id="">subscribe to our newsletter</a>!&nbsp;</p>

Webinar recap: Printing Wearable Electronics

Learn more about our webinar on printing wearable electronics for fitness or biomedical monitoring using NOVA, Voltera’s materials dispensing system.

Webinar recap: Printing Wearable Electronics with NOVA

<h2 id="">CPES 2023 - Montreal</h2><p id="">Voltera will be attending <a href="https://intelliflex.org/cpes2023/" target="_blank" id="">CPES 2023</a> — Canada's Flexible Printable Wearable Electronics Symposium — from May 17-18, 2023 in Montréal. CPES&nbsp;explores the broad spectrum of <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/flexible-hybrid-electronics">flexible and hybrid electronics</a> (FHE) including printables and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/wearables">wearables</a>, and the value chain required to bring innovative products and applications to market.<br><br>Jesus Zozaya, Voltera CEO and co-founder, will be <a href="https://intelliflex.org/cpes2023/program-agenda/" target="_blank">presenting on May 17</a> at 10:40 a.m.</p><h2 id="">‍<strong id="">Unlocking the future of printed electronics</strong>‍</h2><p id=""><em id="">Electronics are changing. How we make them is changing too. Every day, researchers and product developers are exploring what's possible — pushing the limits of functional materials. Electronics that flex, bend, stretch, and conform are the future. That means the future of electronics is additive. But how can we make printed electronics easier and more accessible for everyone? At Voltera, our mission is to catalyze innovation by removing the barriers to entry. In this presentation, we'll highlight how our customers are using NOVA, our materials dispensing platform, to change electronics as we know it and discover the innovative solutions that will shape our future.</em></p><p id=""><em id="">‍</em>We'll be joining over 65 printed, flexible, and wearable electronics organizations at the event. Be sure to look for the <a href="https://intelliflex.org/cpes2023/exhibitors/" target="_blank">Voltera booth</a> — we'll have <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/v-one">V-One</a> and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova">NOVA</a>&nbsp;on display! </p><p id="">Planning to attend?&nbsp;Come by and say hello!</p>

Voltera Attends CPES in Montreal

Voltera will be attending CPES 2023 — Canada's Flexible Printable Wearable Electronics Symposium — from May 17-18, 2023 in Montréal. CPES explores the broad spectrum of flexible and hybrid electronics (FHE) including printables and wearables, and the value chain required to bring innovative products and applications to market.

<h2 id="">The evolution of conductive inks</h2><p id="">Conductive inks have been around for a while and their evolution has been remarkable. From their earliest iterations, which were often made with graphite, to today's advanced silver and copper inks, they have played a critical role in the growth of additive electronics.</p><p id="">In the early days, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-printed-electronics-conductive-inks" id="">conductive inks</a> were used primarily in low-power applications like <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-rfid-tag-copper-ink-paper">RFID tags</a> and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/printed-antennas">printed antennas</a>, but as the technology has improved, their use has expanded to include everything from <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/electroluminescent-displays">flexible displays</a> to <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu">medical sensors</a> to <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/wearables">wearable electronics</a>.</p><h2 id="">The benefits of our Conductor 3<br></h2><p id="">At Voltera, we've been working with conductive inks for years and we're proud to have played a role in their evolution. Our <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/v-one">V-One PCB printer</a>, which uses our Conductor 2 ink, has helped countless designers and engineers bring their ideas to life. And now, with the release of <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/conductor-3-ink-cartridge-2ml?_pos=1&_fid=b8e0f0127&_ss=c" id="">Conductor 3</a>, we're taking things to the next level.<br></p><p id="">With a host of new improvements over Conductor 2 ink, we're confident that Conductor 3 will be a game-changer for our V-One customers.<br></p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6776f87399ccf14b571741ac_6669b2219256d3f83a152387_Conductor-3-ink-evolution-important-update.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Important update for Conductor 3 inks include faster cure time and no burnishing" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Conductor 3 overview</figcaption></figure><p id="">First up, let's talk about curing time. With Conductor 2, the curing process could take upwards of an hour, which could be an unwelcome slowdown in the design and prototyping process. With Conductor 3, that time has been cut in half — to 30 minutes — which means you can bring your prototype from an idea to reality even faster.<br></p><p id="">But that's not all! There's no longer a need for burnishing the cured traces or flipping the print upside down for curing. This eliminates the need to fiddle with the clamps, which was a tedious and error-prone step in the V-One workflow when using Conductor 2. If you are working with surface mount components, just dispense the solder paste after curing, print, cure, and dispense solder paste without removing the board.&nbsp;<br></p><p id="">In addition to these time-saving and workflow improvements, Conductor 3 also boasts better performance when hand soldering and re-working. It can be soldered at a lower temperature of just 180°C, making it much easier to work with and is more robust when it comes to re-work, providing greater confidence to make changes or fixes to your prototype. This feature is particularly valuable for those who have had difficulties with finicky fine pitch components.<br></p><h2 id="">Conductor 2 and Flex 2 discontinued</h2><p id="">Effective next week, Conductor 2 and Flex 2 are being discontinued in favor of Conductor 3 which is suitable for use in both <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications">flexible and rigid applications</a>.<br></p><p id="">We're proud of what we've accomplished with Conductor 3, and we can't wait for our customers to try it out for themselves. Whether you're an academic, educator, or engineer, we believe that Conductor 3 will help you take your work to the next level. So go ahead! Give it a try and let us know what you think!<br></p><h4 id=""><a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/conductor-3-ink-cartridge-2ml?_pos=1&_fid=b8e0f0127&_ss=c" id="">Shop ink</a></h4>

Conductor 3: An ink evolution

Conductor 3 is a new ink offered by Voltera that replaces Conductor 2. There are changes to curing, burnishing, and more that might impact your printing processes. 

<p id="">We're back in the OPE journal!&nbsp;Click below to read an interview with our co-founder and Product Director, James Pickard. He discusses our new platform, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a>, and highlights some of its <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications">applications for additive electronics</a>. </p><p id="">Read the full interview <a href="https://www.coating-converting.com/epaper/c2com/294/epaper/3460/22/index.html" target="_blank" id="">here</a>.</p>

OPE Journal: Gamechanger in the Additive Electronics Toolkit

We're back in the OPE journal! Click below to read an interview with our co-founder and Product Director, James Pickard. He discusses our new platform, NOVA and highlights some its applications for additive electronics. 

We're back in the OPE journal! Our co-founder and Product Director, James Pickard discusses our new platform, NOVA, and highlights some its applications for additive electronics.

<h2 id=""><strong id="">What is silver/silver chloride ink?</strong></h2><p id=""><strong id="">‍</strong>Silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) is a conductive ink typically used to print electrodes for <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/bioelectronics">biomedical applications</a>. It’s a non-toxic, environmentally friendly ink with stable electrochemical potential used to create disposable <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu">on-skin medical electrodes</a> for biosensors, like "ECG, EEG and TENS electrodes; defibrillator pads; transdermal drug delivery; biomedical sensors and reference electrodes," according to <a href="https://www.creativematerials.com/products/ag-agcl-inks/" target="_blank" id="">Creative Materials</a>.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67110f46698c7ae46f7043e9_67110db86a6f578ca4a62af9_Materials-feature-silver-silverchloride-ink-biomedical-electronics.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A schematic shows the breakdown of a biomedical electronic that includes Ag/AgCI" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/nl/nl/industrieen/medische-industrie/medical-electronic-devices.html" target="_blank" id="">Henkel Adhesives</a></figcaption></figure><p id=""><strong id="">Features:</strong></p><ul id=""><li id="">Silver-to-silver chloride ratios can be adjusted and blended to achieve different resistance values and sensitivity levels.&nbsp;</li><li id="">The ink has a smooth surface finish with excellent adhesion and crease resistance when printed onto polyester and plastic substrates.&nbsp;</li><li id="">Silver/silver chloride is compatible with <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing">screen printing</a> and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology">direct-ink-writing</a> printing technology.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2 id=""><strong id="">What applications use silver/silver chloride ink?</strong></h2><h3 id="">Smart health patches</h3><p id=""><strong id="">‍</strong>Used in both healthcare and athletics applications, smart health patches deliver new capabilities in monitoring. These devices can continuously measure heart rate, brain activity, movement, and other body functions. <a href="https://www.quad-ind.com/smart-health-patches-to-run-smart/" target="_blank" id="">Quad Industries’ Smart Health Patch</a>, designed to optimize training for ultra-runners, is made using Henkel’s silver/silver chloride ink.<br></p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67110f45698c7ae46f7043d1_67110dedfa03888ce2161d5f_Materials-feature-silver-silverchloride-ink-smart-health-patches.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Layer breakdown schematic of a smart health patch" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.quad-ind.com/smart-health-patches-to-run-smart/" target="_blank" id="">Quad Industries</a></figcaption></figure><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67110f46698c7ae46f7043e0_67110e1da3ebac0ff033ef83_Materials-feature-silver-silverchloride-ink-smart-health-patches-chest.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A smart health patch sits directly on the skin" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.quad-ind.com/smart-health-patches-to-run-smart/" target="_blank" id="">Quad Industries</a></figcaption></figure><h3 id=""><strong id="">Glucose sensors</strong></h3><p id=""><strong id="">‍</strong>Silver/silver chloride ink is also used to print glucose sensors for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) patches like Freestyle Libre.</p><p id="">CGM patches are being widely adopted for diabetes management. Rather than pricking a finger several times a day to monitor glucose levels, the CGM continuously measures glucose in the blood and interfaces with a reader device or smartphone app. This allows patients to monitor glucose levels throughout the day and refine the timing for their insulin injections.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67520737710a09f1fb54ade0_67520716e167ea4e9a9fd2ef_Materials-feature-silver-silverchloride-ink-glucose-sensors.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A woman reading a book with a glucose sensor exposed on her arm" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">A woman wearing a gluecose sensor</figcaption></figure><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67110f46698c7ae46f7043e3_67110e4d4201df8a7c26044c_Materials-feature-silver-silverchloride-ink-glucose-sensors-schematic.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A close up of a glucose sensor with the labels &quot;working electrode&quot;, &quot;reference electrode&quot;, and &quot;counter electrode&quot;" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image:&nbsp;Smart Sutures published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128197509000127" target="_blank" id="">Advanced Technologies and Polymer Materials for Surgical Sutures</a></figcaption></figure><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67110f45698c7ae46f7043d4_67110eadfcd56570faa1993a_Materials-feature-silver-silverchloride-ink-glucose-sensors-device.webp" loading="lazy" alt="An image showing the inside of a glucose sensor" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/nl/nl/industrieen/medische-industrie/medical-electronic-devices.html" target="_blank" id="">Henkel Adhesives</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">In recent years, CGMs also have become a tool for athletic performance. Endurance athletes use CGMs to monitor for dips in glucose during training, and then methodically dial in their fuel strategy and nutrition plan accordingly. The <a href="https://www.supersapiens.com/" target="_blank" id="">Supersapiens</a> glucose monitoring system is being leveraged by athletes like Crossfit Games champion Samantha Briggs, olympic triathlon gold medalist Kristian Blummenfelt, and endurance obstacle course world champion Ryan Atkins.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/67110f46698c7ae46f7043e6_67110f0d89ff2821638735a8_Materials-feature-silver-silverchloride-ink-athletic-performance.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A woman in a handstand is wearing an electronic patch on her shoulder" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supersapiens.com/" target="_blank" id="">Supersapiens</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">Silver/silver chloride ink can also be paired with <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/intexar-tpu-5-sheets">TPU</a> used to print stretchable interconnections for constructing <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6163896/" target="_blank" id="">medical sensor textiles</a> and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00405175211005039" target="_blank" id="">smart textile garments</a>. Commercialization has been limited due to lack of cost-effective, standard fabrication processes that can be applied to a large variety of fabrics, but companies like <a href="https://softmatter.io/" target="_blank" id="">Softmatter</a> and <a href="https://www.memtronik.com/printed-electronics/smart-clothing/" target="_blank" id="">Memtronik</a> now offer customized smart-garment design and fabrication.</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Where can I purchase this ink?</strong></h2><h3 id="">‍<strong id="">Henkel Adhesive Technologies</strong></h3><p id="">If you work in the engineering world, you’re probably familiar with Loctite, a line of products by Henkel Adhesive Technologies. Loctite EDAG 7019 E&amp;C is a silver/silver chloride conductive ink, formulated to provide excellent adhesion to the wide variety of substrates used in the manufacture of electrically conductive medical devices.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Read the datasheet here: <a href="https://tds.henkel.com/tds5/Studio/ShowPDF/?pid=EDAG%207019%20EC&format=MTR&subformat=HYS&language=EN&plant=WERCS&authorization=2" target="_blank" id=""><em id="">LOCTITE EDAG 7019 E&amp;C Technical Data Sheet</em><br><br></a>Henkel also sells a <a href="https://print-your-electronics-with-loctite.com/LOCTITE-SENSOR-DEMONSTRATOR" target="_blank" id="">Loctite sensor demonstrator kit</a> with twelve dry adhesive electrodes for medical research and technical material validation.<br><br>Henkel Adhesive Technologies have developed a wide portfolio of innovative solutions in adhesives, sealants, inks, and functional coatings.&nbsp;</p><h3 id=""><strong id="">Dupont</strong></h3><p id=""><strong id="">‍</strong>Another option is Dupont 5874 silver/silver chloride, which is designed for screen printing on polyester, and is suitable for a wide variety of biomedical applications. Dupont is an industry leader in materials development, combining scientific and applications development expertise to accelerate innovation. <br><br>Read the datasheet here: <a href="https://www.dupont.com/content/dam/dupont/amer/us/en/mobility/public/documents/en/EI-10086-DuPont-5874-Ag_AgCI-Composition-Data-Sheet.pdf" target="_blank" id=""><em id="">Dupont 5874 silver/silver chloride composition for screen printing</em></a></p><h3 id=""><strong id="">Kayaku Advanced Materials</strong>‍</h3><p id="">Kayaku Advanced Materials also offers a silver/silver chloride conductive ink, designed for screen printing medical EEG and EKG sensors. Kayaku develops and manufactures innovative specialty materials to push the latest innovation trends. <br><br>Read the datasheet here: <a href="https://kayakuam.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/agcl-675-silver-chloride-ink.pdf" target="_blank" id="">AGCL-675 SILVER/SILVER CHLORIDE INK&nbsp;</a></p><p id=""><strong id="">Still have questions? </strong></p><p id="">Reach out to <a href="mailto:support@voltera.io" id="">support@voltera.io</a>, and one of our specialists will be happy to help point you in the right direction.</p>

Materials Feature: Silver/Silver Chloride Ink

Silver/silver chloride is a conductive ink typically used to print electrodes for biomedical applications. It’s a non-toxic, environmentally friendly ink with stable electrochemical potential used to create disposable on-skin medical electrodes for biosensors, like EKG, EEG, and ECG sensors. It’s also used for medical devices like defibrillator pads, glucose monitors, and drug delivery devices. 

 Materials Feature: Silver/Silver Chloride Ink

Silver/silver chloride is a conductive ink typically used to print electrodes for biomedical applications. It’s a non-toxic, environmentally friendly ink with stable electrochemical potential used to create disposable on-skin medical electrodes for biosensors, like EKG, EEG, and ECG sensors.

<p id="">Is there anything better than a good cup of coffee (or tea!)? It's divine when it's hot, and deliciously refreshing when it's iced.&nbsp;</p><p id="">…But room-temperature coffee? Not so great.&nbsp;</p><p id="">For most adults around the world, brewing a hot cup of coffee is an established part of our morning routine. But when you have a busy day, it’s easy to get preoccupied and neglect your coffee until it cools to an unpleasant temperature.</p><p id="">Duru Uluk, a Voltera test engineering intern, set out to find a solution to this problem. Her goal was to create an induction mug heater using <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/in-mold-electronics">in-mold electronics</a> (also known as in-mold structural electronics).</p><h2 id="">What are in-mold electronics?</h2><p id="">In-mold electronics (IME) processes involve printing conductive inks on moldable plastic films, which are then formed into a desired 3D shape. In the full IME process, after thermoforming, the part is passed along to injection molding, where it is molded in plastic and the electronics become part of the entire structure.&nbsp;</p><p id="">In IME, the electronics are printed using a standard process of <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing">screen-printing</a> traces onto thermoformable plastics, but new innovative materials — like specially formulated functional inks optimized for high single-stretch operation — allow the traces to stretch into the new thermoformed shape and maintain conductivity.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">What are the applications of in-mold electronics?</h2><p id="">This technology is particularly exciting for automotive and aerospace applications, where thousands of feet of copper wire could be replaced with conductive traces integrated directly into the vehicle’s panels to reduce the vehicle’s weight and improve efficiency. Incorporating IME into vehicle construction also presents opportunities for new design concepts, features, and functionality — like the ability to incorporate strain sensors directly into panels to monitor for damage, interactive surfaces in the interior vehicle panels, or to heat and de-ice the wing of an airplane during flight.&nbsp;</p><p id="">In the image below, all the red components identify the wire in a vehicle:</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf69cd8989ca4a531b2713_6669aa6f363d03946a895756_In-mold-structural-electronics-applications.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A see-thru vehicle shows red lines wherever wires are present in a vehicle" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image: <a href="https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15382171/12-propulsion-technologies-that-will-increase-future-cars-efficiency/?slide=1" target="_blank" id="">Car and Driver</a></figcaption></figure><ul id=""><li id=""><strong id="">One vehicle has 5000 feet of wires = 50 lbs</strong> of copper.</li><li id="">Transporting 50 lbs burns 12 L of gas per year.</li><li id="">70,000,000 new cars produced per year.</li><li id="">840,000,000 L of gas is burned to transport copper cables per year.</li></ul><p id="">In addition to this example of copper wire, IME offers plenty of other opportunities to reduce the mass of many vehicle components, like the headlight assembly, dashboard, center console, and more.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6752068484bbcc4a5c211f1c_675206633cf6159d9b9caf7b_warming-coffee-in-mold-structural-electronics-automotive-console.webp" loading="lazy" alt="An automotive console with gear box and buttons" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">An IME application in automotives</figcaption></figure><p id=""><a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/what-does-2023-hold-for-printed-flexible-electronics/28172" target="_blank" id="">IDTechEx</a> anticipates the mainstream adoption of in-mold electronics in automotive interiors to begin in 2023, and is forecasting that electronics will be printed onto 3D surfaces, like door panels, in 2026.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" style="max-width:80%" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="80%"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf69ce8989ca4a531b275e_6669aacbca0d9360298e5b47_In-mold-structural-electronics-IDTechEx-roadmap-emerging-technologies.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Roadmap for selected emerging printed/flexible electronics technologies" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image:<a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/what-does-2023-hold-for-printed-flexible-electronics/28172" target="_blank" id=""> IDTechEx</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="">P<strong id="">rinting a m</strong>ug heater with NOVA</h2><p id="">But let’s get back to Duru’s coffee conundrum.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Using <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a>, a <a href="https://mayku.me/formbox" target="_blank" id="">Mayku Formbox</a>, and a <a href="https://formlabs.com/3d-printers/form-2/" target="_blank" id="">Formlabs 3D printer</a>, Duru designed and built a mug heater with in-mold electronics technology.&nbsp;</p><p id="">“During my co-op term at Voltera, Matt (Ewertowski, Product Manager) was my supervisor and also just a super cool person to talk to. We had conversations about different applications of NOVA and how flexible substrates open doors to a lot of different project ideas,” Duru recalled. “He suggested the idea of using the Mayku Formbox alongside NOVA for an in-mold electronics project. I did some research about making molds, molded electronic applications, and coil heaters — and from there it seemed feasible enough to continue with a demo.”&nbsp;</p><p id="">So, Duru got to work. First, she used the Formlabs Form 2 3D printer to create a resin mold, and then used NOVA to print traces onto the Mayku Formbox substrates. Finding the optimal baking temperature for the Mayku substrates was a bit of a challenge, since they aren’t intended for IME, but with some experimentation and a bit of help from Mayku, she eventually found the right temperature and baking time to avoid substrate deformation. Once the curing temperature was refined, Duru encountered trace breakage during the forming process. Through some trial and error, Duru refined the design of the mold and the traces until she was successful in creating a design that could be thermoformed and maintain conductivity.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf69ce8989ca4a531b2755_6669ab0c68a130d4b131f774_In-mold-structural-electronics-printed-mug-heater-NOVA.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Hands hold the printed traces that make up the design of a mug heater" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Printed circuit</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Designing a fully conductive trace without breaks</h3><p id="">“It took several iterations to achieve a design that ensured a fully conductive trace with no breaks. When the baked print goes into the Mayku Formbox, the substrate is being heated and deformed,” she explained. “There are so many factors to consider. Will the conductive ink be damaged? Will the substrate be damaged? That required a lot of correspondence with people to get information about melting points and what not, including <a href="https://insulectro.com/" target="_blank" id="">Insulectro</a>, who supplied us with the ink — they really helped out. But the biggest issue was of course the sharp angle of the mold, causing the trace to be deformed to a point where it is no longer conductive. And that’s why I had to gradually reduce that angle and on the trace edges.”&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf69ce8989ca4a531b275b_6669ab49710f8a7e3d68514a_In-mold-structural-electronics-fully-conductive-trace.webp" loading="lazy" alt="The molded circuit" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">The molded circuit</figcaption></figure><h3 id="">Working with NOVA</h3><p id="">Despite the challenges of the project, Duru loved working with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T62cUY8uj8M" target="_blank" id="">NOVA</a>. “Everyday I was excited to use the NOVA just because of how cool it is. The user interface is super easy to use, the modular design and the way everything magnetically clicked into place, the sounds, the lights, etc.” she noted. “I also love NOVA’s ability to work with various substrates. I worked a lot with flexible substrates during my time at Voltera, so the vacuum feature was being used frequently.”</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf69ce8989ca4a531b2758_6669ab894f7b21f78db6ead4_In-mold-structural-electronics-working-with-NOVA.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Wires attach to the mold with traces on it and shows their conductivity" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Connecting the circuit to power</figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Future applications for in-mold electronics</h2><p id="">In Duru’s eyes, there are so many exciting applications for the technology. “In <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/bioelectronics">biomedical applications</a>, for example, you could use in-mold electronics to build medical tools or prosthetics that are ergonomic and accessible, with electronic components integrated through in-mold processes — to easily incorporate electronics into things that have awkward shapes, or have been challenging to design using traditional methods. And in cases like these, being able to use NOVA to build electronics that fit a specific, custom shape may be a great advantage.”&nbsp;</p><p id="">The experience of working with NOVA was inspiring for Duru, and piqued her interest in electronics innovation. “During my time working with NOVA I gained a big interest in additive electronics and learned a foundation of knowledge (about conductive inks, substrates, rheology) that I still bring up at every chance I get,” she said. “I also got inspired to tinker more. Having access to benchtop tools like the NOVA would enable people to tinker freely and try new things — which is beneficial to the engineering iteration process.”&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">The experience of an intern at Voltera</h2><p id="">Working at Voltera also impacted Duru’s career aspirations. “Many of my co-op placements have been R&amp;D specific. During my future career I think I’d like to work in spaces where I have access to tools like NOVA while doing R&amp;D work and product development. My perspective has shifted to appreciate the potential of additive electronics in biomedical applications — for example the <a href="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/633c55566e5bffe8db61ba27_NOVA-0082%20-%20Insole%20Case%20Study_v2.pdf" target="_blank">in-sole pressure sensor</a> project I did, or things like <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-ecg-electrodes-biocompatible-gold-ink-tpu">wearable biomarker sensors</a>.”</p><p id="">And now, thanks to her in-mold mug heater, Duru can iterate for hours and never have to worry about her coffee getting cold.&nbsp;</p>

Warming Your Coffee with In-Mold Structural Electronics

In-mold electronics processes involve printing conductive inks onto moldable plastic films, which are then thermoformed into a desired 3D shape. Learn how this technology has potential to change the form factors of electronic devices all around us. 

Warming Your Coffee with In-Mold Structural Electronics | Flexible Hybrid Electronics

In-mold electronics (IME) processes involve printing conductive inks on moldable plastic films, which are then formed into a desired 3D shape. A Voltera test engineering intern used NOVA and IME manufacturing processes to create an induction mug heater.

<p id="">At the recent TechBlick event in Eindhoven, OPE journal met with the team of Voltera (Kitchener, Canada). Voltera CEO, Jesus Zozaya, highlighted their latest innovation, the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova">NOVA</a> platform — discussing exciting possibilities and future developments for organic and printed electronics. </p><p id="">Want to read the full article? <a href="https://www.coating-converting.com/epaper/c2com/291/epaper/9314/20/index.html" target="_blank">Click here and flip to page 21</a>.</p>

Print Anything on Everything — Voltera Makes the Cover of OPE Journal!

At the recent TechBlick event in Eindhoven, OPE journal met with the team of Voltera (Kitchener, Canada).Voltera CEO, Jesus Zozaya, highlighted their latest innovation, the NOVA platform — discussing exciting possibilities and future developments for organic and printed electronics.

Voltera CEO Jesus Zozaya discusses NOVA and the future of printed electronics with OPE Journal at TechBlick

Voltera’s NOVA Smart Probe made the cover of OPE Journal! We were featured in the magazine following an interview by OPE Journal editor, Martin Hirschmann, at TechBlick this year.

<h2>Will it print</h2><p id="">Here at Voltera, we really love the holiday season. We feel like elves in Santa’s workshop, building <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-Ones</a> and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVAs</a> to send out to our customers.&nbsp;</p><p id="">We say NOVA can <em id="">print anything on everything</em>. We don’t want to get on Santa’s naughty list for lying, so we’ve put NOVA to the test, printing onto all kinds of things like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIdVkiWLWTE" target="_blank" id=""><strong id="">curved surfaces</strong></a>, glass, <a href="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/633c55bfb8ff0328606611fa_NOVA-0057%20-%20Case%20Study%20Wearable%20Tech_woEsther_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" id=""><strong id="">TPU</strong></a>, cookies…&nbsp;</p><p id="">Wait, what? Cookies?</p><p id="">Yep, you read that correctly. We put a festive twist on NOVA’s capabilities by&nbsp;printing frosting onto a gingerbread cookie.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="padding-bottom:56.206088992974244%" data-rt-type="video" data-rt-align="fullwidth" data-rt-max-width="" data-rt-max-height="56.206088992974244%" data-rt-dimensions="854:480" data-page-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5ZXupHwmOU"><div id=""><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t5ZXupHwmOU" title="Printing with NOVA: Frosting on a Holiday Cookie"></iframe></div></figure><p id="">“NOVA has the ability to dispense a wide variety of substances (pastes, inks, fluids) onto a wide variety of surfaces. Printed electronics (also known as additive electronics) is a relatively new concept for many electronics engineers and product designers, who may not initially recognize the potential of the machine” said Voltera CEO Jesus Zozaya. “Printing with unconventional materials allows us to explore the question ‘will it print?’ with all kinds of materials that might not be typical for electronics, but are familiar substances or objects that people encounter in their daily lives” he explained.&nbsp;</p><h2>Printing on unconventional materials</h2><p id="">Not everyone knows what <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/role-conductive-inks-additive-electronics-manufacturing" id=""><strong id="">conductive ink</strong></a> is, but most of us are familiar with cookie frosting. It’s a way to demonstrate NOVA’s capabilities to a broader audience, and build that intuition of what NOVA can do.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Voltera’s test engineering intern, Daniel Zybine, was responsible for this cookie-cutting-edge research. Daniel’s worked with a lot of unconventional materials, and there are usually some fun troubleshooting challenges involved. Printing on the cookie was no exception and required some creative problem-solving.</p><p id="">“The cookie wasn’t perfectly flat on the bottom, so it would kind of see-saw a little bit” Daniel noted. “When the probe applied pressure on one side of the cookie, it would kind of deflect. We fixed that by putting some frosting under the cookie and gluing it to the parchment paper” he explained. “This project has been edible and tasty, and was very fun. It really helped us get into the holiday spirit.”</p><p id="">This gingerbread cookie experiment also presented an opportunity to highlight specific features of the machine. The frosting design was created using Adobe Illustrator. We’ve been testing out a new feature that allows NOVA to load SVG files, making the software more accessible — especially to anyone with experience using vector-based design tools.&nbsp;</p><p id="">“Historically, we’ve only supported Gerber files”, explained Jesus. “Gerber files are the PDF of the electronics world. Whether you’re designing in Eagle, Altium, or E-Cad, they all end up outputting to Gerber formats. These are the files that you’d normally send out to a factory, usually overseas, to get manufactured into a PCB. The problem is that you need to know how to work with Eagle, Altium, or E-Cad to&nbsp; produce the gerber files, which means you are typically familiar with electronics design”, he said.&nbsp;</p><h2>Making NOVA more accessible</h2><p id="">“We noticed that a lot of our customers — especially those in the education space and even some of the academics — are not necessarily familiar with electronics design”, continued Jesus. They’re familiar with materials or they’re learning electronics design, but something that’s a little bit more intuitive for them are other types of programs like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator, which work with different file formats,” he said. “SVG has been a highly requested feature for many, many years. I’m really excited about this because it will allow us to make our software a little bit more accessible to people who are not experts at electronics design.”</p><p id="">SVG file support is being beta tested with <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a>. Our <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a> customers will be thrilled to hear that SVG file support is in development for the V-One, so that’s something to look forward to in the new year.</p><p id="">Happy holidays, and happy printing!</p><p id="">The Voltera Team</p><p id="">P.S. We are just beginning to explore NOVA’s capabilities with our “Will It Print?” experiments. Do you have a suggestion for an unconventional material we should print on or print with? <a href="mailto:hello@voltera.io" id=""><strong id="">Let us know!</strong></a> We’d love to put NOVA to the test!</p>

NOVA - Will it Print Frosting on a Gingerbread Cookie?

Can NOVA really print anything on everything? To get into the holiday spirit, we put NOVA to the test printing frosting onto a gingerbread cookie.

Using NOVA to print frosting on a gingerbread cookie | Will It Print?

We say NOVA can print anything on everything, and we stand by that slogan! To get into the holiday spirit, we put NOVA to the test by using this high-tech additive electronics printer to deposit frosting onto a gingerbread cookie. 

<p id="">If you’re new to the world of additive electronics or <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/flexible-hybrid-electronics" target="_blank"><strong id="">flexible hybrid electronics</strong></a>, you probably have a lot of questions when it comes to materials compatibility.&nbsp;</p><p id="">When you’re printing with materials, you typically begin with one of two questions:<br></p><ol id=""><li id="">I have this thing and I want to print on it — <strong id="">what ink can I use?</strong></li><li id="">I have this ink — <strong id="">what can it print on?</strong>‍</li></ol><p id="">For some categories of inks, there are a lot of variables that determine what you can print on — especially if you’re printing onto soft, stretchable, or flexible substrates. <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/intexar-tpu-5-sheets">Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)</a>, for example, is a stretchable material that can be used to incorporate electronics into textiles — but there are many kinds of TPU and they need to be paired with compatible ink.&nbsp;</p><p id="">When you’re innovating in the field of flexible hybrid electronics, trying to figure out how to <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/ultimate-guide-choosing-materials-new-electronics-product"><strong id="">choose materials</strong></a> for your next project can feel a bit like the wild west. If you want to make informed decisions, you need to understand the factors that influence materials compatibility — ink composition, functional compatibility, curing method, and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-surface-energy">surface energy</a>.</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Conductive ink composition</strong></h2><p id="">Conductive inks are typically composed of three main parts:</p><ol id=""><li id=""><strong id="">Filler </strong>— this gives the ink its function — making it conductive, resistive, etc.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Binder </strong>— this gives the ink its structural property after it cures, usually a polymer, to hold the filler particles in place.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Vehicle</strong> — this is a liquid phase that carries everything else to its destination. It can be composed of many different materials like solvents, curing initiators, and other substances that give the ink its particular rheology and flow.</li></ol><p id="">Different kinds of inks have different ratios of filler, binder, and vehicle. These formulations and ratios determine the conductivity of the ink, whether it is rigid, flexible, or stretchable, informs processing conditions and storage conditions, and more. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a materials science expert to figure this stuff out. Datasheets provide details about an ink’s physical properties, composition, processing details, substrate compatibility, etc.</p><p id="">Here are some examples of conductive ink datasheets from <a href="https://www.novacentrix.com/datasheet/Metalon-HPS-FG57B-TDS.pdf" target="_blank" id=""><strong id="">Novacentrix</strong></a>, <a href="https://acimaterials.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ACI-Data-Sheet-SE1109-Rev-1-1.26.22.pdf" target="_blank" id=""><strong id="">ACI Materials</strong></a>, and <a href="https://www.dupont.com/content/dam/dupont/amer/us/en/mobility/public/documents/en/7102.pdf" target="_blank" id=""><strong id="">Dupont</strong></a>.&nbsp;</p><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing" id=""><strong id="">Screen printable inks</strong></a> can have up to 80% filler by weight — they’re thick, high-viscosity inks. These inks are also compatible with <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova">NOVA</a> and the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/v-one">V-One’s</a> <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology"><strong id="">direct ink writing</strong></a> technology.</p><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-inkjet-technology" id=""><strong id="">Inkjet inks</strong></a> have less than 20% filler, with a higher proportion of vehicle and binder — they’re watery, low-viscosity inks.</p><h5 id=""><strong id="">Sci-Snack:</strong></h5><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-viscosity"><strong id=""><em id="">What is viscosity?</em></strong></a><strong id=""><em id=""> </em></strong><em id="">Viscosity is the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow, due to the internal friction of the fluid. The viscosity of an ink impacts how it interacts with a substrate and how it interacts with your printing technology, and is a key determining factor when you’re choosing printing technology.</em></p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Conductive inks’ functional compatibility</strong></h2><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-printed-electronics-conductive-inks"><strong id="">Conductive ink</strong></a> has two primary jobs — to stay where it’s put and to conduct electricity.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Your ink may have other functions too, like stretching or flexing. If you want your ink to do its jobs properly, there are three general considerations for pairing an ink with a substrate.</p><h3 id="">How to match an ink with a substrate</h3><p id="">If you’re looking for specific functional performance, like flexibility or stretchability, you need to print on a stretchable or flexible substrate using an ink that has flexible or stretchable properties.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Here are some rules of thumb for functionally matching an ink and a substrate:</p><ul id=""><li id="">Rigid ink doesn’t work on flexible or stretchable substrates, because the ink doesn’t have flexible or stretchable properties.&nbsp;</li><li id="">Flexible ink doesn’t work on stretchable substrates, because the ink is formulated to flex, but not formulated to stretch.</li><li id="">Stretchable, flexible, or rigid ink can all be used on a rigid substrate.</li></ul><p id="">[script]https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac591c6aa6e9/66e04ca4f46a005a07229180_Blog_Compatibility%20guide%20table%201.txt[/script]</p><p id=""><em id="">*Other properties will impact ink/substrate compatibility, beyond what is depicted in this chart. Read on for more details.</em></p><p id=""><strong id=""><em id="">Note:</em></strong><em id=""> If you’re printing on TPU, you must use an ink that is formulated to match the stretchability of the TPU. If you print onto TPU with an incompatible ink, your traces will crack apart when strain is applied. Also note that TPU can swell due to solvents in certain inks. </em><strong id=""><em id="">When you’re choosing a stretchable conductive ink, ask the ink supplier to recommend a compatible TPU.</em></strong></p><h3 id="">How does curing temperature affect my substrate?</h3><p id="">Some inks just don’t work with some substrates because the temperature required to cure the ink will destroy the substrate.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Most conductive inks are thermally cured. They need to be raised up to a certain temperature in order to evaporate the solvents in the ink and bind the remaining contents together into cured traces. Some substrates can’t withstand high temperatures. <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/polyimide-5-sheets">Kapton</a> can be heated to 300°C and be perfectly fine, but TPU, <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/pet-5-sheets">polyethylene terephthalate (PET)</a>, or <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/3-x-4-substrates">FR4</a> would melt and burn at such a high temperature.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">How to ensure the ink adheres to the substrate</h3><p id="">Adhesion is a surface property — <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-surface-energy"><strong id="">the way that two surfaces interac</strong>t</a>. In order for your ink to do its job, it has to adhere to the substrate.&nbsp;</p><p id="">If you print with conductive ink onto super smooth non-stick Teflon, the ink won’t adhere and your cured traces will just pop off the surface. In order to promote adhesion, it’s best if your substrate has micro-scale roughness incorporated into the surface itself, or via a coating. For example, PET can be coated with silica flakes to promote adhesion.</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Curing methods</strong></h2><p id="">There are two methods to cure ink — thermal heat energy or ultraviolet light energy. Curing converts an ink from its wet, non-functional state to its solid, functional state. The thermal curing process changes the volume of your traces, whereas UV curing does not. It’s important to understand how each process impacts your traces, because ink needs to maintain a particular shape after curing in order to effectively conduct electricity.&nbsp;</p><h3 id=""><strong id="">Thermal curing</strong></h3><p id="">Thermal curing is the most common way of processing an ink. Thermal inks are cured by applying heat to evaporate the solvents in a vehicle, and the remaining binder polymers hold the filler particles in place.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Thermal curing evaporates the solvents in the ink, reducing the volume of the material. You should account for this if you have a specific thickness target after curing.</p><h3 id=""><strong id="">UV&nbsp;curing</strong></h3><p id="">Ultraviolet (UV) inks have a different vehicle makeup than thermal inks. Their uncured phase contains monomers. When exposed to UV light, photoinitiators cause the monomers to bind together, converting them into polymers that hold everything together.&nbsp;</p><p id="">UV-cured inks retain their full volume — nothing evaporates — so the volume of your ink and the shape of your traces remains the same through the curing process.&nbsp;</p><p id="">‍</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf6aa68e8e15b3f4008302_66699905025b459d26fb0472_Compatibility-guide-inks-substrates-uv-curing.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A pictogram shows a substrate, with an ink coating on top, with Monomer, Oligomer, and Photo-initiator on top of it" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Source: <a href="https://rimotec.nl/uv-curing/" target="_blank" id="">Rimotec</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id=""><strong id="">Surface energy</strong></h2><p id="">If you’re using high-viscosity screen-printable inks, then surface energy isn’t a particularly important factor. The friction between the molecules in high-viscosity ink negates the forces of surface energy.&nbsp;</p><p id="">If you’re using <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-inkjet-technology">inkjet technology</a>, the surface energy of your ink and the surface energy of your substrate — and how those two energies interact — will dictate if your ink spreads out on the substrate, forms nice contained traces, or beads up like water on a non-stick frying pan. You can <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-surface-energy"><strong id="">learn more about surface energy here</strong></a><strong id="">.</strong>&nbsp;</p><p id=""><em id="">Surface energy, by definition, is the amount of energy required to increase the surface area of a material. In other words, it’s the energy required to increase the space between the molecules. Each material has its own surface energy based on the chemical composition of the material.</em></p><p id="">If you have specific questions about how to pair an ink with a substrate, reach out and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting"><strong id="">talk to one of our experts</strong></a>. We love to nerd out on this stuff and want to help you get the answers you need to make your next project a success.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p id="">Until next time…</p><p id="">The Voltera Team<br></p><p id="">P.S. Was this blog post helpful? Is there a different topic you’d like to learn more about? <a href="mailto:hello@voltera.io"><strong id="">Let us know!</strong></a> We love answering questions, sharing knowledge, and helping to make the printed electronics industry more accessible to everyone.</p>

A Compatibility Guide for Inks and Substrates

In additive electronics, many variables can impact your work. Learn how factors like ink composition, function, curing method, and surface energy can influence the compatibility of your materials.

A Compatibility Guide for Inks and Substrates | Pairing Materials for Additive Electronics

There are many variables that determine materials compatibility, especially if you’re printing onto soft, stretchable, or flexible substrates. To make informed decisions, you need to understand the factors that influence materials compatibility.

<p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/about/about-us">At Voltera </a>we pride ourselves on transparency and honesty with our customers, so we wanted to let you know about some changes we’ve made to our executive team.</p><p id="">We have recently decided to part ways with our Chief Executive Officer, Alroy Almeida. We cannot stress how difficult this decision was to make, but it was one that was made with Voltera’s future in mind. Our growth, especially in the last few years, has been nothing short of spectacular. It has exceeded our expectations in so many ways and we have Alroy to thank for getting us this far.</p><p id="">Last month <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuyzoz/" target="_blank">Jesus Zozaya</a> stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer. Jesus is a co-founder of the company and has held the title of Chief Technology Officer since Voltera’s inception in 2013.</p><p id="">“I am deeply honored to take the reins as Voltera’s CEO,” said Jesus. “Having been with Voltera since the very beginning — when we were just four university students with an idea — it has been an honor to work alongside my friends and watch this company exceed expectations. In the last few weeks alone, it has been exhilarating to see the overwhelmingly positive response to our new product, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova" id="">NOVA</a>. I am excited to be at the helm as Voltera continues on this trajectory and I’d like to thank our team for trusting me with Voltera’s next chapter. Most of all I’d like to thank my friend, Alroy, for almost a decade of dedication that has set an incredibly high bar for those of us who follow in his footsteps.”</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6668a46ee71e2722fcc9f3cd_Voltera-names-new-CEO-Alroy-Almeida.webp" loading="lazy" alt="" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id=""><em id="">Former Voltera CEO, Alroy Almeida, holding a customized </em><a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id=""><em id="">V-One</em></a><em id=""> that was gifted to him on his last day at Voltera.</em></figcaption></figure><p id="">As Voltera grows, we hope you’ll stick with us. Our promise to our customers and the additive electronics industry remains unchanged — we will continue to deliver high-quality <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products">products</a> that remove barriers to designing electronics and catalyze innovation in labs and on desks across the world.</p>

Voltera Names New CEO

Voltera makes changes to their execute team, as Jesus Zozaya moves from Chief Technical Officer to Chief Executive Officer

Voltera names a new CEO

Jesus Zozaya, former CTO, steps in as CEO as Voltera continues to grow. 

What is Surface Energy?

In additive electronics, surface energy can make or break your results. Here’s a quick breakdown of what surface energy is and why you should care about it.

Surface Energy | An Important Concept in Additive Electronics

In additive electronics, surface energy can make or break your results. Here’s a breakdown of what surface energy is, and why it should matter to you. 

<p id="">Here <a href="https://www.voltera.io/about/about-us">at Voltera</a>, we love our test engineering interns. They bring fresh new ideas into our workspace and have a ton of fun exploring with our machines. It’s a privilege to provide mentorship, equipment, and resources to nurture brilliant young minds, and see what they dream up.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">A test for V-One and NOVA</h2><p id="">At the beginning of his work term, Dawson Martian — a second-year undergrad studying Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering at the University of Waterloo — came up with a project idea that would put both the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/v-one">V-One</a> PCB printer and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova">NOVA</a> materials dispensing system to the test: Designing and building a robot hand that would mimic the movements of an operator wearing a control glove.</p><p id="">Dawson had been working on a different project at the time, designing a light-up glove using <a href="https://www.ccieurolam.com/wp-content/uploads/PE874-TDS.pdf" target="_blank">stretchable silver ink</a> and <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/intexar-tpu-5-sheets">thermoplastic polyurethane</a><strong id=""> </strong>(TPU). “I noticed when the glove was put on and powered, the brightness of the LEDs would vary depending on whether the user’s hand was opened or closed,” he recalled. “This got me thinking about how the lights were dimming due to the resistance of the traces increasing whenever they were stretched, essentially the traces were acting as strain gauges,” he said. “From there I realized I could take advantage of this property and use this varying resistance to control a machine or program…what better way to show this unique property than by having a robotic hand mimic my movements?”</p><h3 id="">3D printing the hand</h3><p id="">So, Dawson got to work. He started by building a robotic hand with movable fingers. The hand components were 3D-printed using non-flexible filament, the joints were made with TPU, and then assembled. He ran the wire up the fingers and connected these to servos. These would operate as tendons, so the hand could move. He connected the servos to an Arduino™ with a custom breakout board — which he made using the V-One.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">Designing the control glove</h3><p id="">For the control glove, Dawson printed strain gauges onto TPU using NOVA and heat-pressed the strain gauges onto a fabric glove using a t-shirt press. Dawson wired a second Arduino and custom breakout board to the traces on the control glove using a conductive adhesive and mounted the board to a wrist strap.&nbsp;</p><p id="">The two boards communicate via Bluetooth® transceivers, so if all worked as it should, the board on the control glove would measure resistance in the strain gauges, then transmit movement instructions to the second board. This information would control the actuators of the robotic hand.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Of course, nothing goes <em id="">exactly </em>as planned, and Dawson hit a bit of a snag when he was designing the strain gauges. But, let’s rewind for a minute.&nbsp;</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">What is a strain gauge?</strong></h2><p id="">“A strange gauge is essentially just a resistor whose resistance value varies with changes in strain — being stretched, bent, or compressed,” Dawson explained. “You can think of it as a stretchable pipe with water running through it. As you stretch the pipe, it becomes longer but also narrower, restricting the flow”.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Now, apply this same principle to the traces in the control glove, which are made with stretchable conductive ink. As the traces stretch, they become longer and narrower, restricting the flow of electricity — it changes the resistance. The accompanying transmitter board interprets this change in resistance, and that information can then be used to control other devices — like the robotic hand.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Dawson’s biggest hurdle was designing the strain gauges for the control glove — finding the optimal procedure that would allow the gauges to fully stretch without losing conductivity completely, but still have a measurable change in resistance. In the end, he found that thicker traces resulted in more consistent continuity while stretching.&nbsp;</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6776fd1f108ff54b56a4acbd_66689daa14259165fa239e86_Remote-controlled-robotic-hand-transmitter-receiver.gif" loading="lazy" alt="A gif showing the robot glove in the foreground, sending signals to the robot hand in the background mimicking its movements" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">The robotic hand imitating hand motions</figcaption></figure><h2 id=""><strong id="">Stretchable conductive inks</strong></h2><p id="">Stretchable conductive ink gives you the ability to create a strain gauge on almost any stretchable material, and that has incredible potential to drive innovation. Industries across the board, from manufacturing to <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/bioelectronics">healthcare</a> to <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/wearable-flexible-electronics">wearable technology</a>, are on the threshold of major change, thanks to the emerging field of <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/flexible-hybrid-electronics" target="_blank">flexible hybrid electronics</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Over the course of just <em id="">two months</em>, Dawson was able to successfully design and build a fully-functional robotic hand that mimics the movements of an operator wearing a control glove. Imagine what could be accomplished by seasoned researchers and engineers.</p><h2 id="">Potential applications</h2><p id="">When asked about the potential applications for this kind of technology, Dawson lit up. “Why stop at just a hand? Why not use this technology to have a whole arm that mimics my own? Possibly even a full robot that mirrors my every move, and the majority of that could be achieved using similar techniques that were used for just the hand,” Dawson exclaimed. “The most exciting thing for me was the realization of the true possibilities that NOVA brings to the world of stretchable and flexible electronics”.</p><p id="">This technology could have life-altering and transformative potential in industries across the board — from biomedical applications and wearables to prosthetics. “I could see this technology being used in workplaces that present a high risk of injury, but still require the delicate handling of a human. For instance, if some work needs to be done on a machine but the area is radioactive or unsafe, the worker could remotely control this hand to perform the task, while staying in a safe location.” Dawson said. “This project could also be scaled up or down in size to meet specific requirements, for instance, you could have a small robotic hand do work inside a machine, in spaces where a human could not fit, being controlled by an operator outside the machine”.&nbsp;</p><p id="">You can read the finer details of Dawson’s work with <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova">NOVA</a> and the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/v-one">V-One</a> by checking out our <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-strain-gauges-tpu-laminated-glove-remote-hand-control">white paper</a> on this project.</p><p id="">Until next time…</p><p id="">The Voltera Team</p><p id="">P.S. Was this blog post helpful? Is there a different topic you’d like to learn more about? <a href="mailto:marketing@voltera.io?subject=For%20the%20blog" id=""><strong id="">Let us know!</strong></a> We love answering questions, sharing knowledge, and helping to make the printed electronics industry more accessible to everyone.<br></p>

Building a Remote Controlled Robotic Hand with Strain Gauges

When you’re innovating with stretchable conductive ink, you can create a strain gauge on almost any stretchable material. With advancements in flexible hybrid electronics and wearable tech, industries across the board are on the threshold of major change.

Building a Remote Controlled Robotic Hand | Flexible Hybrid Electronics

Stretchable conductive ink gives you the ability to create a strain gauge on almost any stretchable material. With advancements in Flexible Hybrid Electronics and wearable tech, industries across the board are on the threshold of major change.

<p id="">Today we’re talking about viscosity, which you were probably introduced to fairly early in life, but let’s refresh your memory and discuss viscosity in the context of conductive ink.</p><h2 id="">What is viscosity?</h2><p id="">If you went to public school, you may vaguely remember a fun science experiment where you compared the fluid flow rate of liquids by pouring things like water, maple syrup, or honey down a smooth sloped surface (the sloped surface was probably a plastic Hilroy binder).</p><p id="">Through this experiment (whether you knew it at the time or not) you learned about <strong id="">viscosity — the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow</strong>. The higher the viscosity, the more friction there is between the molecules in a fluid, and the slower it flows.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p id="">In your elementary school experiment, you would have discovered that water flows more quickly than maple syrup, and honey is by far the slowest. That’s because at room temperature the viscosity of water is 1 cP, the viscosity of maple syrup is about 200 cP, and the viscosity of honey is 10,000 cP (10 kcP).</p><p id=""><strong id=""><em id="">SciSnack: </em></strong><em id="">Viscosity can be measured in a variety of units, with the most common being centipoise (cP) — a centimeter-gram-second unit for measuring dynamic viscosity. Higher viscosity fluids are often converted to kilocentipoise (kcP) or pascal-seconds (Pa·s).&nbsp;</em></p><p id=""><strong id=""><em id="">1000 cP = 1 kcP = 1 Pa·s</em></strong></p><p id=""><em id="">A pascal-second (Pa·s) is a derived metric SI (System International) measurement unit of </em><a href="https://www.aqua-calc.com/what-is/dynamic-viscosity" target="_blank" id=""><em id="">dynamic viscosity</em></a><em id="">. Pa·s is equivalent to </em><a href="https://www.aqua-calc.com/what-is/dynamic-viscosity/newton-second-per-square-meter" target="_blank" id=""><em id="">N × s ÷ m<sup id="">2</sup></em></a><em id=""> or </em><a href="https://www.aqua-calc.com/what-is/dynamic-viscosity/kilogram-per-meter-second" target="_blank" id=""><em id="">kg/m/s</em></a><em id="">.</em></p><h2 id="">Why viscosity matters in printed electronics</h2><p id="">Printed electronics uses <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-printed-electronics-conductive-inks">conductive inks</a> that come in a broad range of viscosities for manufacturing traditional electronics as well as <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/flexible-hybrid-electronics">flexible hybrid electronics</a> (FHE). The viscosity of an ink plays a major role in the printing technology you should use.</p><p id="">Different ink viscosities are compatible with different substrates and printing technologies, so there are many factors to consider when you’re <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/ultimate-guide-choosing-materials-new-electronics-product" id="">choosing the most appropriate materials and technologies for your project</a>.&nbsp;</p><p id="">We caught up with Matt Ewertowski, Product Manager here at Voltera and one of our resident materials science wizards to see what he had to say.</p><blockquote id="">"What the novice really needs to know when they’re looking at a data sheet is: <strong id="">can I use this ink with the printing technology I plan to use?</strong> When you’re choosing an ink, you first need to understand what you’re trying to do, so you can pick the most appropriate ink for your project. For example, you can’t use a high viscosity ink for printing with <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-inkjet-technology">inkjet technology</a> – it’s not compatible. Knowing the viscosity of your ink tells you which printing technology is appropriate,” he said.</blockquote><h2 id="">Viscosity ranges for printing technology</h2><p id="">So let’s take a look at conductive ink viscosity ranges for different printing technologies, from highest to lowest viscosity:</p><p id="">[script]https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac591c6aa6e9/66e059851ea1c4d77db6f59a_Blog_Viscosity%20table%201.txt[/script]				</p><p id="">The <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/v-one">V-One</a> PCB printer and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova">NOVA</a> materials dispensing system both use <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology">direct ink writing</a> (DIW) technology for PCB printing and FHE printing respectively, which is compatible with a broad viscosity range of conductive inks. There is one major advantage with this technology and therefore these viscosity ranges:</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Scaling production</strong></h2><p id="">Prototyping using <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing">screen printing</a> is expensive because you have to pay per screen — so each iteration costs you. Using DIW technology for rapid prototyping, you can iterate quickly and affordably. No tooling, or screens required!</p><p id="">BUT…&nbsp;</p><p id="">You can still take advantage of screen printing infrastructure when it comes time to scale. DIW materials are compatible with screen printing, so you can rest assured that your final iteration is one you can take all the way through to production.</p><p id="">This means you can iterate to your heart’s content and perfect your prototype design, and then easily transition to screen printing for high-volume production.<em id=""> </em></p><p id=""><a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova">NOVA</a> is our newest brainchild, designed to push the limits of FHE. If you’re interested in learning more about it,<em id=""> </em><a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=viscosity&utm_content=book-a-meeting">book a meeting</a> with one of our technical representatives<em id="">. <br></em></p><h2 id=""><strong id="">How does ink composition affect viscosity?<br></strong></h2><p id="">Conductive inks have two major parts, the filler and the vehicle:</p><ol id=""><li id="">The filler is the conductive part — typically metal particles — which gives your ink its electrical properties.</li><li id="">The vehicle is everything else — the binders, dispersants, solvents, and additives — which are needed to:</li></ol><ul id=""><li id="">suspend your particles.&nbsp;</li><li id="">allow the ink to flow and dry.</li><li id="">give the ink structural stability, flexibility, and other optimizing properties.</li></ul><p id="">Screen printing, for example, necessitates high viscosity inks. These have a higher metal content, which generally means that an ink is more conductive. Screen printing inks can have up to 80% filler (usually silver), making them highly viscous and highly conductive.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Inkjet uses low viscosity, water-like inks. These usually contain a lower metal content of 10-20% filler, and the remainder is solvent. Due to the lower metal content and the thin layer of material, the lower viscosity inks tend to be less conductive and prone to breakage when cured.</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Factors to consider</strong></h2><p id="">Many things can affect the viscosity of conductive inks, including a phenomenon called <strong id="">thixotropy</strong> — where the viscosity of a fluid changes under stress. In DIW printing, when you shear conductive inks, the viscosity drops and takes time to recover. This can cause agglomeration of particles and lead to nozzle clogging — which is a bad time.&nbsp;</p><p id="">To address the challenges of thixotropy, the team at Voltera have used their ingenuity to design positive displacement DIW tools that are able to use <em id="">high viscosity ink</em> and compensate for the thixotropic nature of the ink itself. A lot of scientific gumption has gone on behind the scenes to make this happen.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p id=""><strong id=""><em id="">SciSnack: </em></strong><em id="">Viscosity is part of a whole fascinating branch of physics called </em><strong id=""><em id="">rheology</em></strong><em id=""> – the study of how things flow. If you want to nerd out and go down the rheology rabbit hole, </em><a href="https://www.anton-paar.com/corp-en/applied-rheology/" target="_blank"><em id="">this is a good place to start.</em></a></p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Choosing an ink</strong></h2><p id="">There is a lot to consider when you’re choosing an appropriate ink for your project, but you don’t have to be a science wizard to make informed choices. Just be sure to consider the viscosity of the ink when you’re assessing <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/ultimate-guide-choosing-materials-new-electronics-product">compatibility with printing technologies and substrate</a>s.&nbsp;</p><p id="">If you still have questions, reach out and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=viscosity&utm_content=book-a-meeting">talk to one of our experts</a> — and next time you’re pouring some deliciously viscous maple syrup on your pancakes, we hope you’ll think of us!</p><p id="">Until next time…<br></p><p id="">The Voltera Team</p><p id="">P.S. Was this blog post helpful? Is there a different topic you’d like to learn more about? <a href="mailto:marketing@voltera.io">Let us know!</a> We love answering questions, sharing knowledge, and helping to make the printed electronics industry more accessible to everyone.</p>

What is Viscosity?

Printed electronics uses conductive inks that come in a broad range of viscosities for manufacturing traditional electronics as well as Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE). The viscosity of an ink plays a major role in the printing technology you should use.

What is Viscosity? A beginner’s guide to viscosity relative to conductive inks.

The definition of viscosity, as well as a breakdown of how it applies in the world of printed electronics and additive manufacturing.

<p id="">So you’ve got your PCB design done and ready to go, but you need to start testing it. How do you go about getting a board created to get started? There are a lot of ways to do this — but there are many considerations you should take into account before making your decision.</p><p id="">If you haven’t already, make sure you go through our <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/ultimate-guide-choosing-materials-new-electronics-product" id="">Ultimate Guide to Choosing Materials for a New Electronics Product</a> to get a sense of what printing technologies you have to choose from (and their different applications).</p><p id="">But one particular subtractive method for PCB manufacturing is CNC milling — and it’s not something we’ve gone into detail about yet, so we thought we’d start by giving you a primer on what CNC milling is, why folks use it for <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications/additive-pcb-prototyping">PCB prototyping</a>, and why you might want to consider another method when it comes time to doing your own.</p><p id="">But first? The TL;DR:</p><h2 id="">CNC&nbsp;Milling vs. Direct-Write –&nbsp;Which PCB Prototyping Method is Best for You:</h2><p id="">[script]https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac591c6aa6e9/66e04e388da87f021daaf114_Blog_CNC%20milling%20vs%20direct%20write%20table%201.txt[/script]</p><p id="">Let’s go.</p><h2 id="">What is CNC milling?</h2><p id="">CNC milling is a pretty broad topic and it applies across many different fields and specialties. It essentially means using cutting bits —typically a v-tip cutter — to remove material, leaving behind the desired pattern from your design. In the context of electronics, it’s often also referred to as isolation routing.</p><p id="">Basically, you start with a copper-clad board — a piece of <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/3-x-4-substrates">FR4</a> that is copper plated — and you use a drill bit to remove copper and leave behind your isolated traces.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf72ec7fc624f676e8557e_6659e8de92b2fa8b34120114_CNC-milling-direct-ink-write-CNC-demo.gif" loading="lazy" alt="" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image: <a href="https://hackaday.io/project/181173-minamil-a-minimal-cnc-mill-hadprize-2021" target="_blank" id="">Paul McClay, Hackaday</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="">Why Would You Use It?</h2><p id="">CNC milling is moderately easier than trying to use an at-home etching process which many folks consider using because of how inexpensive it is (about $70 USD per kit). But etching can have many variations in quality based on the care you take in the process; it’s sensitive to contaminants and a very caustic process. You don’t want to touch or inhale ferric chloride (the chemical typically used in etching) and you have to dispose of it properly! There are a lot of steps in the process where things can go wrong.</p><p id="">CNC milling automates the through-hole/via creation process in a pretty accurate way — but they won’t be plated, so you still have to figure out how to make the electrical connection, whether that’s using rivets, or soldering wires in. If you’re etching, you still have to drill the holes by hand and it’s a difficult process to get right every time.</p><p id="">With CNC milling you also have a “set it and forget it” type of system and you get decent results. You may need to change drill bits every now and then, but it’s not a particularly labor-intensive process that you need to babysit the whole time.</p><h2 id="">What Are The Cons of CNC Milling?</h2><p id="">CNC milling involves cutting away the copper plating on your FR4 board to leave behind the traces in your design — but how perfect do you think a CNC milling machine can be in making sure it’s only drilling away copper, and not the board underneath?</p><p id="">The plating on a traditional FR4, copper-clad board, is measured in ounces, where 1oz is equal to approximately <a href="https://www.pcbuniverse.com/pcbu-tech-tips.php?a=4" target="_blank" id="">35 µm, or (1.4 mil)</a> — meaning that removing only the copper and not getting into the fiberglass of the board would require excellent height mapping (z-axis).</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf72ec7fc624f676e8558a_6659ea7da90fcedb48d27ba6_CNC-milling-direct-ink-write-CNC-cons.gif" loading="lazy" alt="A gif showing how accuracy of the drill bit effects trace width" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div></figure><p id="">Also, any time that you’re drilling into fiberglass, you’re releasing that dust into the air which isn’t great for your lungs — this can’t be overstated!</p><p id="">When working with the product of a CNC milling machine, the through holes aren’t going to be plated and there’s no solder masking. Solder masking is a crucial component of making any PCB because if it’s not present, solder will form bridges when trying to connect things like ICs to your traces — the legs on an IC are incredibly close together, so soldering those puppies by hand can be a bad time.</p><p id="">Last but not least — using a spindle, like a CNC milling machine does, can have limitations when it comes to accuracy. Accuracy of a CNC machine is ultimately limited by something called the “runout performance” of the spindle. Run-out is when the shaft of your drill bit doesn’t rotate exactly in line with the main axis.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf72ec7fc624f676e85576_6659eaf66c77506634336989_CNC-milling-direct-ink-write-CNC-cons-spindle.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A diagram shows how the spindle runout can mean the drill bit is rotating slightly off center with the main axis" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image: <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2504-4494/2/1/4" target="_blank" id="">Error Separation Method for Precision Measurement of the Run-Out of a Microdrill Bit by Using a Laser Scan Micrometer Measurement System published in JMMP</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">Run-out is an inherent inaccuracy when you have a rotating system — you’re always going to have that degree of error! How big of a degree of error? That depends on your system, and generally… you get what you pay for!</p><h2 id="">How Does The V-One Measure Up?</h2><p id="">The <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a> is an additive, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology">direct ink writing</a> (DIW) PCB printer — so it only deposits material exactly where you need it. You get a definite increase in precision because of the improved height mapping of your substrate and the elimination of run-out as a variable.</p><p id="">The V-One has a height-mapping feature using a probe and a z-switch to map out strategic points on your board and then interpolate the distance between them to give you some pretty accurate results. You also have the ability to increase the number of probe points if you think you’re printing on a particularly uneven surface.</p><p id="">The V-One is a digital platform, so all you need to do is upload your gerber file and you’re off to the races. The easy-to-use software will walk you through the calibration steps, and there are tutorials on our support page if you run into any issues. Plus, our handy dandy <a href="mailto:support@voltera.io" id="">support team</a> is only a chat away!</p><p id="">It still has that “set it and forget it” setup that makes it incredibly convenient in your workflow, and it has the added benefit of also being able to dispense solder paste with that same accuracy, and reflow your components — all in one machine that sits on your desktop.</p><p id="">So there you have it! The major differences between using a CNC milling machine for a subtractive method of creating a PCB, and the V-One — a PCB printer — for an additive approach. If you think the V-One might be a good fit for your next project, but you’re not sure <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/how-to-sell-a-pcb-printer-to-your-boss" id="">how to sell it to your boss</a>, either read our article that will help you do just that, or<a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=cnc-milling-diw&utm_content=book-a-meeting"> book a meeting</a> with our application specialists who can answer any and all of your questions.</p>

CNC Milling vs Direct-Ink-Writing for PCBs — How Do They Stack Up?

CNC milling is a subtractive method for creating PCBs, whereas direct-ink-writing is an additive approach. In this article, we compare the two technologies to help you decide which is best for your next applications project. 

So you’ve got your PCB design done and ready to go, but you need to start testing it.

<p id="">Field emission has a long history; it has been studied by researchers since the 1880’s. Propelling many breakthroughs in our fundamental understanding of physics, field emission gave quantum mechanics an early triumph in the 1920’s through the phenomenon of quantum tunneling, and led to the invention of the Field Electron Microscope in 1937 so researchers could peer more deeply into the mysteries of nature than ever before.</p><p id="">Today, the most compelling breakthroughs in the science of field emission come from the manufacturing techniques used to create the emitters, and the incredible applications these techniques could enable in our technological world.</p><p id="">In this post we’ll be looking at <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6528/ab3d17" target="_blank">a collaboration</a> between Imperio Anel Perales-Martinez of the Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, and Luis Fernando Velasquez-Garcia of the Microsystems Technology Laboratories at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Together, they created the world’s first fully additively manufactured carbon nanotube field-emission electron source, developed with <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology">direct ink writing</a> (DIW), one of the least expensive and most versatile manufacturing methods available. Their technology could be used to miniaturize mass spectrometry, create hand-held X-Ray devices, or even allow for the electric propulsion of nanosatellites.</p><h2 id="">What is field emission?</h2><p id="">Field emission is a technique for creating a beam of electrons with an electric field. Being tiny, subatomic particles, electrons exhibit exotic quantum properties under certain conditions. One of these properties is called quantum tunneling, a phenomenon where electrons can pass through barriers based on the thickness of the barrier and the energy of the electron. This occurs because electrons can behave like both a particle and a wave, one of the counterintuitive aspects of quantum mechanics that inspired Einstein to describe the field as “spooky” (tongue firmly in cheek).</p><p id="">Imagine a basketball bouncing against a metal wall. The basketball itself will rebound, but the sound of the collision can be heard from the other side: the basketball itself behaves like a particle, but the sound is a wave that passes through the barrier. How much of the sound passes through depends on how thick the wall is, or how hard you hurl the ball. Unlike basketballs, electrons can behave as both a particle and a wave, so when you hurl a lot of them at a wall, some tunnel through (behaving like waves) while many more are reflected (behaving like particles). This is how scientists create the beam.</p><p id="">Field emitters work by tuning both the thickness of the wall (the strength of the electric field) and the power of the throw (the bias voltage between the emitting electrode and the extractor gate) to precisely pull a thin stream of electrons through a barrier in a controlled manner.</p><p id="">The last ingredient is a fine tip. The earliest Field Electron Microscope, invented by Erwin W. Mueller, used a sharpened wire in a vacuum surrounded by phosphor screen for image detection: a rudimentary instrument (if impressive for the time). The tip of the wire was sharpened because the emission electrode, the thing that fires the electrons at the extractor gate, has to be the right shape to spark the quantum tunnelling process that generates the thin electron beam. Modern field emitters favor more sophisticated materials, like the carbon nanotube ink (CNT) used for the device created in this paper. CNTs are highly conductive -- allow electrons to move through them easily -- and have an ultra fine tip by definition (as nanotubes).</p><p id="">This beam of electrons can then be used in a variety of ways: to make measurements (like in a scanning electron microscope, by bouncing the stream off a sample and measuring how they scatter to form an image) or help propel a vehicle (like keeping charge neutrality in a nanosatellite that uses electric rockets to navigate through the vacuum of space).</p><h2 id="">Why 3D printing (direct-ink-writing additive manufacturing)?</h2><p id="">One of the most notable aspects of the collaboration between Perales-Martinez and Velasquez-Garcia is that their field emitter is entirely additively manufactured using direct-ink writing (DIW): they 3D printed the device. This is a valuable development for a number of reasons:</p><h3 id="">Accessibility and affordability</h3><p id="">DIW is one of the cheapest methods available for an application such as this. With DIW, you deposit materials only where you need them, reducing waste (and helping the environment). You also don’t need to pay for expensive subtractive processing or equipment: for a modest, one-time investment in a direct-write printer, you can deposit various circuit designs on numerous substrates without worrying about minimum order quantities, overseas shipping costs, or long lead times. Most importantly, you don’t need any tools or masks to create your patterns; you simply load a design file into the printer’s software and deposit it onto your substrate. As is the case with all 3D printing techniques, the on-demand production of personalized goods -- making what you need when you need it -- offers more sustainable freedom to iterate on designs.</p><h3 id="">Materials freedom</h3><p id="">With a <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products">DIW 3D printer</a> designed to deposit various viscous, thixotropic materials on any substrate, you can make design changes quickly and easily, and even switch printing materials on the fly precisely aligning the layers without needing to swap out a frame, mold or die. You can simply make a change in your circuit design software, reupload your file, and create the new pattern instantly. This enables the production of exotic circuit designs, like <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications?product=nova">electronics printed on flexible and stretchable substrates</a>, or electronics printed directly onto a device enclosure. For example, in <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/applications?industry=aerospace">aerospace applications</a> with extreme weight constraints, the ability to print a field emitter for propulsion directly on to the nanosatellite enclosure without adding the weight of a substrate is attractive.</p><h3 id="">Development speed</h3><p id="">DIW saves valuable time. Given both of the above, it’s clear that DIW techniques allow for faster iteration than traditional tooling-based approaches. Having a tool on your benchtop that fabricates circuits allows for much quicker design iteration than any other available technique. It also allows researchers and designers to keep their intellectual property completely in-house.</p><p id="">By using DIW techniques, Perales-Martinez and Velasquez-Garcia were able to manufacture CNT field emission sources at $2.50 per device, lower than <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing">screen printing</a> and significantly less than cleanroom manufacturing.</p><h2 id="">How to print a field emitter</h2><p id="">Perales-Martinez and Velasquez-Garcia made two cases of field emitters: a 25mm straight trace of CNT, and a 135mm square-loop spiral with 0.5mm gap. Their devices were 2.5cm square glass substrates coated with a trace of CNT ink as an emission electrode, and silver (Ag) microparticle ink as the in-plane extractor gate.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf75c21bfa4929aa98de49_665e13e99ba53a3e9379424a_3d-printed-carbon-nanotube-field-emitter.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Schematic representation of a 3D-printed field emission source with finely varying concentric spirals. " width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image: Fully 3D-printed carbon nanotube field emission electron sources with in-plane gate electrode published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6528/ab3d17" target="_blank">Nanotechnology</a></figcaption></figure><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf75c21bfa4929aa98de31_665e14d9744f77b77c6a80ef_3d-printed-carbon-nanotube-trace-field-emission-source.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Optical top view, 3D profile, and cross-section profile of a single-CNT-trace field emission source; optical top view, 3D profile, and cross-section profile at the centre of a square-loop field emission source with 700 μm pitch between adjacent traces." width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image: Fully 3D-printed carbon nanotube field emission electron sources with in-plane gate electrode published in <a href="https://images.app.goo.gl/YPfd5RMzvamNoGBg6" target="_blank" id="">Nanotechnology</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">The silver microparticle ink was <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/conductor-3-ink-cartridge-2ml" id="">Voltera’s conductive ink</a>, the CNT ink was a custom formulation: carboxylic acid-functionalized multiwalled CNT’s (N, N dimethylformamide, ethyl cellulose).</p><p id="">They tested these devices in several ways. First, they performed a thermogravimetrical (TGM) analysis of the CNT ink to measure its mass during burn-off, to make sure annealing temperature caused the filler of the ink (ethyl cellulose) be removed without damaging the CNTs. Then, they performed rheology tests of the inks with a rheometer, and tested the surface structure of the inks with an SEM. Next, they tested the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/resistance-resistivity-and-sheet-resistance">electrical resistivity</a> with a sputtered-silver glass chip to verify the ink was conductive enough for their application. Finally, the field emitters were tested in vacuum, with up to 850V bias between the silver and CNT imprints, and a 1300V floating external electrode. In all, these desktop-printed devices were impressive, comparing well with other devices in literature which were made in semiconductor cleanrooms.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf75c21bfa4929aa98de46_665e15863e5ff0184de6d59e_3d-printed-carbon-nanotube-field-emission-CNT-inks.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Optical close-up of an Ag imprint, SEM close-up of a CNT imprint, and histogram of the outer diameter of the CNT powder used as filler in the CNT inks." width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image: Fully 3D-printed carbon nanotube field emission electron sources with in-plane gate electrode published in<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6528/ab3d17" target="_blank" id=""> Nanotechnology</a></figcaption></figure><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/66bf75c11bfa4929aa98de18_665e15fb14e02220037c3eb8_3d-printed-carbon-nanotube-field-emission-square-loop.webp" loading="lazy" alt="2D electrostatic simulation of the square-loop field emission electron source using Maxwell SV" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div><figcaption id="">Image: Fully 3D-printed carbon nanotube field emission electron sources with in-plane gate electrode publishe in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6528/ab3d17" target="_blank" id="">Nanotechnology</a></figcaption></figure><p id="">Given the robust performance of these field emitters, and the potential applications lent by their inexpensive, lightweight and compact nature, Perales-Martinez and Velasquez-Garcia results are extremely exciting – and precisely the kind of research that we<a href="https://www.voltera.io/about/about-us"> at Voltera </a>love to see conducted with our tools.</p><p id="">Stay tuned for a future post where we sit down with Luis Fernando Velasquez-Garcia of MIT to discuss his work, his experience using the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/v-one">V-One PCB printer</a>, and how future products from Voltera might allow for even more powerful breakthroughs in the future.</p>

Fully 3D-Printed Carbon Nanotube Field Emission Electron Sources with In-Plane Gate Electrode

We'll take a look at the world’s first fully additively manufactured carbon nanotube field-emission electron source, developed using direct-ink-writing (DIW).

Field emission has a long history; it has been studied by researchers since the 1880’s. Propelling many breakthroughs in our fundamental understanding...

<p id="">If you are familiar with <a href="https://store.voltera.io/collections/materials?filter.p.m.custom.product_type=Solder+Paste" id="">solder paste</a>, you know how it can make for messy work — applying it to a stencil, solder paste getting all mixed up with your circuits — it can end up being more trouble than it’s worth. This is a problem we have solved with our printers, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/v-one" id="">V-One</a> and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova" id="">NOVA</a>, which use <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct ink writing</a> (DIW) printing technology to dispense solder paste exactly where you need it — and nowhere else. If this is somewhat of a new concept and material, our hope is by the end of this blog, it won’t be.</p><p id="">So, what exactly is solder paste? Great question — we can’t wait to tell you!</p><h2 id="">What is solder paste?</h2><p id="">Solder paste is a sticky, non-Newtonian fluid composed of flux and a metal alloy. It’s used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) to hold components in place, just like regular <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/solder-wire" id="">solder wire</a> would. Once applied to the circuit and all dressed up with its needed components, the board is then heated to melt the paste and form a mechanical bond as well as an electrical connection in a process known as reflow.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/6659ec1fc776e47712b9faaf_Solder-paste-flux-metal-alloy.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Solder paste reflowing on V-One's heated bed." width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div></figure><p id="">But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. How does one choose a solder paste? Let’s break it down. Any solder paste is made up of two main components — the powdered solder and flux.</p><h3 id=""><strong id="">Solder</strong></h3><p id="">Powdered solder is a fusible metal alloy. Under a microscope it appears to be a smooth cluster of tiny metal balls — which is exactly what it is! These metal particles can range in size from T1 to T8. They are rated on a scale where the lowest number of powder type (T1) corresponds with the largest powder size in microns.</p><p id="">Size is important to keep in mind, because you’ll need to adjust what nozzle you use based on the type of solder paste in order to avoid clogging. A good rule of thumb is to use an aperture six times larger than the particle size of the solder paste you are using. Not following this rule and using a 150 micron nozzle with a T4 paste would result in clogging. Clog city is a destination no one wants to arrive to when the goal is clean and smooth circuits done simply. Even though the powdered metal alloy makes up most of the solder paste, they are all suspended in the second component of solder paste, flux.</p><h3 id=""><strong id="">Flux</strong></h3><p id="">Flux is a chemical cleaning agent, flowing agent, or purifying agent. In traditional soldering, it is directly applied to the soldering iron to help with the wetting process when combining with soldering wire. The wetting process is the crucial part of soldering — it’s when the metal in the solder bonds with the metal on the PCB or component. The solder then becomes a molten fluid and can adhere to the component for an optimal solder joint. I think we all know that if we want any kind of solder joint it’s an optimal one.</p><p id="">Typically flux is a separate substance from the solder itself but just like an efficient 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash, solder paste combines flux with powdered solder. When combined, the flux operates as a carrier for the metal and also protects the particles from oxidizing — which will lead to issues like solderability loss and graping. Just like with traditional flux, it’s main benefit is the ability to help with the wetting process. Flux comes in different varieties that are broken down by type, activity and halide content.</p><p id=""><strong id="">Type</strong>: Refers to the main vehicle that facilitates the heat transfer while also offering protection from oxidation to the hot metal surface by acting as an oxygen barrier — rosin ( RO), resin (RE), organic (OR), and inorganic (IN)</p><p id=""><strong id="">Activity</strong>: Refers to the ability to dissolve existing oxides on the metal surface and promote wetting. The activity level is scaled by indicating L: low, M: moderate, or H: high.</p><p id=""><strong id="">Halide Content</strong>: Refers to the halogen (usually chlorine or bromine) present in the solder paste which functions to remove oxidation and boost the wetting properties of your solder paste. Halide content is split into two different categories:</p><h2 id="">Voltera’s solder paste</h2><p id=""><strong id="">FUN TIP</strong>: Here at Voltera we use a REL0 tack flux, that is made of resin (RE) with a low activity (L) and a halide content with a weight less than 0.05% (0).<br><br>Why?<br><br>After extensive comprehensive testing and experimenting trying to find what worked best with conductive ink, this was what worked. There’s a lot of guesswork that goes hand in hand with solder in regards to how the composition will influence performance, where even small changes in alloy composition can impact compatibility. It’s crucial to test what works best. We did the work using our engineering minds and scientific perspectives to do that work for you on what works best with our silver conductive ink on the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/v-one" id="">V-One PCB printer</a> so you don’t have to.</p><p id="">It’s important to know which solder paste works best for the project you’re working on and the corresponding tools needed to complete the job. Here<a href="https://www.voltera.io/about/about-us" id=""> at Voltera</a>, our solder paste features the trio of tin, bismuth, and silver. This is important, because the common metal used in soldering wire, traditional solders, and in the HASL finish on prefabricated boards likely contain lead. Why is this crucial to note? Well, bismuth and lead are not friends — they will argue and ruin your party. If you switch printing methods or materials without keeping this in mind and thoroughly cleaning your iron in between, you could have a real bad time. But you wouldn’t need to worry about that as much if you’re using the V-One PCB printer. Just sayin’. The reason why we use a tin-bismuth-silver solder paste is that it melts at low temperatures — ~140°C — and because it has a small quantity of silver already mixed in. Both of these factors help it create a strong bond with the silver in the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/conductive-inks" id="">conductive ink</a> in your traces as opposed to dissolving them like a tin-lead solder paste would. When it comes to the V-one and its printed boards, a solder paste with thicker flux works best, too — which is exactly how our solder paste is made.</p><h2 id="">How to properly maintain it</h2><p id="">There are a couple maintenance things to consider, such as: Don’t force it! If you can’t get anything to come out of the nozzle and you apply force, it’ll most likely rupture the cartridge.</p><p id="">The simple solution?</p><p id="">Swap out the nozzle and purge it if the paste isn’t flowing smoothly. Also, make sure to check your cartridge for flux leakage around the piston.</p><p id="">A little is alright but when in doubt, throw it out. You also want to keep in mind that if the flux dries up or the paste separates it goes from solder paste to solder waste. A dry paste is one with less tack. The tack component of our flux is important because liquid flux can spread everywhere and not transfer heat well, while tack flux holds its shape until you heat it. When you lose tack, you lose solder paste’s ability to maintain its stickiness over time. So, always make sure to properly store it and do not leave it sitting more than two hours before reflowing.</p><p id="">Now that you have a better understanding of what solder paste is, what it’s made of, and how we use it here at Voltera, we encourage you to give it a go. Solder paste is just one way we can print anything on everything — with Voltera's <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/v-one" id="">V-One</a> and <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova" id="">NOVA</a> printers.</p><p id="">Have you checked out our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKiR9WMrUaU" target="_blank" id="">YouTube video</a> about solder paste? You really should. Mike, our support-hero-turned-content-creator has some excellent tips on working with solder paste and your V-One!</p>

What is Solder Paste?

Solder paste is a sticky, non-Newtonian fluid composed of flux and a metal alloy used to hold components in place on printed circuit boards (PCBs).

If you are familiar with solder paste, you know how it can make for messy work — applying it to a stencil, solder paste getting all mixed up with your circuits 

<p id="">In the past, we’ve given you all of the information you need to learn more about <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-printed-electronics-conductive-inks" id="">conductive ink</a>, the lifeblood of all additive electronics projects. Today, we're going to talk about how to choose the right dispensing technology for your application, and the tradeoffs you'll need to consider.</p><p id="">There are many different printing options out there for additive electronics: inkjet, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing" id="">screen printing</a>, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct-write dispensing</a>, flexographic, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-to-gravure-printing-technology" id="">gravure</a>, and aerosol, to name the most common. It can be challenging to pick a printing technology to start an additive electronics project because each technology has its own benefits and drawbacks. You’ll need to carefully consider which technology fits your use case as picking the wrong technology at the start of a project could end up costing you.</p><p id=""><strong id="">How?</strong></p><p id="">Most technologies require significant investment upfront. Choosing the wrong one means sinking money into your hardware costs twice — an investment that is only <a href="https://voxeu.org/article/ideas-aren-t-running-out-they-are-getting-more-expensive-find" target="_blank">getting higher over time</a>. The other aspect is the massively extended timelines that printing technology switches entail.</p><p id="">We’re here to make sure you get it right the first time!</p><p id="">So let’s take a closer look.</p><h2 id="">What is inkjet?</h2><p id="">Inkjet is a term most of us have heard at one point or another because it’s the common printing technology used in most home office printers! One of the main benefits of inkjet for prototyping printed electronics devices is that it is <strong id=""><em id="">digital</em></strong>.</p><p id=""><strong id="">So what?</strong> Having a digital printing technology means that whenever you need to iterate on your design, all you need to do is upload the digital design file and press “print”. The new design can be printed on the spot without additional tooling! Not only can this save you on materials, but it results in drastically speeding up iteration time.</p><h2 id="">How does inkjet technology work?</h2><p id="">Inkjet works by ejecting tiny droplets of your <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/conductive-inks">conductive ink</a> from hundreds of tiny nozzles on a print head, in quick succession, to form any pattern on a substrate.</p><p id="">The way in which the droplets are created varies depending on the form of inkjet being used. Although all forms of inkjet are suitable for home use, not all forms of inkjet are suitable for printed electronics!</p><p id="">There are two main inkjet technologies — thermal inkjet and piezo inkjet.</p><h2 id="">Types of printing technology</h2><h3 id="">Thermal inkjet</h3><p id="">Thermal inkjet (sometimes referred to as bubble jet) uses resistive heating to quickly vaporize a small amount of conductive ink. The quickly expanding, vaporized conductive ink inside the ink channel forces a small amount of conductive ink to be ejected from the nozzle. However, using conductive inks with thermal inkjet is generally avoided for one main reason: heat! With every drop that’s ejected, a small amount of conductive ink is cured inside the nozzle, clogging it in short order.</p><h3 id="">Piezo inkjet</h3><p id="">Piezo inkjet, on the other hand, does not expose the inks to heat but instead uses piezo elements to send a shockwave through the ink to eject a droplet.</p><p id="">Piezo elements are a type of ceramic that will deform when exposed to a voltage potential. Piezo inkjet printers leverage this property by sending voltage waveforms that have been tuned specifically for the geometry of the fluid path, the conductive ink being used, and the size of the droplets, which typically range from 1.5 pl to 30 pl.</p><p id="">Working with droplets that are so small requires a high magnification camera and strobe light system for waveform optimization. However, waveforms can only be adjusted on industrial or laboratory inkjet systems, whereas home office inkjet printers have fixed waveforms intended for regular color ink. </p><h2 id="">What About Materials and Performance? </h2><p id="">The conductive inks suitable for use with inkjet technology have water-like consistencies, with viscosities in a similar range (~1 cP). The compatible viscosity window for inkjet technology is much narrower than other printing technologies because high-resolution prints require small droplets and small droplets are easier to make if the fluid has a low viscosity. Inkjet can typically achieve resolutions from 300-1200 DPI (~20-30 µm). Minimum printed feature size will largely depend on ink properties, droplet size, as well as the substrate being used.</p><p id="">The low <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-viscosity">viscosity</a> inks consist of 60% to 95% solvent content with the remainder being metallic particles. The purpose of the solvent is not only to provide a carrier fluid allowing the conductive particles to be printed, but it also includes additives to stabilize the ink under proper storage conditions. With such a high solvent content, most of the deposited material will evaporate during the curing process leaving behind a thin layer ranging from 1um to 5um thick. Since <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/resistance-resistivity-and-sheet-resistance">resistance</a> is a function of cross-sectional area, a thinner layer thickness will result in a higher resistance limiting the amount of current a printed pattern can handle. The benefit of thin patterns is that less material is used, lowering the overall material cost. The combination of these two factors makes inkjet a good candidate for low-power applications where low cost is a driving factor.</p><p id="">Conductive inks for inkjet tend to be more susceptible to improper storage conditions than the thicker conductive inks used in other printing technologies, like direct-write and screen printing. Due to the high solvent content and because solvents are very volatile and can start to evaporate over time under improper storage conditions, large agglomerates can form which can clog nozzles. Most inkjet systems also require a filter to remove any large particles and contaminants from entering the print head.</p><p id="">Aside from viscosity and stability, the surface interactions between the conductive ink and the substrate material is a critical factor that can have a huge impact on the final output. Substrates used in inkjet applications are either non-porous, like <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/pet-5-sheets">PET</a> and <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/polyimide-5-sheets">Polyimide</a> (Kapton), or porous like paper: both pose their own unique challenges.</p><p id=""><strong id="">For non-porous substrates:</strong> If the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-surface-energy">surface energies</a> of the substrate and conductive ink are too dissimilar, the conductive ink will refuse to wet the surface — leading to poor resolution and adhesion to the substrate.</p><p id=""><strong id="">For porous substrates:</strong> The conductive ink may soak into the substrate and not form any conductive pathways. Luckily, most substrate manufacturers offer substrates with special coatings to help improve wetting characteristics as well as adhesion. These coatings can have a game-changing impact and they should not be overlooked!</p><h2 id="">Assembling inkjet printed boards</h2><p id="">Attaching electrical components to printed features created with inkjet technology can be tricky. Soldering is generally unsuccessful because printed features are so thin that without a robust binder within the structure to keep the metal in place, the molten solder will very quickly dissolve the metallic particles, destroying the printed pattern in the process. Component attachment is more successful using solder alternatives such as conductive epoxy or anisotropic conductive adhesives.</p><h2 id="">How to get started with inkjet technology</h2><p id="">It is possible to use conductive inks with a home office piezo-based inkjet printer but mileage will vary in terms of the quality of your output — and since we’ve done it, we can say with some authority, we really don’t recommend you try this.</p><p id="">But if you’re going to ignore that warning…</p><p id="">An easy way to identify the underlying technology of any inkjet printer is to examine the ink cartridge. If the nozzles are removable with the cartridge, the printer uses thermal inkjet technology. Otherwise, the printer is piezo. Thermal print heads are much cheaper than piezo print heads, so manufacturers build them into the ink cartridge and replace them each time the ink runs out to keep the nozzles as clean as possible. That being said, there are a few things to note before using a home office printer for printed electronics:</p><ul id=""><li id=""><strong id="">The print head must be flushed after every use to avoid conductive inks drying out or destabilizing within the print head.</strong></li><li id="">Since nozzles cannot be easily replaced on piezo-based inkjet printers it's best to avoid clogged nozzles as much as possible.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Avoid using the same cartridge location to dispense different conductive inks.</strong></li><li id="">When a cartridge is loaded onto the print head, it will supply ink to a subset of nozzles on the print head. If that cartridge is replaced with a new type of conductive ink, it will supply material to the same subset of nozzles. Mixing conductive inks inside the print head is a recipe for clogged nozzles.</li><li id=""><strong id="">The printer’s droplet waveform won’t necessarily be optimal for conductive ink.</strong></li><li id="">The printer will likely be able to still eject droplets, however, those droplets may be inconsistent in size or be ejected in arbitrary directions leading to a fuzzy printed pattern.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Home office printers do not have the ability to align a new print with existing printed patterns.</strong></li><li id="">The new pattern will be printed at an offset from the previous one. Office printer paper feed systems are only really designed to detect the leading edge of a piece of paper and do very little to ensure precise lateral alignment. If you want to build up the thickness to improve resistance or use multiple conductive inks you’re likely going to be left wanting more.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Very thin or thick substrates could be problematic for the printer’s paper feeder system.</strong></li><li id="">Home office printers were intended to be used with paper. A very thin film could wrinkle in the inner working and jam the paper feed system. On the flip side, a thick substrate may not be able bend enough to be fed through the printer.</li></ul><p id="">The limitations of a home office printer for printed electronics often push developers to quickly move on to pursue laboratory inkjet systems that address these limitations and give them access to a lot of the settings under the hood. These laboratory systems cost at least $25,000 and can cost as much as six figures — but they can be helpful in improving the transition from prototype to production for applications that require inkjet technology.</p><h2 id="">Are inkjet printed electronics scalable?</h2><p id="">According to <a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/printing-technologies-find-their-place-in-printed-electronics/10920" target="_blank" id="">IDtechEX</a>, inkjet only made up less than 2% of all commercial additive electronics products in 2017 while screen printing made up the remaining 98%.</p><p id=""><strong id="">Why?</strong></p><p id="">It’s likely the upfront costs associated with creating a production facility capable of using inkjet printing technology!</p><p id="">A common situation we have heard from our customers is that they pursued inkjet initially because the idea of being able to prototype in-house without delays is extremely attractive. When they invested in more sophisticated laboratory equipment, got further into development, and closer to scaling up their design, they realized that their application didn’t directly benefit from the core strengths that inkjet has to offer and that their direction was based solely on the tools available for prototyping. This realization led them to pivot the core materials and printing technology used in their design to not only improve it but make it easier to scale. However, this decision came at the expense of their precious timelines, along with the significant capital investments required to pivot their entire technology stack (and the money wasted on inkjet prototyping when the entire process needed redoing anyway). Not to mention the operating costs and the risk — what if you can’t transfer your inkjet learnings to a scalable solution like <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing">screen printing</a>?</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">So, in summary, inkjet uses small droplets of conductive ink to create high-resolution patterns on flexible substrates such as plastics and paper. The small quantity of conductive ink involved produces thin conductive layers making inkjet ideal for low cost and low power applications. By investing in the right equipment, the digital nature of inkjet makes the transition from prototype to production easy.</p><p id="">Although not the most widely used printing technology for printed electronics, inkjet printing is a mature technology and is a good candidate if the application calls for it. It’s also a hotbed for innovation — research into new applications and improvements to the technology is rampant! However, since the project requirements addressed by inkjet's value are quite specific, it's important to compare and contrast the project requirements with the benefits and limitations of this printing technology and associated materials before committing to it to avoid unnecessary investments and unexpected delays.</p>

Introduction to Inkjet Technology

Not sure whether inkjet printing is right dispensing technology for your electronics application? We walk you through everything you need to consider.

In the past, we’ve given you all of the information you need to learn more about conductive ink...

<p id="">In the first volume of our “What is Printed Electronics?” series, we introduced you to <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-printed-electronics-inkjet">Inkjet technology</a> and promised that we would go into deeper detail on some of the others like, screen printing, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-to-gravure-printing-technology" id="">gravure</a>, flexographic printing, and aerosol. Picking the wrong technology at the start of a project can require significant investment and/or extending timelines further into the project to make the design work with existing production technologies.</p><p id="">Why would we talk about all of the different printed electronics technologies when we’re clearly doubling down on <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology">direct ink writing (DIW)</a> technology here <a href="https://www.voltera.io/about/about-us">at Voltera</a>? Because we’re big advocates for using the right tool for the right job. Direct-write technology doesn’t make sense for every use case! There’s no sense using a screwdriver when what you really need is a hammer. So our goal is to make sure that you have the information that you need to make the best decision for what you’re trying to do.</p><p id="">Let’s go.</p><h2 id="">What is screen printing?</h2><p id="">If you’ve ever bought a graphic t-shirt, then you’ve been exposed to the world of screen-printing, perhaps, without even knowing it! Screen printing technology has been around for centuries, with evidence of early use dating as far back as around 1000 A.D. And, as with most things — if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Thus, screen printing is one of the most low-tech printing technologies still in use today and one of the most well-established manufacturing technologies — with applications ranging from graphics and art to printed electronics.</p><h2 id="">How does screen printing technology work?</h2><p id="">Screen printing for printed electronics uses a finely woven, pre-tensioned mesh, usually made out of steel or nylon, to transfer conductive inks onto a substrate. The screen uses a masking material, or emulsion, to block holes in the mesh to prevent conductive ink from being deposited onto the substrate as the wiper or squeegee passes over the screen.</p><p id="">With only one ink being printed at a time, additional screens are required if multiple inks are required — which means you’re paying for each individual screen. In graphics, for example, multiple screens are required to produce a multicolored image. Similarly, in printed electronics, multiple screens are required to add functionality such as dielectrics, resistive inks, multiple layers, etc.</p><h2 id="">Materials and performance</h2><p id="">Each printing technology has its own classification of materials that are compatible with it, and screen printing is no exception.</p><p id="">Screen printing is compatible with a much wider range of material viscosities than something like inkjet printing technologies, with acceptable viscosities ranging from 1000 centipoise (1 cP = 1 millipascal/second) to over 1,000,000 cP. The more viscous nature of these materials also reflects a different material composition. Unlike inkjet conductive inks where the solvent is the main component, screen printing inks are mostly comprised of solids with only a small percentage of binder and solvent by weight. This means that most of the material that is deposited will remain once the material is cured. As a result, screen printing tends to produce thicker printed layers with typical thicknesses ranging from 10 to 35 µm, compared to 1 µm as seen with inkjet or other low-viscosity conductive inks. This is one of the main benefits of screen printing technology — screen printing has a large variety of <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/conductive-inks">conductive inks</a> and filler materials to choose from relative to other printing technologies (carbon, silver, copper, conductive polymers… you name it)!</p><p id="">The larger cross-sectional area with screen-printed patterns produces lower<a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/resistance-resistivity-and-sheet-resistance"> resistance</a> patterns in general when compared to other printing technologies. The compositional differences in the materials also open the door for a wider range of applications. For some applications, screen-printed conductive inks can be fired onto ceramic substrates to create very robust circuitry for high power or high-temperature use. For lower temperature applications there is often an epoxy binder to keep the conductive particles in place which provides better adhesion to a variety of substrates and, in some cases, can even tolerate typical soldering processes. The versatility screen printing offers to designers is a huge advantage over other printing processes.</p><p id="">Last, but not least, we’d be remiss if we didn’t address the resolution that screen printing technology is capable of producing. While not as fine as inkjet printing technology, the resolution you can get with screen-printing with conductive ink can get down to 25-50 µm — but that’s pushing it. In reality, you’re probably looking at something closer to 200-300 µm from a commercial printer.</p><p id="">Not sure which printing technology will work for your idea? Trying to choose a conductive ink and a substrate, but aren’t sure how they stack up? Take a look at our <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/ultimate-guide-choosing-materials-new-electronics-product" id="">Ultimate Guide to Choosing Materials for a New Product</a>.</p><h3 id="">Screen design</h3><p id="">Although conductive inks are often the focus when talking about printed electronics, the screen itself plays a big role in achieving your desired result. Despite appearing like a simple process, there are a surprising number of variables and options that go into making a screen.</p><p id="">Designing a screen typically includes considerations for screen material, screen tension, mesh count, mesh angle, weave thickness, weave pattern, thread diameter, emulsion material, and emulsion thickness, just to name a few. These parameters are chosen based on the rheological properties and composition of the conductive ink as well as the technical requirements of the printed design. Choosing the right screen parameters can seem overwhelming, but most screen-printing partners can work with you to make sure you have the best screen for your application. We have a few screen-printing partners in our network, so feel free to<a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting?utm_campaign=Blog%20Campaign&utm_source=website&utm_medium=introduction-screen-printing&utm_content=book-a-meeting"> book a meeting</a> with one of our technical representatives if you’re looking for advice on this front!</p><h3 id="">Starting production</h3><p id="">Since only a few pieces of equipment are needed, you can get set up with a manual screen-printing kit for less than $500. Although relatively inexpensive to get started, there are a few points that are worth noting before purchasing any equipment.</p><ul id=""><li id=""><strong id="">Tooling Costs</strong>: One of the biggest complaints we have heard about screen printing from our customers is that screens are a form of tooling. Every time the design changes or a new material needs to be used, a new screen must be made to reflect the design change and/or to be optimized to work with the new material. If the project is in the early stages of development where things can change quickly, the costs associated with new screens and lead times can add up quickly. This is especially true for projects that call for layered patterns that require several screens per iteration.</li></ul><ul id=""><li id=""><strong id="">Material Waste:</strong> During the printing process, a fair amount of conductive ink must be spread across the screen to ensure proper coverage. The screens must also be cleaned of the conductive ink after every use with the proper cleaning solutions. Conductive ink can be salvaged but inevitably some amount of material will be wasted in the process. Conductive inks will also dry out over time, so it is important to note the on-screen time of the conductive ink you are working with to avoid accidentally leaving the conductive inks exposed for too long.</li><li id=""><strong id="">Materials Safety:</strong> With the amount of conductive ink that needs to be exposed in screen printing, it’s especially important to review the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for your conductive ink before working with it, and any other chemicals. It’s also incredibly important to wear the proper personal protective equipment. If you are working in an environment/setting where the materials cannot be handled safely or if you do not feel comfortable handling chemicals, bringing screen printing capability in-house may not be the right option for you.</li></ul><h3 id="">Scaling production</h3><p id="">Another primary benefit of screen printing is that the process and materials used is largely the same regardless of production volume. Maintaining the same process and materials throughout development and into production shortens the time to market and allows designers to have confidence in the design when it comes time to scale.</p><p id="">With a lot of screen-printing infrastructure already in place, along with comparable resolution performance to inkjet and less expensive equipment, getting a screen-printed product to market can be significantly cheaper than alternative printing technologies. According to <a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/printing-technologies-find-their-place-in-printed-electronics/10920" target="_blank" id="">IDtechEX</a>, screen printing produced approximately 98% of all additive electronics products in 2017.</p><p id="">Although screen printing is clearly the dominant printing process for production, the reliance on screens in the research and development phase is a major barrier. The lack of rapid prototyping processes for screen printing materials not only slows development but also makes it more difficult for developers to try out new materials. As a result, developers who are getting started with printed electronics tend to turn to alternative printing processes, such as <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-printed-electronics-inkjet" id="">inkjet</a>, for faster iteration even though their application would be better off with screen printing in the long run.</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">Next time we’re going to show you how a good rapid prototyping alternative to using screen printing is a <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct-write technology</a>. Since the materials are fairly interchangeable between those two technologies, you get all of the added benefits of rapid, low-cost iteration, and all of the benefits of the scaleable nature of screen printing.</p>

Introduction to Screen Printing

Screen printing for printed electronics uses a finely woven, pre-tensioned mesh to transfer conductive inks onto a substrate. The screen uses a masking material, or emulsion, to block holes in the mesh to prevent conductive ink from being deposited onto the substrate as a squeegee passes over the screen.

In the first volume of our “What is Printed Electronics?” series, we introduced you to Inkjet technology and promised that we would go into deeper detail on some of the others like, screen printing, gravure...

<p id="">We’re here with our latest installment in the “What is Printed Electronics?” series — a journey towards understanding the different types of printed electronics technologies, the pros and cons of each, and some of the unique applications that they have in the world of printed electronics and additive manufacturing. So far we’ve covered an <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-screen-printing" id="">introduction to screen printing</a>, but today is all about direct-ink-writing (DIW) printing technology; also known as dispensing printing technology, or direct-write technology for short.</p><p id=""><strong id="">Stay tuned for blogs that cover the ins and outs of </strong><a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-to-gravure-printing-technology" id=""><strong id="">Gravure printing technology</strong></a><strong id="">, Flexographic printing technology and Aerosol printing technology. Want a notification when they drop? Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an installment of this series or any other awesome thing that we cover on the blog!</strong></p><p id="">There are many different printing options out there when it comes to printed electronics — and knowing which one to choose for your brainchild can be challenging. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so our goal is to make it simple for you to do the mental math, choose the right materials, and ultimately the right technology. Because we’re intimately familiar with the drawbacks to picking the wrong technology at the start of the project — the significant upfront investments that you can’t get back, not to mention those extended timelines to make your design work with another production technology. But let’s get to the nitty-gritty details of direct-write technology, shall we?</p><h2 id="">What is direct ink write printing?</h2><p id="">Depending on what your background is, the term ‘dispensing’ could mean a few different things. The term is generally used to describe a measured or metered volume of fluid being released from a nozzle in a certain location or into a container. Although that meaning is correct, the term shouldn’t be used when discussing printing technologies because it implies static fluid handling rather than the precision patterning required for a functional device. When printing/patterning is involved, the term ‘direct-write’ is more appropriate.</p><h2 id="">How does direct ink writing (DIW) work?</h2><p id="">Unlike inkjet or screen printing where a swath or complete pattern is printed all at once, direct-write (DIW) printing requires the nozzle to be moved relative to the substrate to draw and fill in the entire pattern feature-by-feature. Basically, the nozzle moves like a pencil over paper to leave the pattern on the substrate, one trace at a time.</p><p id="">While feature-by-feature printing is inherently slower than high-throughput, mass manufacturing methods like screen printing, direct-write printing excels in low volume prototyping and applications with high customization, where other non-digital technologies like screen printing struggle.</p><p id="">Direct-ink-writing systems are flexible and can be configured to work with a wide range of materials that are accessible to screen printing while simultaneously allowing both design and material changes to be made on the fly. This is why some folks have started to refer to direct-write systems as “screenless screen printers” — a term we’re really big fans of. This kind of flexibility allows designs and projects to progress without the tooling delays associated with making new screens for each iteration, while also allowing them to scale with the same materials by taking advantage of screen printing infrastructure when they are ready to bring their product to market.</p><p id="">A common hurdle designers face is that in order to bring a product to market the designer has to change materials to conform to the existing screen printing production infrastructure. The chosen material is often selected for its specific performance characteristics and generally cannot easily be swapped with another conductive ink or substrate without impacting the rest of the design. These hurdles can be avoided with direct-write systems since the materials can be maintained throughout development and into production.</p><h2 id="">Types of direct ink write dispensing</h2><h3 id="">Time pressure dispensing</h3><p id="">This is a type of pneumatic direct-write dispensing that uses pressurized air on a reservoir of material to extrude that material through your nozzle. The amount of material that comes out of the nozzle is governed by the air pressure and the time under which you apply it.</p><p id=""><strong id="">PRO:</strong></p><ul id=""><li id="">Simple to build an air pressure dispenser system and seems straightforward!</li><li id="">Can be a cheap technology to work with.</li><li id="">Low cleaning requirements as many of the components are disposable.</li></ul><p id=""><strong id="">CONS:</strong></p><ul id=""><li id="">There’s a lag between initiating the pressure and actually dispensing your material which can cause drooling of your material.</li><li id="">The volume of material in the reservoir is a big factor in this technology because as you dispense material, the pressure you need to apply to extrude more, changes. Basically, you’re going to need to adjust your settings on the fly, over the course of every print — and if you already have problems determining your flow rate, this is going to be a real challenge.</li><li id="">You have no direct control over the amount of volume displaced, only the amount of pressure that you apply — this makes the consistency of printing features a bit of a nightmare because you can’t really ascertain a true flow rate for your material without in-depth studies, which can take months.</li><li id="">It’s really susceptible to viscosity variations, and because it uses air pulses to exert that pressure, it makes clogging a real possibility for things like solder paste.</li></ul><h3 id="">Piezo-actuated direct ink writing</h3><p id="">This is technically not considered a contact printing technology because it uses a <a href="https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/95392-the-appeal-of-piezo-jet-valve-dispensing" target="_blank" id="">piezo jet valve</a>, where the fluid is held between the piston and the nozzle and jetted at the surface from a set height. That piston is connected to an actuator which, when an electric charge is applied, oscillates up and down. This kinetic energy ejects the fluid onto your substrate. It gets a mention though because folks are starting to incorporate these into direct-write systems!</p><p id=""><strong id="">PROS:</strong></p><ul id=""><li id="">It’s really fast — it dispenses at approximately twice the speed of pneumatic jet valves. Because it doesn’t need to move in the z-axis at all, there’s no height sensing and repositioning that needs to occur. Those things typically only take fractions of seconds, but over the course of your print — they add up!</li></ul><p id=""><strong id="">CONS:</strong></p><ul id=""><li id="">Doesn’t typically work with things like <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-solder-paste">solder paste</a>, or other materials with ultrafine metal particles in them because they need to evenly jet the material.</li><li id="">The cost! If your application requires high speed and a high degree of accuracy, then the piezo-actuated direct ink writing machine might be worth the investment, but if not…</li><li id="">Requires a lot of cleaning and maintenance to keep in tip-top shape.</li></ul><h3 id="">Auger valve dispensing</h3><p id=""><a href="https://smtnet.com/library/files/upload/EFD_-_Auger_Valve_Dispensing.pdf" target="_blank" id="">This technology</a> uses an auger that turns inside a cylinder that is fed material by a syringe, similar to the way that plastic extrusion screws on injection molding equipment works.</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" style="max-width:40%" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width="40%"><div id=""><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334888a34bfac03b46aa715/677841a6d4b53d00b8cc3521_6659e35a226532a0fa081c4d_Direct-ink-write-printing-auger-valve-dispensing.webp" loading="lazy" alt="" width="auto" height="auto" id=""></div></figure><p id="">‍<strong id="">PROS:</strong></p><ul id=""><li id="">Because of how this system works, it’s pretty good at dispensing very small and very accurate amounts of material, and it’s less sensitive to viscosity variations.</li></ul><p id=""><strong id="">CONS:</strong></p><ul id=""><li id="">There are going to be materials that have problematic particle size issues! This is one of those times when size really does matter…</li><li id="">Non-newtonian fluids (all conductive inks and solder paste are non-newtonian fluids!) are thixotropic — which means that as you shear them, their <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-viscosity">viscosity</a> drops and it takes time for the viscosity to recover. This can cause agglomeration of particles that leads to nasty clogging.</li></ul><h3 id="">Positive displacement</h3><p id="">This term is a bit of a catch-all term for technology that employs the use of a motor-driven piston to extrude material through your nozzle — and it’s the technology that <a href="https://www.voltera.io/about/about-us">the Voltera brand</a> is centered around. Generally, if you’re pushing the plunger at one rate, your flow rate will be the same on the other side. Think about how a syringe would work!</p><p id=""><strong id="">PROS:</strong></p><ul id=""><li id="">Positive displacement is conceptually more simple and more reliable as long as it’s applied appropriately.</li><li id="">Doesn’t revolve around a pressurized air supply!</li><li id="">Because it uses straight displacement and doesn’t rely on pressure build up to apply it, you don’t need to think about how that pressure will relate to the displacement of fluid, or how the pressure required to displace fluid will change as the volume in the cartridge changes — as long as you’re using a low viscosity fluid.</li><li id="">Low cleaning requirements as many of the components are disposable.</li></ul><p id=""><strong id="">CONS:</strong></p><ul id=""><li id="">The rheology of <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/conductive-inks">conductive inks</a> does introduce some variables, like the fact that they’re thixotropic.*</li><li id="">It uses a fixed volume reservoir of conductive ink, so there will be times where you will run out of material and you’ll have to reload your cartridge. This means downtime for material changeover.</li><li id="">There’s also the possibility of trapped air in your fluid which is compressible and can alter your flow rate.</li></ul><p id="">*This is the magic (I can hear my engineering folks saying, SCIENCE, not magic!) of the Voltera product line. We’ve managed to create positive displacement, direct-ink-writing tools that use high viscosity ink. There’s a lot of materials science knowledge, math, and fancy hand waving in the back end that makes this possible!</p><h2 id="">Materials and performance</h2><h3 id="">Material waste</h3><p id="">Another advantage direct-write printing has over screen printing is that the materials involved are contained until the moment they are deposited on the substrate. This means that there is virtually no cleanup and no material is wasted or contaminated after each use.</p><h3 id="">Feature resolution</h3><p id="">There are several key aspects that determine the resolution of a direct-write system. These include nozzle size, pressure control, height control, and material properties, just to name a few.</p><p id="">By tuning these parameters, direct-write printing systems can generally produce features down to 100 µm with feature aspect ratios up to 1:1 with configurable print heights, but it is not uncommon for finer features to be produced. In the pursuit of higher resolution prints, both the nozzle and print height must be reduced to limit the amount of fluid that can be deposited. As a result, pressure and print height control become paramount to maintaining consistent flow rates and avoiding crashing the nozzle. In the event of a damaged nozzle, it can be quickly replaced with commonly available <a href="https://store.voltera.io/products/nozzles-disposable">disposable dispensing tips</a>.</p><p id="">As with any piece of equipment, there are costs associated with direct write systems. Because of the technologies involved, direct-write systems are more like laboratory inkjet systems in terms of cost than they are to screens, but with the ability to print high-viscosity screen printing pastes.</p><p id="">It’s important to evaluate both the short-term and long-term needs of a project before investing in equipment. Direct write technology in combination with screen printing is a powerful combination that can unlock the potential of printed electronics and additive manufacturing for a lot of innovative applications!</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">That’s the gist of it, folks. Have questions? Did we get something wrong? <a href="mailto:hello@voltera.io" id="">Drop us a line</a> and let us know! We’re happy to correct ourselves based on the experience of those in the industry, and we love answering questions to help the printed electronics industry be more accessible.</p>

Introduction to Direct Ink Writing (DIW) Printing Technology

Direct-write (DIW) printing requires a nozzle that moves relative to the substrate in order to draw and fill in the entire pattern feature by feature. 

Introduction to Direct Ink Writing (DIW) Printing Technology.

We’re here with our latest installment in the “What is Printed Electronics?” series

<p id="">As you probably already know, here at Voltera we’re really big fans of making the field of printed electronics more accessible — and teaching people how to navigate without needing a PhD in materials science! That’s why we’ve been taking the time to break down different printing technologies — like <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/what-is-printed-electronics-inkjet" id="">inkjet</a>, aerosol, flexography (affectionately nicknamed, “flexo”), our personal favorite, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology" id="">direct-ink-write technology</a>.</p><p id="">The focus of this article is to introduce the concept of rotogravure printing technology (AKA gravure), walk you through the pros and cons, and hopefully give you all of the information you need to decide if this is the printing technology that will help you bring your idea to life!</p><p id="">Let’s go.</p><h2 id="">What is gravure printing technology?</h2><p id="">Gravure printing technology is an analog process — meaning it doesn’t use a digital file, it uses a physical rendering of the pattern that you’re trying to print. On the surface of things, it’s a stamping technique; conductive ink is applied to an impression and stamped onto your substrate. It was given life in the magazine industry since it is better suited for porous substrates — like paper.</p><p id="">But of course, there’s a little more to it — so let’s take a deeper look!</p><h2 id="">How does gravure printing work?</h2><p id="">Gravure uses an anilox roll — a hard cylinder with a steel, or aluminum core — where your pattern is engraved directly into the roll. The engraving allows you to have pitch differences depending on how tall you want your traces to be. The resolution is measured in lines per inch. Once you have your anilox roll, you apply your conductive ink to the roll, and the conductive ink gets deposited in the grooves — an important distinction because of gravure’s printing technology cousin, flexographic printing. Once the conductive ink is applied, there’s something called a doctor blade which is used to scrape off any excess conductive ink and ensures that the only thing printed will be your pattern.</p><p id="">Next, the anilox roll is applied to the roll that has your substrate on it, in order to “stamp” the pattern on your substrate.</p><p id=""><strong id="">Important to note:</strong> Traditional rotogravure uses the capillary force of the substrate to wick the conductive ink out of the wells of your anilox roll and onto the substrate, therefore you need a porous substrate. Because of this capillary action, you get absorption of your ink into the substrate. This isn’t ideal for conductive inks — which is why printing conductive ink on paper has been such a challenge, and why gravure isn’t our favorite technique for printed electronics.</p><p id=""><strong id="">FUN FACT:</strong> Gravure printing technology was the printing technology that was traditionally used to print banknotes!</p><p id="">In printed electronics, gravure technology uses applied force to transfer the ink to the surface of your substrate — not capillary action — so it does work on non-porous substrates like glass, PET, and FR4. With gravure printing technology, you can get pile heights below one micron, and you’ll need a conductive ink with viscosity ranging from 10-100 centipoise.</p><h2 id="">Benefits and challenges of gravure</h2><p id=""><strong id="">BENEFITS</strong></p><ul id=""><li id="">It’s quite fast! Because it’s on a roll, the limit for how quickly you can print is basically how fast you can spin the roll.</li><li id="">The resolution on patterns printed by gravure printing technology can get quite fine.</li><li id="">Because the pattern is etched into the anilox roll, you get pretty good consistency between prints.</li><li id="">For a mass production method, it’s quite cost-effective.</li></ul><p id=""><strong id="">CHALLENGES</strong></p><ul id=""><li id="">Can be tricky with longer traces — uneven roll pressure can cause conductive ink to wick along the ridges of the cylinder, leading to gaps in your traces.</li><li id="">Iterating is pricey. The anilox roll costs thousands of dollars to have made (an outsourced process, generally speaking — so don’t drop it!) and any changes in your pattern will require another entire roll.</li><li id="">RK Instruments offers something called a <a href="https://www.rkprint.com/products/k-printing-proofer/" target="_blank" id="">K Proofer</a> which is a machined steel plate with your pattern etched into it. It will give you a sense of how your conductive ink is behaving — is your solvent evaporating? Is the viscosity going to work? — but it’s still pretty pricey for getting to proof of concept.</li><li id="">Limits your material choices! You need to pick a conductive ink that doesn’t have a solvent that will damage the roll or leach metal out of the anilox roll. One degrades the roll — and your pattern — meaning you’ll need another one to keep printing. The second can cause unpredictability in the conductivity of your traces due to the added metal content.</li></ul><h2 id="">Materials and performance</h2><p id="">With gravure printing technology, you can work with conductive inks that are a bit more viscous than those required for inkjet printing technology — but you won’t have access to the conductive inks that are viscous enough to use with screen-printing technology. As mentioned previously, you’re also limited by the solvent content of your conductive inks because they may have an unintended effect on the anilox roll — to the detriment of your roll and your traces.</p><p id="">In terms of substrates, you have a fairly diverse pool of substrates to choose from, as long as they’re non-porous. Porous substrates will absorb the conductive material and the consistency of your traces will be suspect at best. Not great from a reliability standpoint — and that’s one of the major selling features of gravure printing technology, to begin with.</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">That’s about all we have to tell you about gravure printing technology — but we’re always willing to learn more! If you or someone you know is an expert in the field of gravure printing for printed electronics, <a href="mailto:hello@voltera.io">we would love to hear from you</a>.</p>

Introduction to Gravure Printing Technology

Learn about rotogravure printing (AKA gravure). We'll walk you through the pros and cons to help you decide if this technology is best for your application.

As you probably already know, here at Voltera we’re really big fans of making the field of printed electronics more accessible

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Materials for a New Electronics Product

Thinking about starting a new electronics project? Before you get started, we put together the ultimate guide you need to choosing the right materials. 

We get it. You have this amazing idea and you think you know how to go about bringing it into reality

<p id="">Here at Voltera, we know that the majority of people that know that they need a PCB printer (or just a better way to do rapid prototyping) are not always the ones who are holding the purse-strings, or have the ability to say ‘yes’ — even though it’s their life that the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a> will vastly improve!</p><p id="">Sound familiar? This article is for you.</p><p id="">Like everything, choosing to invest in a new tool really comes down to two things: time and money. If you can make a good case to the powers-that-be for the V-One saving you in either of those areas (or better yet — both!), then you’ll have no problem getting them to open their wallets and sign on the dotted line. So let’s dig into the main reasons why the V-One is a great investment for your organization.</p><p id=""><strong id="">TL;DR</strong> — We’re going to talk about the following:</p><h2 id="">How to pitch V-One to your boss</h2><p id="">With the V-One — a desktop PCB printer — you’ll go from being able to iterate on your circuit design once a week, to once a day. When it comes to bringing a new product to market, testing a breakout board design, or publishing groundbreaking research, days and weeks can really matter.</p><p id=""><strong id="">How to pitch it to your boss:</strong></p><p id="">“In the past six months, we spent six weeks waiting to get our boards back.”</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">A 4-in-1 PCB printer</strong></h2><p id="">Because the V-One is a PCB printer that’s small enough to fit on your desktop, you won’t have to reorganize your lab around the footprint of a major machine. The V-One is able to print your traces and pads, dispense solder paste (so you won’t need stencils), and reflow all with the same machine. It also comes with pretty much everything you’ll need to print anywhere from 30-80 boards, depending on the complexity.</p><p id=""><strong id="">How to pitch it to your boss:</strong></p><p id="">“We don’t need to clear any floor space, no more paying for stencils — I can print a circuit, dispense solder paste, and reflow all with the same machine.”</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Decrease training time and machine maintenance</strong></h2><p id="">The V-One is a plug-and-play PCB printer that needs very little in the way of maintenance. Learning new tools can be time-consuming and frustrating, but the V-One is used by everyone from high-school students to professional engineers in some of the world’s biggest companies (<em id="">such as </em>NASA, MIT, and Stanford).</p><p id="">The video tutorials and in-app support, not to mention our amazing support team, means that you’ll be off making circuits, in no time at all. In terms of maintenance, all you need to do is make sure that your heated bed is clear of any conductive ink, and that your probing surfaces are clean! A little isopropyl alcohol, a lint-free wipe, and you’re good to go.</p><p id=""><strong id="">How to pitch it to your boss:</strong></p><p id="">“We plug it in and get printing — no major setup or training required. We also don’t have to spend an hour a week maintaining it like some of the other equipment we have…”</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Reduce the consequences of design errors</strong></h2><p id="">If you’re someone who can design a board without a single design flaw, or solder components without frying one of them — then you’re better at this game than we’ll ever be! But for us, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/why-failure-good-thing" id="">failure isn’t (and shouldn’t) be fatal</a> — in fact, we see it as a good thing! As long as you fail fast and fail forward. Having a PCB printer on your desktop that allows you to iterate within hours (not weeks) takes the risk out of design errors as you seek to find your product development joy. The added benefit is that you’ll have better design fidelity than when using a breadboard due to the precise dispensing of both the conductive ink and the solder paste!</p><p id=""><strong id="">How to pitch it to your boss:</strong></p><p id="">“We’re going to iterate in hours not days, or weeks. And the only cost we incur is the cost of the ink and the board itself. No more baked-in screen or stencil costs. No minimum order quantity waste!”</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Excellent ROI</strong></h2><p id="">Our conductive ink and solder paste cartridges have a long shelf life — twelve and eight months respectively when they’re stored in a 4oC fridge. That means that you’re going to have the ability to use your V-One for multiple projects, which means the ROI on your V-One will be excellent — and fast! You’ll see ROI on your V-One within as little as four months.</p><p id=""><strong id="">How to pitch it to your boss:</strong></p><p id="">“I’m not just going to use this for one project, I can use it for all of our projects. So the cost is amortized over multiple projects and the ROI will be that much faster.”</p><h2 id=""><strong id="">Reduce overall project costs</strong></h2><p id="">Outsourcing the iterations of your board usually means a ton of waste because of MOQs (minimum order quantities) — not to mention the time it will take to get your boards back. You’re paying for five, 10, or 15 boards when you only need one or two! You’re also looking at having to potentially pay for a screen per iteration of your board. None of that even addresses having to pay for the solder paste stencils and storing all of them, either.</p><p id=""><strong id="">How to pitch it to your boss:</strong></p><p id="">“This machine is going to save us time and money. We’re going to get across the finish line faster, with less money spent getting from idea to proof of concept.”</p><h2 id="">Conclusion</h2><p id="">Well, there you have it, folks! There are the reasons why the <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one" id="">V-One</a> would be an excellent addition to your workflow as your go-to PCB printer. If you’re looking for something that you can actually send to the powers-that-be, feel free to download this <a href="https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/5264434/_Sales%20(SALE)/Sales_Assets/V-One_ROI.pdf" target="_blank" id="">quick breakdown</a> to share. Better yet, you can always reach out to one of our Application Specialists to arrange a meeting with you and anyone on your team who might be invested in the addition of the V-One to your workspace.</p>

How to Sell a PCB Printer to Your Boss

Sometimes the people that need a PCB printer are not the ones who hold the purse-strings. We'll walk you through how to pitch V-One to your boss. 

Here at Voltera, we know that the majority of people that know that they need a PCB printer...

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