PRINTED ELECTRONICS
 WHITE PAPERS

Connecting Flexible and Stretchable Substrates to Printed Circuit Boards

Connecting flexible circuits to traditional printed circuit boards (PCBs) is commonly called flexible-to-rigid interconnections. They enable flexible sensors, displays, wearables, and other flexible electronics to communicate with microcontrollers, power management systems, and external devices.

Developing a Custom Carbon Ink for Printing a Variable Resistor on PET

Custom resistive inks are formulated with carbon, metal, or hybrid particles, along with binders and solvents, to support applications in dimmers, sensors, and potentiometers. Their resistivity can be adjusted through particle concentration or trace geometry while balancing viscosity and adhesion.

Dispensing Solder Paste on Factory-Fabricated PCBs

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential for electronic circuits, providing mechanical support and electrical connections for components. Factory fabricated (or sometimes called prefabricated) PCBs are pre-manufactured, ready-to-use boards that simplify assembly and ensure consistent quality in electronic devices.

Printing a Control Board for a Line Following Robot with Silver Ink on FR1

Prototyping robotics offers great potential in electronics education, providing a fun way to learn about sensors and motion control. Building a line-following robot can be both educational and practical, with applications in automated delivery systems and robot racing competitions.

Printing a Decimal Counter Circuit with Silver Conductive Ink on FR1

A decimal counter is a digital circuit that cycles through zero to nine using logic components. It is essential in clocks and timers. Making a decimal counter using seven-segment displays offers great opportunities for students to learn sequential logic, clock signals, and circuit integration.

Printing a Flexible Membrane Keyboard with Conductive Silver Ink and Dielectric Ink on PET

Due to their thin profile and lightweight design, flexible membrane keyboards are useful in a variety of industries, such as portable electronics, toys, games, home appliances, medical equipment, automotive, and aerospace. This project is an example of using Voltera’s NOVA materials dispensing system to print a functional flexible membrane keyboard.

Printing a Flexible PCB with Silver Ink on PET

LED applications are popular engineering projects in school. Among these, an LED roulette stands out as it is intellectually challenging and fun. While a roulette circuit is typically printed on a substrate like FR4, printing on a flexible substrate presents further opportunities for education.

Printing a Magnesium Zinc Battery with Saral Inks on PET

Printed batteries offer a thin and lightweight solution for powering electronics. This project is an example of printing a functional seven-layer battery, designed for use in moderately power-demanding electronics, such as security cameras, electric toothbrushes, portable lighting, handheld GPS devices, and toys.

Printing an RFID Tag with Copper Ink on Paper

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that leverages wireless communication over radio waves to transfer data and locate objects. It is widely used in inventory management, asset tracking, access control, smart packaging, and increasingly, agriculture and crop management.

Printing ECG Electrodes with Biocompatible Gold Ink on TPU

Electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes are sensors attached to the skin that detect the electrical activity of the heart. They are critical components of ECG systems used for diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases. This project demonstrates the process of printing a set of dry ECG electrodes.

Printing Electroluminescent Ink on Paper and PET

Due to their consistent brightness, low cost and high energy efficiency, electroluminescent inks are used in a wide range of electroluminescent display applications. This project is an example of printing an electroluminescent ink on soft and flexible substrates.

Printing PCBs on Biodegradable Substrates for End-of-Life Recovery

Biodegradable PCB substrates are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to traditional FR1 and FR4. However, printing on biodegradable substrates has traditionally raised concerns about conductivity, adhesion, thermal stability, and long-term durability during assembly and use.

Printing Silver Conductive Ink on Cotton Fabric

Printing on fabric is a popular method for creating wearable electronics, with one key application being heated gloves and mittens that use heating elements to keep hands warm. Commonly used in outdoor activities like skiing, they also have medical uses, such as improving blood circulation.

‍

Printing Strain Gauges on TPU laminated on a Glove for Remote Hand Control

Robotic hands are useful in many fields. They can be applied to advanced prosthetic devices, hazardous environments, and augmented reality applications. This project demonstrates the process of printing strain gauges on TPU, laminating them to a glove, and using them to control a robotic hand.

Printing Thermoformable Inks on ABS for In-Mold Electronics

Human machine interfaces (HMI) are the touchpoints that let users interact with electronics, from automotive consoles to appliance panels and industrial equipment interfaces. In-mold electronics support HMI by enabling touch functionality to be integrated directly into shaped plastic surfaces.