Dave Savastano07.22.10
The FlexTech Alliance, focused on developing the electronic display and the flexible, printed electronics industry supply chain, announced a new contract with Clemson University to perform research and compile a registry to benchmark processes in roll-to-roll manufacturing of printed electronics components.
High speed, roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet production printing processes require finely tuned ink systems to produce controllable products during manufacturing. The materials, along with other key variables within each process, contribute to the success of achieving quality print output. The FlexTech Alliance-funded study will examine the capability of flexography, gravure, and rotary screen printing as high-speed, commercially available roll-to-roll technologies for the manufacture of functionally active or passive advanced devices. Clemson University, equipped with its new Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics, has considerable experience in this field, including strong partnerships in the printing supply chain as well as with end-users.
"This project creates much-needed technical reference materials for the printed electronics industry on ink material properties, ink formulation principles, and application to specified printing processes, cross-referenced with printed characteristics," said Jay Sperry, research associate at Clemson University and the Sonoco Institute. "Our research aims to provide state-of-the-art capabilities for production roll-to-roll high speed printing systems for characteristics vital to the printed electronics market, including ink film thickness, ink film smoothness, edge acuity, and resolution. Today, this information is acquired through proprietary trial and error experimentation, and it is difficult to find in one comprehensive resource."
"By initiating this project, FlexTech will support our expanded mission to help build a commercially viable industry around printed electronics,” said Michael Ciesinski, CEO of FlexTech Alliance. "Clemson University quickly took a lead role in participating in and hosting our workshops, as well developing short courses, and presenting at conferences to build awareness for and participation in the emerging printed electronics industry."
“Congratulations to Clemson University, and the new Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design & Graphics, on being awarded this contract,” said Rep. J. Gresham Barrett (R-SC). “We are proud of the achievements of this top organization, and their taking the lead in helping to transition our printing industry into the new area of printed electronics, which has great economic potential for our district and South Carolina.”
The FlexTech Alliance program is a collaborative effort of private industry and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, located in Adelphi, MD.
High speed, roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet production printing processes require finely tuned ink systems to produce controllable products during manufacturing. The materials, along with other key variables within each process, contribute to the success of achieving quality print output. The FlexTech Alliance-funded study will examine the capability of flexography, gravure, and rotary screen printing as high-speed, commercially available roll-to-roll technologies for the manufacture of functionally active or passive advanced devices. Clemson University, equipped with its new Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics, has considerable experience in this field, including strong partnerships in the printing supply chain as well as with end-users.
"This project creates much-needed technical reference materials for the printed electronics industry on ink material properties, ink formulation principles, and application to specified printing processes, cross-referenced with printed characteristics," said Jay Sperry, research associate at Clemson University and the Sonoco Institute. "Our research aims to provide state-of-the-art capabilities for production roll-to-roll high speed printing systems for characteristics vital to the printed electronics market, including ink film thickness, ink film smoothness, edge acuity, and resolution. Today, this information is acquired through proprietary trial and error experimentation, and it is difficult to find in one comprehensive resource."
"By initiating this project, FlexTech will support our expanded mission to help build a commercially viable industry around printed electronics,” said Michael Ciesinski, CEO of FlexTech Alliance. "Clemson University quickly took a lead role in participating in and hosting our workshops, as well developing short courses, and presenting at conferences to build awareness for and participation in the emerging printed electronics industry."
“Congratulations to Clemson University, and the new Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design & Graphics, on being awarded this contract,” said Rep. J. Gresham Barrett (R-SC). “We are proud of the achievements of this top organization, and their taking the lead in helping to transition our printing industry into the new area of printed electronics, which has great economic potential for our district and South Carolina.”
The FlexTech Alliance program is a collaborative effort of private industry and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, located in Adelphi, MD.