Flexible and printed electronics are an area where new applications come up fairly regularly. Prototypes are developed, but reaching the market has been one of the challenges for manufacturers. There are products that have had commercial success (glucose testers come to mind).

The commercialization of flexible and printed electronics continues as products reach the market, including temperature sensors, NFC labels, wearables and more incorporating flexible and printed electronics systems. In “New Products are Driving Growth in Flexible and Printed Electronics,” which begins on page 16, I spoke with leaders of some of the companies that are driving this growth, and showcase a few of the examples in this field.

RFID is a rapidly expanding market, with the retail field, most notably apparel, one area that is ideal for RFID. In “The RFID Market Continues to Expand,” which starts on page 20, leaders in the RFID space offer their thoughts on the market, as well as the role that printing plays within RFID and the opportunities ahead for printed electronics.

There is intriguing research being conducted at many universities worldwide.  In “Universities are Conducting Cutting-Edge Research on Flexible and Printed Electronics,” beginning on page 22, some leading researchers offer their insights into the developments in this growing field.

This issue of Printed Electronics Now also features our annual International Suppliers’ Directory, which offers our comprehensive listing of manufacturers of printed electronics systems, raw materials, equipment and services. The International Suppliers’ Directory provides contact information and other important data for these suppliers and researchers. In addition to this issue, our Suppliers’ Directory information can also be found on the web at www.printedelectronicsnow.com.

As always, I hope you enjoy this issue of Printed Electronics Now, and I welcome your insights on flexible and printed electronics, and the opportunities and challenges that are ahead.