Final Report Summary - FLEXTRONIC (The development of a novel laser-inkjet hybrid printing technology for additive printed, high resolution, mass customised conductive copper tracks)
The ultimate aim of the FLEXTRONICS project was to develop a novel laser-inkjet hybrid technology for printing low-cost electrically conductive products onto films, components and products. For this purpose, it sought to enhance the current understanding of free surface energy values of 10 different polymer and barium titanate films before and after excimer laser treatment whereas. Further technological objectives included:
- the production of a novel, laser-inkjet printing system that could produce conductive copper tracks of 10 micrometres width and 20 down to 1 micrometre depth on thermoplastic and barium titanate films in line with the IEC 60326 PT2 standards for delamination;
- the production of a novel printing system, the capital cost of a typical system of which would be EUR 50 000, and the production cost for a typical flip chip printing and antenna EUR 0.1 and 1, respectively;
- thorough understanding of surface characteristics, such as the free surface energy, of 10 laser ablated polymer and barium titanate films; % L - the development of a software control system allowing real-time control of the laser and inkjet printing head;
- the mixture of conductive copper inks.
The work was divided into three main areas:
- development of surface processes enabling the printing of well-adhered fine definition circuit tracks;
development of conductive inks suitable for use in inkjet heads;
- development of manufacturing cells.
The project succeeded in developing surface techniques based on the use of Ultraviolet (UV) laser which enable the printing of well-adhered fine definition circuit tracks. In addition, it formulated a series of catalytic inks with viscosities suitable for inkjet printing and seeding on polymer films. Lastly, two manufacturing cells for batch-to-batch and continuous processing were developed: prototype plaques and circuits which have been electrically tested.
- the production of a novel, laser-inkjet printing system that could produce conductive copper tracks of 10 micrometres width and 20 down to 1 micrometre depth on thermoplastic and barium titanate films in line with the IEC 60326 PT2 standards for delamination;
- the production of a novel printing system, the capital cost of a typical system of which would be EUR 50 000, and the production cost for a typical flip chip printing and antenna EUR 0.1 and 1, respectively;
- thorough understanding of surface characteristics, such as the free surface energy, of 10 laser ablated polymer and barium titanate films; % L - the development of a software control system allowing real-time control of the laser and inkjet printing head;
- the mixture of conductive copper inks.
The work was divided into three main areas:
- development of surface processes enabling the printing of well-adhered fine definition circuit tracks;
development of conductive inks suitable for use in inkjet heads;
- development of manufacturing cells.
The project succeeded in developing surface techniques based on the use of Ultraviolet (UV) laser which enable the printing of well-adhered fine definition circuit tracks. In addition, it formulated a series of catalytic inks with viscosities suitable for inkjet printing and seeding on polymer films. Lastly, two manufacturing cells for batch-to-batch and continuous processing were developed: prototype plaques and circuits which have been electrically tested.
