New print facility for printable electronics products

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has recently completed the installation of its Integrated Smart Systems facility: a £2m development with the ability to deliver interactive electronic functionality in a traditional pressroom environment.

Based at its National Printable Electronics Centre, NETPark, site at Sedgefield, CPI’s Interactive Smart Systems (ISS) line is an open access facility and proves that current commercially available equipment can print electronically interactive items in a standard pressroom environment. Applications include point of sale material, toys, games, novelty items, smart packaging and intelligent sensors – proving that developments such as digital, condition-sensitive sell-by dates on fresh produce are not as far away as you may imagine.

The facility, which is now open and already has a list of projects lined-up, includes a £1.5m Nilpeter press, which has the capability to handle multiple printing techniques on to backing such as paper, card, films and foil with thickness ranging from 25 – 370microns. This technology is further supported with a host of printing, curing, cutting, and pick and place tools.

The ISS line is able to produce demonstrator units and prototypes, as well as performing pilot production and scalable process development for a range of users including brand owners, printers, packaging houses, creative designers, ink formulators, substrate suppliers and equipment manufacturers. It not only develops the integration of printable electronics with existing processes, but also initiates the evolution of a cross-market supply chain.

print facility to offer potential for real world printable electronics products

ISS Programme Manager, Bela Green, says: ​“There is almost a limitless number of applications for interactive print, and as an open access facility the ISS line represents an excellent opportunity for clients to become familiar with the technology before being trained on how to implement it. Alternatively, they can utilise the expertise that CPI has on offer and allow us to lead on projects – it is a flexible set-up that can significantly benefit companies looking to capitalise on printable electronics.”

CPI is running a workshop for North East-based SMEs on July 19. It is free of charge to attend, and will provide an excellent introduction to the ISS facility, its technology and potential. Online registration is available at www​.uk​-cpi​.com/​e​vents

Contacts

Matthew Herbert,

CPI,

01642 447 274 / 07795127628, 

matthew.​herbert@​uk-​cpi.​com

Notes

About ISS

CPI recently opened its £2m Integrated Smart Systems line at its Sedgefield-based National Printable Electronics Centre. It has the capability to perform flexo, gravure, offset litho, rotary screen printing processes alongside cut/​crease operations and pick and place technology. The line is open for commercial or grant-funded projects with the aim of producing demonstrator units and prototypes, as well as performing pilot production and scalable process development.

The ISS facilities include, but are not limited to: Nilpeter MO4/FA4 Combination R2R Press for the printing of conductive tracks (420mm web, 25 – 380 micron substrate thickness; offset litho; flexo; rotary screen, gravure; Delam-Relam, UV lamination, cold foiling, die cutting and sheeting), DEK 248 Flatbed Conductive Adhesive screen printer, Trotec Speedy 300 CO2 laser, Europlacer lineo Pick & Place component attachment, Esko Kongsberg i‑XE10 digital cutting table.

About CPI

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is a UK based technology innovation centre and part of the government’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult. CPI offers market and technology expertise along with cutting-edge development assets to help its public and private sector clients build and prototype the next generation of products, processes and services quickly and efficiently, and with minimal risk.

CPI has the capability to develop products and processes for companies working in the pharma, chemical, energy and printable electronics markets. Cutting-edge facilities are manned by commercially experienced scientists and engineers, and are equipped with development laboratories, prototyping facilities and pilot plants that enable clients to prove and scale up processes from the laboratory stage through to commercial reality. CPI also offers a multi-disciplined team who work together on project management, investment and market opportunities to ensure each business fulfils its potential.