Ink Formulations for Pressure Sensitive Sensors

Peratech Limited was established in 1996 to exploit Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTCTM Material), which is a new class of electrically conductive material developed to advance the capability of switching and sensing systems.

QTC materials give enormous flexibility in the design, shape, thickness and style of a switch or touch sensor and can be made in a range of forms from traditional switch replacements, through textile and screen printed switches to innovative, pressure-sensitive QTC Touchscreens that allow for three dimensions of input.

Potential uses for QTC are numerous, ranging from textiles to touch screens. The technology has already been applied in clothing, where controls for iPods and similar devices have been successfully integrated into jackets, which can be washed or dry cleaned, crumpled and stretched.

Peratech approached CPI with a view to broadening its ink technology into a more widely used set of printing processes. CPI brought its experience of ink formulation, print processing and testing expertise to help Peratech develop these new products.