Printed Electronics |
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| 11/29/2007 |
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Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG and TU Darmstadt found a research platform
A new research platform at the Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) provides the basis for new functional print tests for electronics, photovoltaics and biomedical applications. Representatives from associations, companies and the world of science took part in an opening ceremony for the new research laboratory at the Institute for Printing Presses and Printing Methods (IDD) at TU Darmstadt, which was founded jointly with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg).
The research project, which extends over a period of three years, is to develop printing processes for functional materials using the technology provided by Heidelberg - a Gallus RCS 330-HD rotary press. Possible applications include smart packaging, which provides end users with information on a product’s shelf life or authenticity. The project will also focus on developing new finishing technologies that will help printshops stand out from the competition by offering distinctive products.
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The new rotary press - the first of its kind in the world - enables different printing processes, such as offset, flexographic, gravure, screen and inkjet printing, to be performed simultaneously or in a variable sequence. Working with interested partners, the resulting integration into industrial processes is to be implemented step-by-step. In other words, printing technologies will be extended to applications outside the print media industry. The applications are created on substrates such as paper, film or card.
During the opening ceremony, the first implementation to be demonstrated was the process used to create a simple advertisement. This application used combination printing to print electrical conductive pathways and thermochrome inks onto a film. The thermochrome material changes color when voltage is applied.
"We want to understand more about the limits of printing technologies so that we can use them to explore new possibilities. It is the physical necessities, such as resolution and coating thicknesses, that present us with the biggest challenges," explains Professor Edgar Dörsam, Director of the IDD. In this context, technological trends towards printed electronics and automatic identification technologies, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), are becoming increasingly significant.
"We are delighted to be working with the IDD and, therefore, the Technische Universität Darmstadt on this project – it is a case of having found the ideal partner in the right environment," confirms Manfred Jurkewitz, Head of Research and Development at Heidelberg. "By building up our expertise in printing functional materials, we are aiming to open up new fields of business in the long term - to the benefit of our customers and their customers in turn," continues Jurkewitz. Therefore, it is important to work together with innovative packaging and commercial printers, suppliers from the chemical industry and substrate manufacturers.
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Printing for future applications
Usually, inks or coatings are printed on paper or card to create a color image. However, when printing functional materials the focus is on their physico-chemical properties. For example, they may be able to conduct electricity, generate electrical energy from light (photovoltaics) or store energy to create batteries. Functional materials can also have haptic or sensory properties. For instance, a wide range of scented coatings are available today which, when rubbed, release substances that smell like oranges or coffee. "In the short to medium term, we are aiming to develop new technical applications for the print media industry. In the long term, we are also looking to open up new opportunities outside this sector," sums up Dr. Martin Schmitt-Lewen, Project Manager with responsibility for the evaluation of new technologies at Heidelberg.
Research concept of the IDD at TU Darmstadt
Research in the area of "printed functionality" spans a number of disciplines. The project involves close cooperation between materials science (materials development, characterization), chemistry (materials development, formulations) and electrical engineering (design, metrology, application) at TU Darmstadt.
Since October 1, 2007, the Institute for Printing Presses and Printing Methods has been working with well-known companies on a new project commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research entitled "MaDriX - Entwicklung von gedruckter Elektronik der 2. Generation" (MaDriX - Developing 2nd generation printed electronics).
The mechanical engineering department, which is also home to the IDD, is involved in numerous research projects relating to presses. As a result, a number of departments work hand-in-hand on research projects specializing in paper, flows, vibrations, material properties and materials. TU Darmstadt is the only university worldwide to offer a combination of research for paper and printing.
Image 1:
A large number of guests attended the opening ceremony of the research platform founded jointly by the TU Darmstadt and Heidelberg.
Image 2:
Professor Dr. Edgar Dörsam, (right), Director of the Institut für Druckmaschinen und Druckverfahren (IDD) and Manfred Jurkewitz, Director of Research and Development at Heidelberg, start off the printing demonstration of the Gallus RCS 330-HD.
Image 3:
Looking forward to working together on a successful development project (from right to left): Martin Haas, Research Associate at the IDD, Manfred Jurkewitz, Director of Research and Development at Heidelberg, Dr. Martin Schmitt-Lewen, Project Leader Heidelberg, Professor Dr. Edgar Dörsam, Director of the IDD and Joachim Sonnenschein, Director of Print Application/Customizing at Heidelberg.
Further Information for Journalists:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Corporate Communication
Hilde Weisser
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 50 66
Fax: +49 (0)6221 92 50 69
E-Mail:
hilde.weisser@heidelberg.com
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Technische Universität Darmstadt
Corporate Communication
Jörg Feuck
Tel. 06151-164731
Fax. 06151-164128
E-Mail:
presse@tu-darmstadt.de
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