Inks For Smart Surfaces (3D Printing USA 2018)

In-Mold-Decoration or Film-Insert-Molding (IMD / FIM) based on screen-printing and high pressure forming has been around for a while now. Through printed electronics, touch functions can be integrated directly into the plastic part creating a "smart surface." These smart surfaces are a big market trend for example in automotive interiors or white goods.

The applied process demands a robust and reliable conductive ink system able to withstand the high temperature and pressure of the thermoforming and molding. Alongside the smartness of the surface achieved through printed electronics, the surface has to be seamless as well. This means graphical issues have also to be taken into consideration.

At ELANTAS Europe we have applied ALTANA's expertise in the field of IMD and combined it with our knowledge of printed electronics. Thus, we have developed a very capable ink system addressing aforementioned problems. The solutions we can provide are tailor-made to the IMD / FIM process and we are working constantly with our customers to find reliable solutions.

This talk will provide you with our answers to your questions regarding the production of smart surfaces using the IMD / FIM process.

Dr. Gyger joined ELANTAS in 2014 as a research scientist working on functional and conductive inks for printed electronics. He is currently Head of R&D for this division, a role he has held since 2017. Dr. Gyger studied chemistry at the University of Karlsruhe and at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. After graduating, he earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology working on the synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials. He later completed a postdoc with BASF focusing on the solution-based deposition of inorganic materials for electronic components.

Functional Inks and More

 

ELANTAS Europe is a leading manufacturer of insulating and protective materials. We develop and produce wire enamels, impregnating resins and varnishes, casting and potting resins, electronic coatings, adhesives, flexible electrical insulation materials, special coatings, products for printed electronics as well as a wide range of tooling and composite materials.

 

Functional inks and personal support for printed electronics offers our Product Line Printed Electronics, to push forward your applications.

 

Our portfolio includes conductive, insulating and functional screen printing inks for applications such as membrane switches, touch surfaces, in-mold electronics, hybrid electronics, sensors, RFID antennas and electroluminescent lighting.

 

 

 

ELANTAS Europe GmbH

Product Line Printed Electronics

Großmannstraße 105

20539 Hamburg

Germany

T +49 40 78946 0

F +49 40 78946 297

AdvancedPrinting@altana.com

www.elantas.com/europe