Flexible Electronic Devices With Roll-To-Roll Overmolding Technology
March 31, 2017 | VTT Technical Research Centre of FinlandEstimated reading time: 1 minute
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has, for the first time, performed all manufacturing stages for a flexible in-moulded LED foil -in roll-to-roll process. The purpose of this demo is to prove the suitability of the technique for the highly cost-effective manufacture of products such as flexible LED displays containing printed electronics.
All smart electronics in products such as wrist-wearable computers are on a rigid board under the face of the watch. The roll-to-roll technique enables electronics to be printed on a plastic or elastomeric foil, which has various benefits such as thinness, lightness, elasticity and transparency. In hybrid-integrated systems, separate components are mounted on a printed electronic foil, after which the foil can be overmolded with thermoplastic or thermoplastic elastomer, using the injection moulding process.
"For the wristband demo, we performed all of the key manufacturing stages for printed hybrid systems – the printing of conductors, the assembly of semiconductor LEDs and the overmolding – using the roll-to-roll technique. This enables the mass manufacture of small-sized, easy-to-use, flexible electronics in a cost-effective manner," says Sami Ihme, Senior Scientist.
In practice, the roll-to-roll overmolding of a printed electronic foil involves feeding a LED foil with a foilfeeder into a mould, in which the overmolding is done. This technique is normally used to decorate plastic for various consumer products. However, the manufacture of flexible electronics – in place of graphics – involves feeding electronics with a range of electrical and optical features into a mould.
Companies invited to create new products
"The results have been promising. In the first test run for the overmolding of 186 LEDs, we achieved a 100% yield," explains Ihme.
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd is now seeking product companies interested in trying this new technology, in order to create new product concepts for the markets.
Suggested Items
Indium Corporation to Showcase Sustainable Solutions for Power Electronics at PCIM
05/17/2024 | Indium CorporationAs one of the leading materials providers to the power electronics assembly industry, Indium Corporation® will proudly showcase a selection of innovative products at PCIM Europe, June 11-13, in Nuremberg, Germany.
Siemens, Foxconn Team Up to Optimize Forward-thinking Manufacturing
05/16/2024 | FoxconnSiemens AG, a leading technology company, and Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), the world’s largest electronics manufacturer, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to drive digital transformation and sustainability in smart manufacturing platforms.
IPC Releases May 2024 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Supply Chain Report
05/16/2024 | IPCSentiment among electronics manufacturers fell this month, after hitting a new high in April. Despite the decline, sentiment remains historically high according to IPC’s May Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report.
Sypris Reports Q1 2024 Results; Revenue Up 10%
05/15/2024 | Sypris Solutions Inc.The Company’s first quarter 2024 consolidated revenue increased 10.1% to $35.6 million compared with the prior-year quarter, representing the 11th quarter of double-digit year-over-year growth during the past 12 quarterly periods.
SMTC Strengthens Leadership for Future Growth: Ed Smith Promoted to Executive Chairman; Mike Buseman Joins as CEO
05/15/2024 | BUSINESS WIRESMTC Corporation, a leading North American provider of electronics manufacturing services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Buseman as President & Chief Executive Officer, effective May 13, 2024.