Würth Elektronik Launches Research Project HyPerStripes
November 27, 2023 | Wurth ElektronikEstimated reading time: 1 minute

HyPerStripes project partners will create a technology platform including manufacturing techniques for roll-to-roll (R2R) processing as well as the integration of electronic components onto very long ("endless"), flexible and stretchable printed circuit boards. This will pave the way to higher-performance products and new applications, while reducing the cost and environmental impact of manufacturing. It will also strengthen Europe's global competitiveness in the production of flexible electronics and contribute significantly to sustainability in production and products. HyPerStripes is a European research project funded by Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
In healthcare, miniaturization and flexible electronics have already brought valuable benefits. Minimally invasive procedures allow the investigation and treatment of diseases without major surgery. However, many of these devices, like smart catheters, still rely on “old-fashioned” wiring connection. Wiring is done by hand and can account for up to 80% of the product cost. It also affects reliability, manufacturing yield, weight, and resource consumption. A flexible, thin strip on which the hybrid electronic components (e.g., flexible and rigid) are integrated could solve these interconnection problems. This also opens up new applications in healthcare, particularly in patient monitoring, where the strips can address today's shortage of long, stretchable, and robust PCBs and interconnects. Similarly, long, flexible strips could enable new applications in LED lighting. For example, large, flat light surfaces could be developed that can be fully integrated into the glazing of buildings and ultimately mimic natural light. One of the main goals of HyPerStripes is to transfer this know-how to industrial production. This is done through an open, sustainable technology platform that offers printing technologies, lithographically patterned copper wiring systems, and low-temperature assembly steps – all in a single-source consulting and manufacturing platform.
As the leading PCB manufacturer in Europe, Würth Elektronik will focus primarily on flexible and stretchable PCBs with roll-to-roll processing to enable virtually “endless” electronics with fine miniaturized structures. The aim of the project is to develop stretchable circuit carriers in lengths of more than one meter for cost-effective products and the corresponding manufacturing technologies.
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
Fresh PCB Concepts: Designing for Success at the Rigid-flex Transition Area
08/28/2025 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsRigid-flex PCBs come in all shapes and sizes. Manufacturers typically use fire-retardant, grade 4 (FR-4) materials in the rigid section and flexible polyimide materials in the flex region. Because of the small size, some rigid-flex PCBs, like those for hearing aid devices, are among the most challenging to manufacture. However, regardless of its size, we should not neglect the transition area between the rigid and flexible material.
Global Flexible PCB Output Expected to Surpass $20 Billion by 2025, with AI Glasses Emerging as a New Growth Driver
08/25/2025 | TPCAThe Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA) and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) released the "2025 Global Flexible PCB Industry Outlook" in August.
Nano Silver Inks Market Forecast Report 2025-2030
08/20/2025 | Globe NewswireThe Nano Silver Inks Market is expected to grow from USD 427.415 million in 2025 to USD 836.160 million in 2030, at a CAGR of 14.36%.
Flexible Circuit Technologies to Host Free Flex Heater Webinar
08/18/2025 | Flexible Circuit TechnologiesGlobal Supplier of flexible circuits, flex design services, and assembly/box-build services, Flexible Circuit Technology will host their latest webinar, "Thermal Precision Meets Flexibility: The Technology Behind Heater Circuits" on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 at 11 AM EDT.
Trouble in Your Tank: Metallizing Flexible Circuit Materials—Mitigating Deposit Stress
08/04/2025 | Michael Carano -- Column: Trouble in Your TankMetallizing materials, such as polyimide used for flexible circuitry and high-reliability multilayer printed wiring boards, provide a significant challenge for process engineers. Conventional electroless copper systems often require pre-treatments with hazardous chemicals or have a small process window to achieve uniform coverage without blistering. It all boils down to enhancing the adhesion of the thin film of electroless copper to these smooth surfaces.