Printed Electronics for the label printer

The notion of functional printing – the printing of active inks – is novel. Does it have a place in the business model of the label printer? Is it realistic to the think that converters can print active inks that do more than faithfully reproduce the artwork?

Let’s begin by defining functional printing. Functional printing is the additive deposition of conductive, dielectric, reactive, sensing, barrier, microbial or other type of active ink using conventional printing processes. With that broad definition, some may already consider themselves a functional printer.

Many companies are using interesting ink formulations that do something. Barrier coatings, thermochromic or vapochromic inks, sensors and scavengers are all examples of functional materials.

If you are not currently printing anything besides graphic inks and protective coatings, this article is for you. How can you get started in functional printing, and specifically, how can you explore the future of printed electronics?

Printed electronics involves printing conductive and dielectric inks on flexible substrates to make an electrically active circuit or component. Rollable, foldable, bendable and wearable electronics are the future. Even with rigid packaging, printed electronics may be an important component for future active and intelligent packaging. Printed electronics show promise with light-weighting, additive processing and the potential for faster, cheaper production.

What printed electronics can be realistically printed now?