Smart lead

A new print facility offers potential for real world printable electronics products. Andy Thomas reports

Following L&L’s exclusive report, the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has announced the completed installation of its Integrated Smart Systems facility: a two million GBP development with the ability to deliver interactive electronic functionality in a traditional pressroom environment.

Based at its National Printable Electronics Centre, NETPark, site at Sedgefield, CPI’s Interactive Smart Systems (ISS) line is an open access facility and proves that current commercially available equipment can print electronically interactive items in a standard pressroom environment. Applications include point of sale material, toys, games, novelty items, smart packaging and intelligent sensors – proving that developments such as digital, condition-sensitive sell-by dates on fresh produce are not as far away as you may imagine.

The facility, which is now open and already has a list of projects lined-up, includes a one and a half million GBP Nilpeter press, which has the capability to handle multiple printing techniques on to backing such as paper, card, films and foil with thickness ranging from 25-370microns. This technology is further supported with a host of printing, curing, cutting, and pick and place tools.

The ISS line is able to produce demonstrator units and prototypes, as well as performing pilot production and scalable process development for a range of users including brand owners, printers, packaging houses, creative designers, ink formulators, substrate suppliers and equipment manufacturers. It not only develops the integration of printable electronics with existing processes, but also initiates the evolution of a cross-market supply chain.

ISS program manager Bela Green says: ‘There is almost a limitless number of applications for interactive print, and as an open access facility the ISS line represents an excellent opportunity for clients to become familiar with the technology before being trained on how to implement it. Alternatively, they can utilize the expertise that CPI has on offer and allow us to lead on projects – it is a flexible set-up that can significantly benefit companies looking to capitalise on printable electronics.’

CPI ran its first workshop for North East-based SMEs in July. Further workshops are planned, and readers are advised to check online at www.uk-cpi.com/events.

What is ISS?

CPI’s two million GBP Integrated Smart Systems line at the National Printable Electronics Centre has the capability to perform flexo, gravure, offset litho, rotary screen printing processes alongside cut/crease operations and pick and place technology. The ISS facilities include, but are not limited to: Nilpeter MO4/FA4 Combination R2R Press for the printing of conductive tracks (420mm web, 25-380 micron substrate thickness; offset litho; flexo; rotary screen, gravure; Delam-Relam, UV lamination, cold foiling, die-cutting and sheeting), DEK 248 Flatbed Conductive Adhesive screen printer, Trotec Speedy 300 CO2 laser, Europlacer lineo Pick & Place component attachment, Esko Kongsberg i-XE10 digital cutting table.

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is a UK-based technology innovation centre and part of the UK government’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult. CPI offers market and technology expertise along with cutting-edge development assets to help its public and private sector clients build and prototype the next generation of products, processes and services quickly and efficiently, and with minimal risk.

CPI has the capability to develop products and processes for companies working in the pharma, chemical, energy and printable electronics markets. Cutting-edge facilities are manned by commercially experienced scientists and engineers, and are equipped with development laboratories, prototyping facilities and pilot plants that enable clients to prove and scale up processes from the laboratory stage through to commercial reality. CPI also offers a multi-disciplined team who work together on project management, investment and market opportunities to ensure each business fulfils its potential.

Pictured: Nilpeter combination press at CPI

This article was published in L&L issue 4, 2012