The Centre for Digital Printing Technologies (ZDT) aims to develop stretchable conductors (SDs), electronic circuits and components for the Internet of Things (IoT), flexible displays and sensors, as well as wearables and smart buildings. The center is based at the Department for Polymer Engineering and Science at the Montanuniversitaet Leoben and is managed by the Institutes of Polymer Chemistry and Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics. Equipped with state-of-the-art inkjet and screen printing systems, the new printing center acts as a research and development platform for scientists and partner institutions. The scientific objectives focus on the exploration of new material systems, the development of industrialisable printing techniques, the integration of printed electronics on three-dimensional surfaces and multi-material printing. The aim is to use sustainable materials and to combine digital printing technologies with additive manufacturing processes.

Aims of the Project

The project has several specific objectives to advance the application of digital printing technologies to printed electronics:

• New material systems: The development of suitable, innovative materials is crucial for a further development of printed electronics. Material’s development for printed electronics includes conductive inks, substrate materials and encapsulation materials. With a strong focus on sustainability, renewable materials are considered as feedstock. A holistic view on the entire life cycle of the materials makes the importance of the subsequent recycling clear. Efficient sourcing and cost-optimised production enable the transfer to industrial use in a next step.
• Industrialised printing processes: Another focus is set on the research into digital printing techniques suitable for large-scale production of printed electronics. This includes optimising process times and process efficiency to enable the production of printed components not only in the lab but under industrial conditions.
• Integration of printed electronics on freeform surfaces: The preparation of 3D-objects for digitalization is another aim of the project. These include technical components, everyday objects, textile fabrics and even 3D printed moulded objects such as printed circuit boards. The combination of latest digital printing technologies with robotic systems and additive manufacturing processes will make it possible.