The Centre for Process Innovation’s National Printable Electronics Centre has installed an Esko iXE-10 digital cutting table to complete the workflow of its new £2 million Integrated Smart System facility at Sedgefield.
The workflow integrates electronic components with circuits prepared by traditional printing processes. The table was supplied by Duplo, a partner for Esko Kongsberg in the UK
The National Printable Electronics Centre is intended to provide a ‘centre of excellence’ for design, development and prototyping of products within the printable electronics market.
Unlike most Duplo installations, the CPI facility has been designed purely to test the boundaries of printed electronics and operate as a pilot site for new and innovative print manufacture processes.
The ISS facility has a suite of print and finishing equipment, including a Nilpeter combination R2R press where the printing of the conductive tracks takes place. Once printed and sheeted, a Europlacer iineo ‘pick and place’ system is used to position and attach electronic components prior to curing. Once cured, the iXE-10 cuts up the printed sheets.
Since February 2012, CPI has been working with the BPIF to run workshops for organisations within the print community with the aim of building the awareness of printed electronics along with an overview of the new equipment at CPI .
CPI’s programme manager Bela Green said: ‘Our new ISS line has been set up to demonstrate the functional production of printable electronics, using well known conventional printing processes. Key applications include point of sale material, toys, games, novelty items as well as smart packaging and sensors.’
Following a successful tender application for theiXE-10 digital die-cutting table from Duplo, Ms Green commented: ‘The Esko was the best machine for the breadth of projects that we hope to undertake. It completes our tool box for us to create the knowledge that we then aim to transfer to the market.’
Duplo UK managing director, Tony Lock said: ‘At Drupa, it was clear to see that print is changing. Similarly the evolution of the Duplo Range, with products like the DBMi and the ESKO cutting tables have taken us to the next level. The innovative system in place at CPI really is a great insight into the print of tomorrow, today.’
Contact:www.duplouk.com and www.uk-cpi.com
