Joint Research Group Generative Manufacturing Processes

Inkjet printing of electronics

The use of solution-processable materials for the fabrication of electronic and optoelectronic devices enables the implementation of scalable processing techniques such as printing. As opposed to techniques used to coat entire surface areas, by printing it is possible to directly write arbitrary patterns on a variety of surfaces without the need for masks or structural pre-patterning.

Within our labs of both GEN_FAB and Hybrid Devices, we implement printing processes for a range of material classes, such as conductive inks and polymers. We investigate ink parameters such as viscosity and surface tension and understand surface properties through contact angle measurements. By understanding these properties, we can influence the printing parameters, while through appropriate post-processing, the printed material is then turned into a fully functional material.

Through the use of multiple printheads we are able to produce several inkjet-printed layers within a single machine. Additionally, we use combinatorial approaches through multiple printhead inkjet printing to screen inks and optimize ink compositions.

Finally, we use 3D printing in the form of fused deposition printing and stereolithography to allow us to produce complex custom parts for our scientific setups.