TU Chemnitz

The Institute for Print and Media Technology at Chemnitz University of Technology is an expert in applying conventional mass printing processes for developing printed electronics. The expertise ranges from mass printed single electronic components to fully integrated circuits on flexible substrates (e.g. paper or textile) and the development of functional inks and surfaces.

The researchers of the institute are also developing complex systems for continuous high-speed processing of various electronically functional organic materials. Their technology allows cost-effective production of a variety of functional layers, electronics, and sensor devices.

New developments, such as printing of electronics, substantially extend the traditional printing technology spectrum. In particular, in the field of adaptation of conventional mass printing processes for printed electronics, TUC is leading worldwide: In 2003, the institute presented the first transistor that was completely produced using continuous web printing. In 2005, the first fully printed integrated circuit was presented: a ring-oscillator consisting of several interconnected transistors. The research included the development of complex systems that allow for continuous high-speed processing of various electronically functional organic materials to produce fully printed OFETs and integrated circuits. At present, TUC is involved in several large research projects in the field of mass printed electronics. In recent pioneering experiments, TUC was able to demonstrate further devices based on printed electronics such as fully printed 3-D circuitries, fully printed organic photovoltaic cells, fully printed flexible loudspeakers and fully printed supercapacitors. TUC has significant experiences regarding the adaptation of mass printing technologies to the needs of printed functionalities, formulation of functional inks (functional polymers, silver nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes), simulation & design of printed devices and circuitry and lab production of printed electronics devices and applications.

In the IMPETUS project, TUC develops the printing processes for the large-scale fabrication of the IMPETUS biosensor, which are later transferred to the pilot line. Additionally, TUC investigates the use of printed supercapacitors as an alternative power supply of the microchip.

Further information: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/pm