Epson boasts inkjet breakthrough for producing lightweight circuit boards

Posted on 3 Nov 2004 at 12:10

Epson has overcome one of the major obstacles to producing thin, lightweight circuit boards for use in compact devices by using its inkjet technology to print the boards using electrically conductive inks.

The production of multilayer boards usually involves a complicated method known as photolithography, but this has not proved conducive to creating thin and lightweight boards that, it is hoped, will increase the performance and reduce the size and weight of future devices.

Epson's method uses an inkjet system to alternately draw patterns and form layers on the board using two types of ink: a conductive ink containing a dispersion of silver micro-particles measuring from several nanometers to several tens of nanometers in diameter, and a newly developed insulator ink.

The method uses a far lower volume of materials than photolithography, creates no liquid waste and involves fewer steps, consequently requiring less energy. It is readily adapted to high mix, low volume production, since no masks are used, and multilayer structures, since interlayers can also be printed directly onto the board.

There is still a long way to go, however, before we are all downloading and printing upgraded circuit boards and video cards.

Author: Simon Aughton

Get more reviews, tutorials and in-depth advice, every month with Computer Shopper.
Click here to try 3 issues for £1

< Previous News : General Next >

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to Login or Register to comment.