Flexlines

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Flexible electronics (FE) is seen worldwide as a promising technology because the printing of electronics on thin substrates and foils creates new possibilities. It opens the way to light, thin, flexible, and portable electronic products such as foldable lighting and signage, reusable sensors, roll-up solar cells and displays. Thanks to this innovation, major challenges can be met such as keeping health care manageable due to the introduction of smart patches, smart packaging can improve logistical processes and reduce food wastage due to printed sensors that measure the quality of food. In order to bring the FE sector in Europe to a greater industrial maturity, it is important that the players in this production chain intensify their cooperation. 'Flexlines' brings together leading partners such as TNO, imec, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, TU/e and the universities in Hasselt, Ghent and Leuven. The project aims to develop a state-of-the-art but stable FE pilot line. For example, the centralization of the various process steps will be used in a single clean room at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven. A one-stop-shop is also being put in place where partners and companies can have flexible and inexpensive electronic applications made and can count on tailor-made support in the process. In addition, a number of concrete showcases are being developed. An example of this is the possible integration of a smart label in the form of a sensor or screen of less than one tenth of a millimeter thickness on paper. A more complex integration of the technique involves a large surface area with sensors in a deformable plastic surface that can be used to make a dashboard in a car responsive, for example.

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