Non-chemical low-cost patterning of flexible substrates and foils

Profil Titel	Non-chemical low-cost patterning of flexible substrates and foils
Referenz	08 SE 67BY 0IQH
Herkunftsland	Sweden
Kooperationsart	Angebot
Eintrag/Änderung	2008-08-27 / 2012-06-28
Status	Dieses Profil ist abgelaufen! Falls Sie denoch Interesse haben, kontaktieren Sie uns. (2012-07-08)

Kurzfassung

A Swedish research institute has developed a method for dry phase patterning (DPP) of single- or multilayer flexible substrates, all in one production step. The method replaces most etching processes and expands the possible product range due to its cold and dry process. The institute has large volume manufacturing capability and is looking for new products and customers.

Details

The Dry Phase Patterning (DPP) is a single step method for patterning metal or polymer layers on most flexible substrates. Examples of laminates patterned are: PEDOT/PE, Aluminum/Paper, Aluminum/PET, Copper/PET etc.

The material is patterned in one single process step, unlike in a wet chemistry etch process, which may require up to 6-8 different steps: Photo resist deposition, patterning and metal etching, followed by removing the residuals of resist and etch liquids. In the DPP process, the residual product from the process is in a dry phase and it is recyclable. Since no chemical products are used, and recycling of the residual products is possible, the method has large environmental benefits. Patterning of fibrous materials or products that are sensible for fluids or chemicals has earlier been a problem. With the DPP method it is now possible to realize such products to a reasonable cost.

The process has a high resolution; patterns with spacing smaller than 200 µm has been proved. Components easily produced are all kind of passive components on flexible substrate, such as conductors, resistors, inductors and antennas. Patterning can be performed at speeds up to 150 m/min. The DPP resolution will not decrease with higher production speed.

Innovative Aspects:
The DPP process has properties which makes it interesting for low cost applications and its dry and cool process step makes it possible to pattern materials sensitive to heat and liquids. Furthermore, the absence of chemicals in the process makes the products totally free from process chemical residuals.
One of the main benefits of the DPP method is the reduced environmental load. This is mainly due to reduced energy consumption; no chemicals, no washing, brushing or drying is necessary. The residual product is in a dry and easily recyclable phase, and there is no need for destruction of hazardous wastes. High resolution at very high production speed makes it cost effective. The cold and dry process makes it possible to pattern new materials.