TracXon B.V., Netherlands
The purpose of this project is to leverage the expertises of TracXon and Lohmann to showcase a solution for large-area lighting and signage, based on hybrid printed electronics.
It overcomes the issue of rather stiff and non-flexible contacting solutions to connect components on one flex substrate with another.
Many applications require large devices (>1 m x >1m) that need to be transportable, conformal and are easy to install/uninstall. The traditional PCB technology cannot fulfil these requirements. Hence, we have developed a tiled large-area lighting/signage solution in which each tile is interconnected using flexible and foldable interconnect in a robust manner.
When commercialized, this can have a big impact on the advertising and events (concerts, expositions, etc.) industry, by offering a light-weight, conformal, easily transporable and sustainable solution. It is a directly scalable technology.
Functionality
- Each tile is 300 mm x 300 mm in size, containing screen printed circuitry. Depending on the application and the type of LEDs used, the circuitry can be single-layered or double-layered. If the application is lighting, the circuitry will be single-layered; if the application is signage with RGB smart LEDs that can be individually driven, the circuitry will be double-layered.
- In the submitted version, we will showcase both monochrome and smart RGB LEDs, which would need a double-layered conductive circuitry and an isolation layer printed in between them.
- On this printed circuitry, Lohmann‘s anisotropically conductive PU film will be laminated.
- Subsequently, the LEDs are bonded onto this conductive PU film and the latter is cross-linked to establish reliable interconnection of the LEDs with the circuitry. The conductive PU film is flexible and robust after cross-linking.
- To create a large-area, foldable device, a number of these tiles will be connected using printed TPU interconnects, which are also bonded onto each tile using the same conductive PU film, to create a mechanically as well as electrically continuous, single device.
Benefits of the project
- Large-area lighting/signage device that is highly conformal, which is difficult to achieve using traditional PCB technology.
- Easy to install/uninstall, as well as to transport.
- Light weight device requiring only an adhesive backing film or simple mechanical fastening for installation.
- Highly sustainable compared to traditional LED lighting/signage products, as we only use additive manufacturing.
- Can be easily upscaled and produced in Europe at high volumes using fully automated R2R processes.
- Flexible yet robust device, thanks to Lohmann‘s advanced anisotropically conductive PU film.
Target Industry
- Digital signage and advertising
- Commercial lighting for indoor applications
- Decorative lighting for smart home applications
- Automotive applications
Organic & Printed Components
- Conductive path
- Interconnection
- Printed dieelectric / insulator
Classical Components
- LEDs (white)
- Smart LEDs (RGB)
- Passive components
- Driving hardware will be Arduino-based