Brand Enhancement by Electronics in Packaging
Special printing machines
Many types of printing technology are needed so even one printed component may have its different layers deposited by different types of printing machines. Screen printing and ink jet printing are currently most popular but extensive modification to a printing machine is usually required if it is to perform its electronic task well enough. Even the paper or more often plastic film used as substrate usually needs to be unusually pure, smooth and mechanically optimised. For example, polyester film is popular but rarely packaging grade. Some processes call for high temperature annealing and stainless steel foil, polyimide or polyethylene naphthalate film may be necessary. Nonetheless, simpler, lower cost, more environmental options are gradually proving possible and a huge new industry is in the making. There are some unfortunate aspects however. The silicon chip revolution started with transistors because they are needed on nearly everything electronic but we are still waiting for viable printed transistors sold in volume in appropriate circuits. We have many types of printed display, resistor, capacitor, sensor and so on but we usually have to incorporate a silicon chip to make something saleable and this has rather defeated the whole objective of very low price.