Functional printing: deploying the electronic future

Opportunities: benefits and applications

The advantages of functional printing are remarkable.

Cost efficiency and large-scale production capabilities enable the creation of affordable, customised electronic devices. This technology offers many applications, from smart labels to biomedical sensors and flexible displays. In addition, by integrating electronics into flexible substrates, opportunities arise for the creation of portable and wearable devices, as well as innovative solutions in the Internet of Things (IoT).

The challenges of efficient technology deployment

Despite its advantages, the widespread adoption of functional printing faces crucial challenges. Optimising manufacturing processes, improving the durability of printed devices and compatibility with industry standards are key challenges.

In addition, ongoing research is essential in order to address material standardisation and the resolution of specific technical problems such as the printing of complex circuits.

New value proposals: developments to make it possible

TECNALIA promotes specialisation structured into four key areas within the field of printed electronics:

• Integration of functionalities directly on the final surface, independent of geometry and material
• Embedding of printed functionalities in composites
• Electronic additive manufacturing
• Integration of power and wireless communications