"At TECNALIA, we are exploring these technologies to open up new possibilities in the design and manufacture of more versatile, adaptable and efficient electronic devices"
We develop innovative solutions to overcome the limitations of traditional electronics
For decades, electronics based on rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs) have driven technological innovation in key sectors, ranging from IT to medicine. Their robustness and standardisation have enabled efficient and reliable production.
However, this rigidity also imposes restrictions: it is not feasible for applications that require flexibility, such as wearables or smart textiles. Furthermore, their fixed shape can hinder the design of compact devices or those with complex geometries.
Functional printing as a revolutionary solution
Functional printing came about as a revolutionary solution. Thanks to advances in techniques such as screen printing and digital jetting, it is now possible to integrate functional materials into flexible substrates or even directly into the final product. At TECNALIA, we are exploring these technologies to open up new possibilities in the design and manufacture of more versatile, adaptable and efficient electronic devices.
Committed to innovation
At TECNALIA, we firmly believe that these technologies will have a significant impact in the short and medium term. We have therefore developed a specialisation strategy based on our know-how.
This enables us to create cross-cutting solutions for diverse sectors, focusing on four key areas of functional printing:
- Implementation of functionalities on final surfaces. We are developing processes that enable us to print directly on any geometry or material, relying on our database of materials and a laboratory equipped with the main printing technologies, as well as advanced systems for printing and hybridisation on 3D surfaces.
- Incorporation of functionalities in composite materials. We have patented an innovative process that enables the printing and hybridisation of electronic components within the layers of the material, facilitating their integration into composite manufacturing processes.
- Additive manufacturing of electronic devices. We are exploring new opportunities to incorporate printed electronic functionalities into additive manufacturing of polymers. Thanks to our unique multi-head equipment, we can simultaneously print 3D polymer structures and integrate printed electronics in the same process.
- Integration of power and wireless communications. Connectivity is one of the key challenges in functional printing. We are working on replacing physical connectors with printed antennas that are capable of capturing and transmitting energy and data efficiently.
At TECNALIA, we support companies on this journey, offering our extensive experience in functional printing and in other technologies required for each specific use case.
