Thick-Film Technology and Functional Printing

Group

Since 1992, the core competence of the Thick-Film Technology working group has been the development and characterization of functional special pastes and inks (conductor, resistor and covering pastes, pastes for heater and sensor applications). In addition to the development of materials for classic screen or stencil printing, the group is increasingly focusing on functional printing applications, i.e. the intelligent functionalization of additively manufactured 3D components. Digital printing technologies, such as dispensing, dispense-jet as well as ink-jet and aerosol-jet® printing, which are well-established in the institute, are used for this purpose.

The development team of chemists and materials scientists cooperates closely with the neighboring groups of the Hybrid Microsystems department in order to be able to handle all tasks for our customers along the value chain, from the material to the component.

Range of applications and services offered

Herstellung einer Siebdruckpaste im Reinraum am Dreiwalzwerk.
© Fraunhofer IKTS
Manufacturing of a screen-printing paste in the clean room at the three roll mill.

Range of applications

The main applications of the specialized materials developed by us are hybrid assemblies and components, as well as sensors in electronics, power electronics, microsystems technology, energy and environmental technology, potentially also for extreme operation environments.

 

Services offered

  • Development of functional special pastes and inks for the most varied printing techniques
  • Characterization of pastes, inks and functional layers (rheologic, electric, mechanic, microstructural)
  • Consulting on materials and technology
  • Development, layout and testing of thick-film-based components

Current research

Photoimageable pastes for high-frequency applications

Current research

Thick-printed copper pastes for power electronics

Topic

Application Examples

Topic

Development of client-specific special pastes and inks

Topic

Production of client-specific special pastes and inks