ORF4AUTO – conductive ink printing technology for automotive applications

ORF4AUTO project has focused on the common objective of the partners involved, in investigating the application of conductor ink (inorganic and organic) printing technology to current automotive antenna and telematic products, creating the first telematic unit with an operative antenna printed directly on it’s plastic enclosure. The project finished in June 2015. More info about ORF4AUTO here.

 

Due to the confidential nature of the technology, processes, and images of circuitry dealt with in this project from both largest partners, FICOSA and Intrinsiq Materials, this publishable final report has been written taking into account the confidentiality of industrial knowledge from all partners. A higher detail, confidential version final report is available upon request.

 

To reach this point, this project has generated advances in both the synthesis and printing techniques of organic and nano-particle based inks, investigated in the context of seeking the optimal ink configuration for printing an antenna and passive components directly on plastic.

 

Combining these technologies has proven the industrial opportunity to increase added value and competitiveness to current designs by allowing smaller PCBs (hence device overall size) in telematic units, yet potentially yielding a high gain from printed antennas, by taking advantage of the larger enclosure area. The prototype was created by modifying an existing telematic product, however this technology can be applied to numerous automotive communications applications, as well as other industries.

 

OLAE + is a transnational call for collaborative research and development proposals under the European Commission’s (EC’s) ERA-NET Plus scheme. We are seeking proposals to develop and stimulate the technology and business relationships within the European organic large-area electronics (OLAE) community, building the supply chain and removing barriers to industrialisation. More info here.

 

With the support of ACCIÓ and the European Union.