E-paper technology, along with the general printed electronics sector, is moving forward at an accelerating pace. More and more products are being commercialized, and more application areas are being penetrated. The question then arises: Where are the printers in printed electronics?
It is increasingly obvious that printers do not seem to be taking advantage of this new market sector which offers increasing opportunity, even though conventional printing is shrinking. There are several reasons. First, it is not easy to print electronics. Today’s printed electronics are not similar to the printed circuit boards that have been printed via screen printing for many years. These have a thick layer of ink, which provide the conductivity. Today’s printed electronics, designed to expand electronics into multiple applications, demand a thin layer of ink and functionality, which requires extremely precise printing. Unlike graphics arts where appearance is important, in printed electronics, the functionality is critical. Those conventional printers who have ventured into the field often find this a difficult concept to adjust to. In some ways, it is analogous to first printing with energy-curing technology. It is almost like learning how to print all over again. That is not to say that it cannot be done, however, it is a challenge…for some a daunting one.
A Lesson to Be Learned
Another reason is that initially the market sector was very small and printers did not feel that the volumes of print that would be generated were worth the effort. This reminds me of the ink industry about seven years ago. Ink manufacturers were willing to let inkjet equipment manufacturers develop their own inks rather than invest in the research and development necessary to understand the new technology. Even though the profit margins were much higher than with conventional inks, ink manufacturers were not interested.
Then several market factors changed all that. Inkjet technology with its digital advantages became increasingly popular. The throughput for inkjet printing improved as the market was moving towards shorter, more diverse runs and more customization. Inkjet printing garnered market share from the traditional printing processes and volumes began to increase.
Consequently, ink manufacturers scrambled to become suppliers to the inkjet market. Those without the foresight to develop their own digital inks, sought to gain the technology and market share through acquisition of smaller inkjet ink companies. The lesson may well be applied to e-paper and other printed electronics areas - as the technology improves and expands, so too will the volume amount of work.
Notable Exceptions
Not all printers have ignored this emerging opportunity; there are notable exceptions. Toppan Printing, E Ink’s largest investor, has been working with them for many years. It currently manufactures display screens using E Ink’s electrophoretic technology, employing printing technology for the OTFTs used as backplanes. The company is also involved in printed circuit boards and LCD printed filters. Soligie (a subsidiary of the Taylor Corporation, a global printing company) is a specialist contract manufacturer dedicated to printing flexible electronics. It recently entered into an agreement for development and volume manufacturing of Acreo’s printed electrochromic display technology, PaperDisplay. Able to be printed on paper or plastic, PaperDisplay, can also be creased, bent and folded without affecting the display function. Furthermore, there are several narrow web printers using Mark Andy equipment involved in printing in the display area, but these are covered by non-disclosure agreements.
Ongoing Reluctance
Unfortunately, many in the printing industry are content to keep doing what they have been doing for so many years…even though it is obvious that a better solution is now needed. Printers were reluctant to venture into an emerging industry for fear that it would not be successful. Regrettably, those printers are still reluctant, even when time has proved that e-paper and other printed electronics sectors are indeed on the brink of exploding. In addition, new materials-particularly in the ink area-have been developed, which would make the transition into printed electronics easier for traditional printers, but to no avail. Indeed, it seems that many printers are missing the e-paper boat. Is it too late? I don’t believe so, but the water levels are rapidly rising and time is running out. If printers don’t seize this opportunity, they may be jeopardizing their future survival.
By Linda M. Casatelli
printers, toppan