new blog

What are Smart Surface Solutions?

The ongoing expansion of megatrends such as IoT and digitalisation is pushing the demand for printed sensors and antennas that are applicable to differently shaped surface structures. As an industry-leading supplier of printed electronics materials and services, Henkel are leveraging these megatrends to create smart surface solutions that are not only smarter, but also make a positive impact. They provide full solutions based on conductive inks and coatings ranging from conductive silver inks suitable for screen printing and forming, valve jet printing and pad printing.

These developments have carried printed electronics into a variety of new application fields and opened new market opportunities for smart living, mobility and more.

Smart Personal Hygiene Products

Printed electronics are driving fundamental innovations across the personal hygiene sector. With an increasing geriatric population coupled with rising healthcare costs, the development of novel monitoring tools which increase patient comfort and reduce expenses is crucial.

Henkel’s conductive inks allow for the manufacturing of responsive, disposable healthcare products. For example, their high-speed printable carbon ink is a key element in creating cost-effective moisture sensors that are integrated into disposable diapers and smart bed pads. These reliable moisture sensors detect fluid levels and leakage which can be remotely monitored in real-time on a smart device. The lightweight printed sensor offers both comfort and durability and is essential for making high-quality smart personal hygiene solutions.

Smart Healthcare Products

Similarly, Henkel’s advanced inks are being utilised in the manufacturing of modern medical devices. They have been specifically formulated to be compatible with the human body and various interactive medical gels and chemicals. Biosensors such as glucose test strips, EKG/ECG electrodes, TENS pads for muscle stimulation and various other medical device applications now depend on Henkel inks to provide accuracy, reliability, and compatibility. These advancements in medical devices capabilities have all been made possible thanks to new developments in printed electronics technology.

Henkel have also been involved in the creation of smart shoe insoles using their conductive inks, protective coatings, skin grade adhesives and electrode materials. These insoles serve to measure the interaction between the runner’s feet and the ground, which can be tracked and reviewed in real time via an app. By measuring the pressure distribution, the user can then be advised on how to improve their technique and gain efficiency.

Smart Connectivity IoT Antennas

Printed electronic technology plays a key role in the continued development of printed antennas, including NFC and RFID solutions. Highly conductive inks are being used in the development of in-mold equipment that can be formed into 3D shapes. Henkel is a leading printed electronic material supplier for in-mold electronic solutions that are applicable for the continued development of 5G networks and other telecommunication technology.

Smart Automotive Interiors

There is a growing demand for printed electronics in the automotive industry, with several areas already benefiting from conductive inks and coatings. A driving force for this is the move to lighter products and components in order to reduce overall vehicle weight.

Henkel is constantly innovating the ways in which printed electronics can be utilised in this field. Specifically, their printed electronic technologies are being used for applications involving heating, capacitive/resistive sensing, and inductive charging within the vehicle’s interior. Unlike traditional wire heating, printed heaters are self-regulating and flexible which makes them easy to install car seats and connect to the vehicle through IoT integration. Printed heater solutions use PTC inks which prevent overheating and other damage due to high temperatures, making them a popular choice in the automotive, electronics and building industries.

Other Smart Surface Solutions

Modern display technologies rely on different printed solutions for functionality and form under diverse conditions. Henkel has developed materials specifically for these applications including protective topcoats, UV dielectrics and fine silver inks. These solutions provide an additive, adaptable, and cost-effective alternative for a variety of display devices. This includes industrial and automotive touch screens, as well as printed LED lighting, membrane touch switches and keyless entry devices.

To learn more about Henkel’s Printed Electronics products and services, download their dedicated brochure.

To follow up on this particular range, Henkel and Ellsworth have partnered together to offer an exclusive webinar focused on Printed Electronics applications. If you would like to participate in this webinar, then please sign up here.

 

Printed electronics are flexible and thin electronic components which are made during the process of printing specialised and functional ink formulations onto a variety of substrates. One of the most efficient production methods, printed electronics allow for high-volume, high-throughput and cost-effective manufacturing.

In recent years, the printed electronics market has seen a surge in popularity as manufacturers opt to create new and innovative solutions for everyday applications. Paired with the growing penetration of emerging technologies such as 5G and digital healthcare, this new era of technology is driving users to adapt their production process accordingly. In particular, the demand for wearable and thinner electronic devices has heightened, and printed electronics are now being used to form items such as touchscreens, mobile phone antennas and electronic skin patches.

Ellsworth Adhesives is delighted to be working in collaboration with our vendor Henkel, an industry-leading supplier of printed electronic materials and services, to introduce our customer base to these high-quality materials.

Benefits of Printed Electronics:

Printed electronics bring with them a whole host of advantages, with countless everyday devices now relying on these technologies for function, form, and flexibility.

Traditional electronic components are commonly thick and rigid; however, manufacturers are increasingly opting for thinner substrates which are more complex in functionality. Printed electronics are a perfect choice for these applications as they allow the production of flexible and lightweight electronic components which are much more adaptable. The specially formulated inks can address the complex demands of fine line printing whilst still maintaining a high level of functionality and robust conductivity. By implementing these high-quality inks, manufacturers can produce products which are smaller, lighter, and more technologically advanced.

One highly appealing factor of printed electronics is the ability to produce them in bulk at high-speed, therefore reducing production costs and time. Despite this fast turnaround, the functional inks still ensure a highly polished and aesthetically pleasing final product during mass production. They are extremely easy to integrate into existing manufacturing processes as the require fewer input materials and can be used on a wide variety of substrates.

Additionally, there are a diverse range of functional inks and coatings available to suit different application requirements. The LOCTITE® inks portfolio consists of a variety of different conductive, resistive, dielectric, electrode, positive temperature coefficient (PTC) and shielding inks. With something to suit all printed electronic requirements, Henkel have been creating innovative technologies for well over three decades. Learn more about Henkel’s extensive ink range in their dedicated brochure.

Printed Electronics Applications:

Printed electronic materials are being used to create smart solutions across multiple markets including consumer, automotive and medical. They are used for the manufacturing of membrane switches, flexible circuits, heating sensors, EMI shielding and many more applications.

The functional inks used in printed electronic applications transform a substrate into a conductive surface, opening them up to a wide variety of new application fields. This includes traditional industries which had no prior connection to electronics such as textiles and furniture.

A key example of printed electronics applications is the creation of smart surface technologies. Display technologies used in our everyday life rely on many different printed solutions for functionality and form. Henkel has developed materials specifically for these applications which ensure the devices function correctly under diverse conditions. Their inks, in combination with protective top layers, are delivering outstanding results for industrial touch screens, membrane touch switches, automotive touch screens, keyless entry devices and printed LED lighting.

View the Henkel Printed Electronics Brochure.

Ellsworth Adhesives is an official supplier of Henkel printed electronic materials. For more information on the product range or if you have any technical questions, get in touch with our team here.

UV Curing is a speed curing process in which high intensity ultraviolet (UV) light is used to create a photochemical reaction that instantly cures inks, coatings, adhesives, and other materials. A highly popular technology, UV light curing is used by manufacturers in a vast range of industries thanks to its extensive list of benefits such as cost efficiency, faster production, and increased safety.

In order to ensure a successful UV curing process, users must first select their UV curing system which will be used alongside their light curable material. There are a selection of different systems and materials to choose from which have been specifically designed to meet different objectives.

However, there are also a range of key accessories available which can be integrated into your existing equipment to optimise the UV curing process. In this post, we have outlined the key UV Curing accessories that we think you should invest in and the reasons why.

Light Guides:

Implementing a lightguide into your UV curing process is the most economical means for delivering high intensity UV light to adhesives, coatings, and other materials. They efficiently transmit ultraviolet and visible energy from a source mounted inside the chosen spot-curing unit to the curing area. Available in single and multi-legged configurations, the technology within the wands transmit the highest level of light intensity available and prevent degradation over time.

Additionally, lightguides have excellent cold light properties and transfer no infrared radiation. Their superior fibres for transmission in the UVA-light range are protected against individual fibre breakup which ensures longevity. Filter mount assemblies can also be used with lightguides to allow for hands-free curing.

Unsure how to determine which lightguide best suits your application requirements? Check out our post here.

Radiometers:

Radiometers are a highly useful tool as they allow users to monitor and record the light curing process. Firstly, a radiometer increases reliability as it confirms that the chosen light-curing system is delivering the correct light intensity and dosage levels required for successful UV curing. If the radiometer provides a low UV intensity measurement for example, then this signals that a piece of apparatus such as the bulb, lightguide or reflector must be replaced.

They can also be used to measure the transmission rates of wavelengths through the chosen substrate. Measuring the light intensity reaching the cure point below the substrate is a crucial step in ensuring an efficient curing process. Radiometers are also extremely important to ensure that users are sufficiently shielded from UV exposure as they measure the intensity of stray or reflected energy whilst in use.

Mounting Stands & Shields:

Mounting stands are predominately used to securely hold UV curing lamps or emitters in place when used in a bench top configuration. Lightweight and easy to use, mounting stands are available in kit formats which come with additional extras such as a pedestal and safety goggles.

They can also be paired with a light shield which will protect users from the visible UV light whilst still allowing full visibility of the part. Light shields are part of a flood lamp light-curing system that incorporate an optional shutter.  Dymax’s range of shields are complete enclosures and they offer the operator full protection whilst working with the equipment.

Replacement Bulbs

The UV curing bulb is a crucial component in any light curing process. Choosing a high-quality bulb ensures that the material cures with maximum intensity and helps prevent this from degrading over time. Furthermore, this can lower operating costs and result in far fewer bulb changes. There is a selection of different bulbs available to suit specific UV curing systems and wattages, meaning there is something to suit all applications.

Shop Dymax UV Curing Accessories Now

Ellsworth Adhesives supply a wide range of UV Curing Materials, Equipment, and Accessories from leading manufacturer Dymax

If you have any technical questions regarding UV curing materials or equipment, our Glue Doctor is here to help. Simply fill out our enquiry form here.

 

Ellsworth Tooling Solutions is the official UK distributor of RAMPF Composites and Tooling Solutions. Since our partnership began in June 2017, we have been distributing a comprehensive range of RAMPF’s tooling products such as board materials, pastes and close contour systems.

A German-based manufacturer, RAMPF is well established within the tooling sector and have been producing board materials for 40 years. As the world’s largest producer of styling, modeling, and working boards, they have solidified their reputation as market leaders thanks to their excellent product quality and diverse portfolio.

To celebrate the third year of our distribution partnership, we have put together the essential guide to their board materials.

Why choose RAMPF board materials?

There are several advantages to choosing RAMPF RAKU-TOOL board materials. They do not have a fiber structure like wood, allowing them to be machined easily and quickly. This allows for the boards to be modified as required based upon individual application requirements, and can also cut operating times and improve productivity. The diverse range of materials are available in varying thicknesses and densities, whilst still being relatively lightweight.

Additionally, the RAKU-TOOL board materials have particularly good dimensional stability and meet the highest quality standards. Our dedicated Ellsworth Tooling Solutions team are always on hand to provide comprehensive technical support.

What are the different kinds of board materials?

The RAMPF portfolio provides the complete package solution comprising of boards, matching adhesives and repair pastes.

Styling Boards (SB) – Styling Boards are semi-finished products which are made of polyurethane. The RAMPF RAKU-TOOL styling and design range includes board materials with densities of 0.08g/cm up to 0.47g/cm, making them suitable for both CNC machining and manual processing. The apricot-coloured board materials available in the range have become a firm favourite with customers. Typical applications for styling boards include negative molds for casting, supporting structures for pastes and NC program testing.

Modeling Boards (MB) – Rudolf RAMPF, founder of the RAMPF Group, produced the first polyurethane modeling board in the early 1980s, and these have been continuously produced and improved ever since. Modeling Boards are semi-finished products made of polyurethane and are available in densities ranging from 0.60g/cm to 0.72g/cm. They can be milled quick and easily on CNC machines, and in some cases, manually processed. Modeling boards offer fine surface finishes, excellent dimensional stability, and good chip formation. Typical applications for RAKU-TOOL modeling boards include master, cubing, and presentation models.

Working Boards (WB) – The largest range of boards in the RAMPF portfolio is their Working Boards. The semi-finished products are made of epoxy or polyurethane and have densities ranging from 0.69g/cm to 1.70g/cm. The epoxy working boards within the range are mainly used as lay-up tools for composites and are widely utilised in the automotive and aerospace industries. They offer a superior surface finish and can maintain tolerances even after being subject to temperature variations. RAMPF RAKU-TOOL working boards boast excellent dimensional stability and can be machined quickly and easily. Typical uses include metal forming, hammer forms and foundry patterns.

Board Adhesive – We also supply a range of RAMPF RAKU-TOOL board adhesives. The RAKU-TOOL adhesive range includes one and two component systems and are available with differing degrees of temperature resistance dependent upon the chosen application. The adhesives properties and, in some cases, colour are specifically matched to their corresponding board material to ensure a durable and long-lasting bond. RAKU-TOOL adhesive systems provide outstanding adhesion, excellent flow properties and cure rapidly at room temperature.

Unsure which board material or adhesive best suits your application requirements? RAMPF have a range of selector guides to help you choose.

 

RAMPF Product Catalogue

RAMPF Board Selector Guide

Browse our full range of RAMPF Board Materials

Ellsworth Tooling Solutions (previously John Burn Ltd) supply a wide range range of tooling materials. To speak to our dedicated Tooling Solutions customer service team, please call +44 0121 509 4144.