A Double-Sided View of Printed Electronics

Vince Cahill

The printed electronics (PE) segment is a significant and interesting sub-segment of the printing industry: A place where high-tolerance, specialized printing is performed during the manufacture of electronic parts and products. At this year’s PRINTING United event, PE practitioner colleagues and I have the honor of presenting two unique sessions: one describing the state of printed electronics today, and the other providing a look toward its future. For those currently working within printed electronics, it will be an informative view of current conditions. For those outside of the segment, it is a view into a fascinating area.

The first of the two sessions, scheduled for Thursday, October 24 at 2:00pm in Room C147, is titled, “Printed Electronics: State of the Art,” and will feature a moderated discussion with two industry professional operating at the forefront of the printed electronics segment. Though illuminating discussion and thoughtful opinion, panelists Ed Cook (ECI Screen Print) and Mike Wagner (Butler Technologies) will highlight current conditions in the segment, changes in technology, innovative approaches, the customer relationship, and future needs. As this is a discussion group, audience members are asked to provide their insight and add to the discussion.

The second session, scheduled for Friday, October 25 at 10:00am in Room C145, is titled, “Printed Electronics: Tools for the Trade,” will provide a curated overview of current and emerging technologies, and suggest how those products can be used to update a business, fulfill the changing needs for printed electronics, and describe how digital systems are increasingly used in the segment’s printing and finishing processes. This is an essential session for any printed electronics producer looking for insight into where the industry is going. Further, it will provide an overview of the new products and technologies relevant for PE featured on the massive PRINTING United expo floor.

As an industry consultant who closely studies this interesting print segment, I offer a consultant’s perspective to both of these session — not advocating for a specific product or process, but instead presenting possibilities and trends that serve to strengthen the segment, and offer business owners the opportunity to build their business and stay competitive. I look forward to educating and sharing. Please join in!