UK Start-up Ink-jets Smart Posters

UK start up company Polymertronics is developing a new nanotechnology that will allow digital inkjet printing and instant curing of flexible electronic components. One application is embedded organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and touch sensitive interactive panels that can be used to enhance poster advertising campaigns. This unique technology will enable the production of advertising posters containing ‘pre-printed’ light displays, with zero lead time for production as the process utilizes existing printing press technology.

An enhanced memorable experience can be created by advertising a product through a flashing interactive poster. Lights can be made to flash in any desired sequence and scrolling text displays could be printed. Printed touch sensors can take you through a product and can feedback via the printed light system.

It is already possible to create organic semiconductors for electronic components that are small enough to be successfully transferred onto base media using standard commercial printing facilities. Polymertronics combines this existing technology with the latest ultra-violet (UV) curing techniques, to cure and fix the electronics onto media that can include vinyl, plastics, glass and metal. Any shape of OLEDs can then be printed using flatbed or roll-to-roll printer platforms and powered by a low voltage battery source.

Stephen Clemmet, Founder & Managing Director of Polymertronics, said: “Polymertronics’ products add a new dimension to the advertising industry. We can offer unparalleled interactivity and marketing opportunities that can be changed and reworked as quickly as printing technology allows - something that simply hasn’t been possible before now.”

“Given that there are more than 10,000 commercial printers worldwide, which produce over 780 million square metres of advertising posters using the UV curing process every year, there is a huge potential market where our products can easily be retro-fitted and used.”

Polymertronics is at the proof of principle stage, with the new £225,000 investment allowing the company to develop semiconductor components in collaboration with the University of Reading. Already protected by patent pending, two further patent applications are expected during this year: worldwide patent pending for the current patent pending, plus one further British patent application. www.polymertronics.com

To find out more attend Printed Electronics Asia 2007 or Printed Electronics USA 2007

By Glyn Holland