Molex is a major manufacturer of printed electronics, flexible circuitry, sensor solutions, and user interface for a wide variety of applications. IDTechEx caught up with marketing analyst Kylie Pessetti of the Printed Circuit Solutions business unit (PCBU) to find out about its capabilities in the manufacture of printed and flexible electronics.
As printed/flexible/hybrid moves closer to widespread commercial adoption, the ability to upscale from prototypes and small volume batch production to mass production is fundamental. This transition from prototype to pilot production and eventually mass production can require design adjustments to make the product more suitable for efficient manufacturing. Additionally, companies with a promising technology (such as printed sensor for example) frequently need assistance as to how this can be integrated into a complete product.
Molex's Printed Circuit Solutions business unit (PCBU) provides design and manufacturing for a wide range of printed and flexible circuits. Manufacturing capabilities include conventional subtractive methods such as etching and additive methods such as screen printing. Multiple printing methods can be used depending on the project.
Especially notable with regards to printed electronics is that Molex can produce the equivalent of a six-layer PCB on one layer of polyester substrate using additive silver inks and printed dielectrics including attaching components such as IC's and passives down to 0201 form factors. They also provide downstream assembly including adhesives, graphics, and other converting services.
Soligie® Printed Electronics - Molex
Molex believes that sustainable value comes from sustainable manufacturing practices and resource usage. That's why Molex's Printed Circuit Solutions business unit (PCBU) reports growing interest in the use of additive manufacturing techniques that reduce chemicals, improve environmental friendliness and recyclability.
From medical disposables to smart labels, Molex is challenging existing processes to bring in ever greater complexity including: finer pitch circuitry, high density components, and new substrate materials such as paper, fabric, and glass. Integration of power sources such as thin film batteries and wireless communication are also part of their technology roadmap.
Molex is supporting customers across many markets including medical, automotive, consumer appliances, data-comm, and industrial sectors. Combined with their printed circuit expertise and other capabilities, Molex can help their customers dramatically improve the design cycle. Their product development expertise quickly brings designs to a production ready state and their global manufacturing footprint provides the ability to scale products to market faster.
This capability is extremely important in enabling the scaling up of printed/flexible/hybrid electronics from a relatively niche technology to widespread adoption in consumer products, medical devices, vehicles and more.
Molex is supporting customers across many markets including medical, automotive, consumer appliances, data-comm, and industrial sectors. Combined with their printed circuit expertise and other capabilities, Molex can help their customers dramatically improve the design cycle. Their product development expertise quickly brings designs to a production ready state and their global manufacturing footprint provides the ability to scale products to market faster.
To find out more about Molex, visit: www.molex.com
