White Papers

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential for electronic circuits, providing mechanical support and electrical connections for components. Factory fabricated (or sometimes called prefabricated) PCBs are pre-manufactured, ready-to-use boards that simplify assembly and ensure consistent quality in electronic devices.

Due to their thin profile and lightweight design, flexible membrane keyboards are useful in a variety of industries, such as portable electronics, toys, games, home appliances, medical equipment, automotive, and aerospace. This project is an example of using Voltera’s NOVA materials dispensing system to print a functional flexible membrane keyboard.

LED applications are popular engineering projects in school. Among these, an LED roulette stands out as it is intellectually challenging and fun. While a roulette circuit is typically printed on a substrate like FR4, printing on a flexible substrate presents further opportunities for education.

Printed batteries offer a thin and lightweight solution for powering electronics. This project is an example of printing a functional seven-layer battery, designed for use in moderately power-demanding electronics, such as security cameras, electric toothbrushes, portable lighting, handheld GPS devices, and toys.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that leverages wireless communication over radio waves to transfer data and locate objects. It is widely used in inventory management, asset tracking, access control, smart packaging, and increasingly, agriculture and crop management.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes are sensors attached to the skin that detect the electrical activity of the heart. They are critical components of ECG systems used for diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases. This project demonstrates the process of printing a set of dry ECG electrodes.

Due to their consistent brightness, low cost and high energy efficiency, electroluminescent inks are used in a wide range of electroluminescent display applications. This project is an example of printing an electroluminescent ink on soft and flexible substrates.

Printing on fabric is a popular method for creating wearable electronics, with one key application being heated gloves and mittens that use heating elements to keep hands warm. Commonly used in outdoor activities like skiing, they also have medical uses, such as improving blood circulation.

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Robotic hands are useful in many fields. They can be applied to advanced prosthetic devices, hazardous environments, and augmented reality applications. This project demonstrates the process of printing strain gauges on TPU, laminating them to a glove, and using them to control a robotic hand.