PRINTED ELECTRONICS Meaning and
Definition
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Printed Electronics refers to a branch of electronics manufacturing that involves the process of printing electronic components onto various substrates using advanced printing techniques. It encompasses the production of electronic devices such as transistors, sensors, displays, and conductive tracks using conductive inks and printable materials.
The printed electronics technology utilizes various methods like screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, and flexographic printing. These techniques enable the deposition of conductive materials, such as metallic nanoparticles or organic polymers, onto a wide range of substrates including flexible plastic, paper, fabric, and even glass. The ability to print electronic components directly onto these unconventional materials opens up new possibilities for the design and integration of electronics into everyday objects.
The advantages of printed electronics lie in its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and scalability. It allows for the production of lightweight, flexible, and low-cost devices, which can be easily customized and integrated into a variety of applications. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is compatible with large-scale production, making it well-suited for mass production and high-volume manufacturing.
Printed electronics find applications in various industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, energy, and smart packaging. For instance, it enables the development of flexible electronic displays, wearable devices, smart sensors, and RFID tags. In addition, it also plays a crucial role in the advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technology by providing a means to create affordable and disposable sensors and smart objects that are seamlessly integrated into the environment.
Overall, printed electronics represents an innovative and cost-effective approach to manufacturing electronic components, facilitating the design and integration of electronics into a wide range of materials and applications.
Etymology of PRINTED ELECTRONICS
The word "printed electronics" is a compound term that combines the words "printed" and "electronics".
The term "printed" is derived from the verb "print" which comes from the Old French word "preinte", meaning "impression" or "mark made by pressure". Ultimately, it originates from the Latin word "imprimere", meaning "to press into" or "to imprint".
The word "electronics" is derived from "electronic", which comes from the Greek word "ēlektron", meaning "amber" or "electrum" (a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver). "Electronic" was initially used to describe the study of the behavior of electrons and their control in vacuum tubes, and later more broadly applied to describe devices and systems that are based on electronic components and their manipulation.
