Will 2011 be the year of printed electronics?

"Many companies will launch simple devices based on printed diodes and conductive patterns," he said. "The old idea of printing a transparent conductive layer with fine metal patterns instead of expensive, clever chemicals will no doubt re-emerge and gain first major orders." He also predicts that printable copper inks will start to sell well and that simple ink stripe rfid using low cost printed metals will gain market share. In addition, Novacentrix Pulseforge, a production tool which anneals high temperature electronic inks on low temperature substrates, is expected to be widely deployed in 2011. As for electric cars, Das said one or more of the new models will incorporate largely printed ceiling and dashboard control clusters, saving 10 to 40% of cost, weight and space, and improving reliability and weather proofing. However, he is less certain as to whether the lowest cost printed displays will overcome barriers to major market entry. "Some of our clients cite unappealing appearance and lack of low cost drive circuits," he said, before noting that the limited life was not a problem for most envisaged applications. The ceo spoke of the demand for transparent flexible printed electronics in all market sectors. "The kingpins here will be the commercialisation of transparent photovoltaics, transistor circuits and batteries," he said, but added that these were unlikely to be in major production by the end of 2011. "Expect yet more animated and interactive paper magazines in the tradition of the E-ink Esquire edition in 2008 and the colour lcd with sound in Entertainment Age in 2009," concluded Das. "I'm sure we will also see printed electronics in more toys, novelties, apparel and healthcare disposables this coming year."