Technology has advanced to the extent that it is now possible to print onto almost any surface. With the use of a special type of carbon based ink, this now includes electrical components that were once too difficult.
If you or your company manufacturers high precision electrical components, keep reading to see how this new type of ink could benefit you.
Carbon Ink Printing
Carbon ink is a type of ink made from a particular molecular structure. It is this composition that makes it highly effective in environments where electrical currents may be required to pass through any material it has been applied to.
Carbon ink can be applied via screen printing, spraying, dipping or coating, making it a truly versatile option, whatever your needs. All applied inks are dried through a heat process, ensuring no smudging or running.
Resistive Ink
As the name suggests, resistive ink can make the passage of electrical currents difficult. This is a great benefit to all environments where such currents could cause component damage or where a material of high conductivity needs to be used. You are most likely to find resistive ink used within the medical, automotive and aerospace industries.
Common applications include:
- Membrane switches which are used to electrically switch circuits on and off.
- Medical sensors which are used as highly calibrated instruments, capable of detecting multiple readings.
- Flex circuits – a type of flexible electronics where circuits are mounted onto flexible materials such as plastic substrates.
- Resistance pads for use in high conductivity electrical environments.
- Printed heater circuits which are responsible for electronically controlling the functions of an electrical heater.
Conductive Ink
Conductive ink on the other hand does the exact opposite. You may be required to paint an electrical component that functions as an integral part of a circuit. Its conductivity properties are therefore crucial to that circuits operating ability which is going to necessitate that any ink or paint applied can assist in the transfer of electrical current.
The Benefits of Carbon Ink
The desirable properties of carbon ink include low friction and excellent thermal stability. This ink also has an innate lubricant property, suitable for all high energy environments where components will need to move. Unlike most conductive materials, carbon ink is very resistant to flexing, scratching and abrasion, further increasing its durability.
Carbon ink is available as both a water based and solvent based solution. Water based inks are more environmentally friendly whilst still performing just as well as their solvent counterparts.
Carbon Ink Printing for Your Business Needs
The manufacturing process of your precision components can be made much simpler by making using of one of the many suppliers of this technology. Resistive inks in Manchester and the North-West can be procured by any local company where they will handle the printing and application process for you. The process will be as simple as shipping your electronic components to them for treatment where they will then be returned to you.
Carbon ink technology is both effective and cost efficient so bring your component production into the 21st century and make use of its benefits.