New guidelines to speed development of printed electronics
21 August 2013
News
In an effort to enable and accelerate the development of printed electronics technologies, IPC has released the manufacturing industry’s first design guidelines in the form of IPC/JPCA-2291 ‘Design Guidelines for Printed Electronics’.
Providing much needed guidance for consistent, manufacturable design requirements for printed electronics, IPC/JPCA-2291 together with IPC/JPCA-4921 ‘Requirements for Printed Electronics Base Materials’ and IPC/JPCA-4591 ‘Requirements for Printed Electronics Functional Materials’, establish a firm foundation for this technology alternative that is being used in a growing number of applications.
Although the concept of printing conductors onto a range of substrates is not novel, new market and technology trends favour the large format, low production cost strengths of printed electronics. Along with these benefits, the ability to print on many substrates that can have odd shapes presents a huge advantage.
In addition, printed electronics’ additive processes often have fewer steps, simplifying manufacturing, and they eliminate the need for harsh etches and other materials used in subtractive processes, reducing environmental concerns and minimising the time spent on regulatory documentation.
Covering a technology that is still in its early stages, the design guidelines represent the current consensus on best practices for companies entering this arena, “for the time being,” says IPC director of technology transfer Marc Carter.
Carter explains that along with the publication of IPC/JPCA-2291, an immediate revision of the document is being launched. “That way, as the technology advances, so does IPC/JPCA-2291, ensuring that it continues to reflect industry best practices.
“As we do with all pioneering documents, IPC will continue its work on the design guidelines, in collaboration with JPCA, to secure additional companies’ experiences. We encourage companies with expertise in this area to help by participating in the continuing international consensus-building committee process.”
IPC’s Printed Electronics Initiative is developing additional documents for this emerging industry, including IPC/JPCA-6901 on performance requirements for printed electronics assemblies and the as-yet unnamed printed electronics processing guide which will capture the current best available process advice and guidance in this rapidly developing field. IPC is also developing a roadmap that will help identify needs and strengths of the emerging field of printed electronics.
Companies wishing to participate in IPC’s Printed Electronics Initiative should contact Carter at MarcCarter@ipc.org. More information on IPC and JPCA’s initiative is available at www.ipc.org/printed-electronics
Further reading:
From the editor's desk: Inspiring the next generation
Technews Publishing
News
Welcome to the August issue of
Dataweek. Peter Howells is still on leave, so I am back for this issue. I hope you enjoy the content and find value in it.
August is Women’s Month in South Africa,
...
Read more...
Procurement is becoming a competitive advantage
RS South Africa
News
As mining, manufacturing and industrial businesses continue to navigate rising costs, supply chain disruption and increasing pressure to improve operational performance, procurement and inventory management have become strategic business priorities rather than simply administrative functions.
Read more...
Powell Electronics signs partnership agreement with IOT Electronics
IOT Electronics
News
Powell Electronics has entered into a partnership agreement with IOT Electronics to strengthen its presence across southern Africa.
Read more...
Omniflex delivers ICCP systems across London
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
News
Omniflex has supplied impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems for a range of prominent buildings across London, helping to protect reinforced concrete structures from corrosion and extending their service life.
Read more...
New appointments for Würth Electronics South Africa
Würth Electronics South Africa
News
New appointments for Würth Electronics South Africa
Read more...
MTN celebrates 80 Western Cape digital graduates
News
Eighty unemployed young people from across the Western Cape have successfully completed MTN South Africa’s Digital Skills for Digital Jobs (DS4DJ) programme, earning accredited qualifications in Data Analytics, Systems Development and Cybersecurity.
Read more...
GirlCode Hackathon 2026 kicks off across South Africa and Botswana
News
GirlCode, in partnership with Absa Group, Truecaller, MTN, SAP Fioneer, RS South Africa and other ecosystem partners, successfully hosted the first leg of the 2026 GirlCode Hackathon.
Read more...
Rooibos heads to space
News
A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Local can be international
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of
Dataweek. As you can see from this introduction,
Dataweek’s regular editor, Peter Howells, is on extended leave and I am filling the void in his editor’s column – hopefully without being too boring.
Read more...
Landis+Gyr EMEA introduces new company name: EYKON
News
EYKON is the new company name of Landis+Gyr EMEA, formerly part of the Landis+Gyr Group. The company supports electricity, gas, water and thermal utilities in managing increasingly complex networks, improving operational efficiency and enabling more sustainable use of resources.
Read more...
printer friendly version