Silver ink advanced printing creates narrow traces on PET

Molex has developed the capability to print high-performing silver flexible circuits on economical polyester substrates with traces as narrow as 0.13mm and spacing as small as 0.13mm. The process creates a viable, cost-effective alternative to traditional flexible circuits, etched copper traces on polyimide and PCBs. The company has also developed a method to overcome restrictions on attaching fine-pitch, IC based components on PET. “Designers must fit ever-smaller components and traces on limited real estate,” said Dan Dawiedczyk, director of marketing, Molex. “Polyimide can accommodate that need, but is more expensive than PET. As an alternative to copper circuits, Molex has the option to use new silver ink technology and advanced printing to screen extremely fine traces on PET in a wide variety of applications.” Dawiedczyk noted that in addition to reducing costs by applying silver traces to PET, those traces are inherently less expensive than copper etching and associated processing. Additionally, the manufacturing of the Silver Flexible Circuits does not require harsh chemicals or a waste treatment facility. The new technology allows the attachment of fine-pitch (0.50mm) IC based components on PET via a proprietary bonding process using traditional SMT equipment. That process also enables attachment of right angle LEDs, enabling enhanced backlighting for user-interface applications. In the final step of the attachment process, a UV-cured encapsulant is used to protect the solder joints, making it possible for them to withstand vibration and mechanical shock.