Printing transparent grid patterns with conductive silver ink with flexography

The printed electronics market, according to market research firm IDTechEx, is slated to grow from $16.04 billion in 2013 to$76.79 billion in 2023. Printing transparent grids with a known printing process such as flexography is attractive to this market because transparent grids are part of the fast-growing touch screen market (amongst others , and flexography offers a lowcost/high-volume print platform that can handle a variety of substrates, high press speeds, roll-toroll (R2R) printing, and the ability to handle different ink rheologies. However, flexography has print characteristics that can be problematic for printed electronics such as high image (feature) gain and the ability to hold fine images (features) in the (relief) printing plate. This study used a “banded” anilox roll, which has multiple volumes and cell counts separated into bands, conductive nano-silver, water-based ink, and a PET substrate and printed on a commercial flexo narrow- web press. The process parameters studied included types of sticky back, anilox cell count/volume, plate imaging, and plate surface morphology. The printed transparent grid patterns were evaluated for conductivity, which was measured with a Digital Multimeter; and transparency, which was measured with a transmission densitometer. The results of the study showed that when the photopolymer plates were imaged at a resolution of 000dpi and with a “flat top dot” (1:1 file - image) exposure technique, the flexo plate was able to hold a minimum of 6.35 microns line width. The 6.35 microns lines were successfully printed on the press and produced the conductive lines. Types of sticky back and different anilox cell volumes have an impact on measured resistance of the grid pattern. $ high modulus, or “¿rm” sticky back tape with a low screen count/high-volume anilox (800 cpi/2.85bcm) resulted in the lowest (\u3c15 ohms) resistance. In addition, the introduction of plate surface texture during the platemaking lowered resistance. The grid pattern shapes of diamond/square and hexagon yielded the best transmissivity (above 92%). The study proved that commercially available flexographic materials and optimized process parameters could improve the printability and performance of transparent grid patterns with conductive inks

The Impact of Simulated Kraft Substrates on Consumer Attention at the Point of Sale

In order to remain on store shelves and stay competitive among the overwhelming number of packaged goods on today’s shelves, companies continue to cut packaging material and increase sustainability. Current packaging has made use of a variety of paperboard materials including Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS), Coated Recycled Board (CRB) and Uncoated Recycled Board (URB), also known as Kraft. While both SBS and CRB feature a smooth, white printing surface ideal for high quality graphics, Kraft is typically associated with a dull printing surface and lower-quality graphics. Companies and brands interested in marketing to the eco-friendly consumer are printing a simulated Kraft look on SBS and CRB board rather than utilizing a natural Kraft substrate. The packages printed on natural Kraft substrate (URB) or simulated Kraft substrate (CRB) may or may not affect attention of the consumer when shopping. This research sought to investigate this by using eye-tracking metrics collected from participants in a retail-shopping environment. Statistical analysis yielded no significant difference for participant’s attention when shopping for packages made from (URB) or (CRB). This study illustrates how consumer attention can factor into purchasing products packaged with Kraft substrate compared to products packed with simulated Kraft substrate

CHANGES IN BALANCE AND JOINT POSITION SENSE DURING A 12-DAY HIGH ALTITUDE TREK

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in postural control and knee joint position sense (KJPS) during a trek to high altitude. Postural control during standing balance and KJPS were measured in 12 participants at sea-level, 3619m, 4600m and 5140m. Total (p = 0.003, d=1.9) and anterior-posterior sway velocity (p= 0.001, d=1.9) during standing balance with eyes open velocity was significantly greater at altitudes of 3619m and 5140m when compared with sea level. Despite a gradual ascent profile, exposure to 3619 m was associated with impairments in postural control. Importantly, these impairments did not worsen at higher altitudes. The present findings should be considered during future trekking expeditions when considering specific strategies to manage impairments in postural control that occur with increasing altitude

Changes in balance and joint position sense during a 12-day high altitude trek

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in postural control and knee joint position sense (KJPS) during a trek to high altitude. Postural control during standing balance and KJPS were measured in 12 participants at sea-level, 3619m, 4600m and 5140m. Total (p = 0.003, d=1.9) and anterior-posterior sway velocity (p= 0.001, d=1.9) during standing balance with eyes open velocity was significantly greater at altitudes of 3619m and 5140m when compared with sea level. Despite a gradual ascent profile, exposure to 3619 m was associated with impairments in postural control. Importantly, these impairments did not worsen at higher altitudes. The present findings should be considered during future trekking expeditions when considering specific strategies to manage impairments in postural control that occur with increasing altitude