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An ongoing research effort has developed a pioneering micro-manufacturing system for integration of LEDs to produce light emitting systems and foils. The concept brings high-speed and self-assembling methods to production lines for small structures, with potential applications in a wide range of sectors.
The 'High-throughput production platform for the manufacture of light emitting components’ (LIGHT-ROLLS) project brings together researchers from industry and research institutes in eight countries. Their manufacturing platform is based on RMPD®-rotation, a patented process technology to generate three-dimensional (3D) polymer structures using a fast generative manufacturing process. Other innovations to be incorporated are new self-assembling chip methods and high-resolution and speed-conductive track generation and interconnection based on ink-jet and laser printing technologies.
The team has built a prototype for the rotation unit and confirmed the validity of the concept. They have also developed a suitable surface functionalisation process for the self-assembly of dies, and selected and tested suitable inks and print heads that are compatible with other system parts.
The team has successfully validated the integration of a 2x2 array of 0.25 mm, blue GaN LED chips on to a flexible substrate using the RMPD®-mask process. The overall thickness of the part is 0,45 mm. Key parameters which the researchers will test include the flexibility, efficiency, colour, operating life and thermal-management capabilities. Another key issue is defining the architecture of the process control software. The researchers are analysing the needs of the production line and setting out the main parameters of the information technology (IT) systems needed to control it.
Work on the EU-funded project will continue until the end of 2012. The opportunities for the European manufacturing industry are potentially significant. First industrial users are identified, but new partners are welcome.
For details contact project office
Dr. Reiner Goetzen
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and
Dr. David Gonzalez
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http://www.micotec-d.com |
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