A semi-continuous Roll-to-Roll (R2R) electrohydrodynamic jet printing system. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sutanto, Erick; Alleyne, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Mechatronics. Volume 31(2015)
• Page Start: 243
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Manufacturing -- Flexible electronics -- Roll-to-roll fabrication -- Electrohydrodynamic jet printing -- Iterative Learning Control; Computer integrated manufacturing systems -- Periodicals; Flexible manufacturing systems -- Periodicals; Mechatronics -- Periodicals; Productique -- Périodiques; Fabrication, Systèmes flexibles de -- Périodiques; Mécatronique -- Périodiques; Computer integrated manufacturing systems; Flexible manufacturing systems; Mechatronics; Periodicals; 629.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mechatronics.2015.08.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-4158

Abstract

Abstract: This article presents the initial integration of a new and novel additive manufacturing process with a web-based transport of a flexible substrate. The manufacturing process is the Electro-hydrodynamic Jet (E-Jet) printing process and the transport is a Roll-to-Roll (R2R) system. E-Jet printing affords a wide array of materials to be deposited at very fine resolutions, on the order of microns. The combination of E-Jet printing and R2R enables fabrication of flexible electronics and other novel flexible systems such as bio-sensors and optics. The design of a custom R2R system is presented, including the mechatronic integration of hardware and software architectures. A Norm-Optimal Iterative Learning Controller is coupled with a Linear Quadratic controller to control web motion and tension, both of which are important for accurate E-Jet printing. Results are presented demonstrating the ability to accurately position the web for printing. Subsequently, printing results are demonstrated for both conductive and non-conductive inks. The results demonstrate the clear feasibility for fine scale printing, suitable for flexible electronics, on a continuous R2R process.