EURIPIDES CERAMJET

The CERAMJET project was aimed at the main ceramic components and interconnection manufacturers in Europe, with the expectation of dramatic competitive advantages, using a rupture innovative technology. Targeted direct and immediate applications of the CERAMJET were: MLCCS (capacitors), fine-line thick-film circuitry.

In each of these domains, several manufacturing technologies are necessary to design electronic components (screen printing, tape casting, cutting, and lamination). These technologies request specific tools and each set limitations to the design, as well as to the level of achievable discrete resolution. Inkjet printing technology dedicated to electronic materials allows users to design in digitally 3D multi-material electronic components in one single step of contact-less and tool-less manufacturing. Its discrete printing resolution level is below 50μm and its additional features enable the production of elements with new and more competitive and challenging designs.

CERAMJET consortium unified a laboratory in process science (SPCTS), a worldwide leader in manufacturing of precious metals, an equipment manufacturer in the field of printed electronics and three main repre- sentatives of the main ceramic electronics applications (c-Mac).
 
The results were very positive. Indeed, complex thick film circuits were printed and reached the same performances after sintering as screen printing (conductivity, sticking…). Multi-layered ceramic capacitors were shaped in a single stage of manufacturing and they were sintered without cracks or delamination. Finally, a new inkjet printer was introduced to the market and already released in more than 10 models for the ceramic industry, but also to the organic printing world, for the shaping OLEDs, organic photovoltaic or electronic circuits on flat and flexible substrates.
 
The CERAMJET project has been positive for the whole consortium. The three years of development have allowed the marketing of a new printer, made in France, for the highest added value sectors of electronics and newer energy technologies. The business turnover and hirings were accomplished thanks to the marketing of inkjet printing equipment. 
 
Some 24 to 36 months of additional development will be necessary for industrial customers (components manufacturers and project partners) to generate the full added value. The results of this project are positive enough for Eurofarad and c-Mac to continue their collaboration with Ceradrop.
 
It is also important to mention that this project allowed Eurofarad and SPCTS to proceed with another collaborative project in the development of new magnetic components manufactured by inkjet printing processes.
 
Ceradrop, as project leader on behalf of all partners, expressed its thanks to EURIPIDES, DGCIS, the Limousin Region authorities and the European FEDER funding as well as all their personnel for their dynamic and pro-active help and support, to solve the difficulties met during the course of CERAMJET project.