Advanced Silicone Additive Production for MIDs
Duration: 01.11.2025 – 31.10.2027
Description
The main research objective of ASAP-MID is the fabrication and characterization of silicone hybrid parts consisting of an unfilled substrate and a conductive structure on the surface. These hybrid parts can be used as intrinsically flexible circuit substrates, enablers for contacting dielectric elastomer actuators, EMG sleeves, or soft grippers with integrated sensors. Compared to state-of-the-art flexible electronics on film substrates, these silicone hybrid components offer intrinsic flexibility in all directions. Although preliminary experience has already been gained in the metallization of silicone surfaces and additive manufacturing with conductive silicones, there is little data available on performance characteristics, particularly under mechanical stress, which is why a comprehensive characterization is to be conducted. In addition, required part properties will be generated from the user’s perspective so that specific design guidelines and processing parameters can be derived for successful use in an industrial setting. Research is also being conducted on an extrusion and printhead system for processing the various silicone systems, and the process control is being adapted accordingly.
Research objective
One of the project’s objectives is to provide the companies on the project advisory board with a functional material system featuring customized equipment, which they can then use to develop innovative, product-specific concepts. Research findings, such as achievable component properties or design guidelines, are immediately transferred to industry. Interested companies will be able to immediately apply the insights gained, incorporate them into future developments, and produce conductive structures on silicon for various applications.
Benefits and economic significance for small and medium-sized enterprises
Due to their size, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rarely have their own research and development departments and therefore often rely on the expertise of external companies and partners. Through the preliminary development carried out as part of the project, the participating companies benefit directly from the project’s outcomes and thereby gain a competitive edge in innovation. The exemplary applications can also serve as a starting point and reference for other related applications. To facilitate the transfer of research results to industry, the potential partners are represented on the project committee along the entire process chain, all the way to the end user.
Research institutes and contact persons
For further contact details, please contact the office.
- FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
Lehrstuhl für Fertigungsautomatisierung und Produktionssystematik - FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg Lehrstuhl für Polymerwerkstoffe
