The Printed Revolution: How Printed Electronics Is Transforming Industry

Printed electronics is emerging as a disruptive technology that is redefining the limits of industrial innovation. Thanks to its multiple advantages, such as weight and cost reduction, the use of flexible substrates, and more agile manufacturing processes, this technology is gaining ground in key sectors such as automotive, home appliances, and healthcare.

For those new to this topic: printed electronics consists of manufacturing electronic devices using printing techniques such as screen printing, inkjet, or other printing methods. It uses functional inks (conductive, semiconductive, and dielectric) on flexible substrates such as PET and PC mainly, but also on biodegradable and more sustainable polymers, allowing for the efficient and sustainable creation of circuits, lighting systems, sensors, and antennas.

Where do we use it?

Automotive

The automotive industry, a leader in the integration of printed electronics into its products, has adopted it to integrate sensors, LED lighting systems, and touch surfaces directly into plastic components. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts, weight (by up to 70%), and thickness (by up to 80%), improving energy efficiency, competitiveness, and user experience.

Home Appliances

In white goods, printed electronics enables interactive surfaces without mechanical buttons, facilitating cleaner and more functional designs. The integration of sensors and controls directly into plastic panels enhances aesthetics and usability.

Medical Sector

Personalized medicine benefits from flexible biosensors and electronic patches that monitor vital signs in real time. These wearable devices are lightweight, adaptable, and can be produced on a large scale at low cost.

Printed electronics also stands out for its contribution to industrial sustainability:

• Lower energy consumption: Printing processes require less energy than traditional subtractive methods.
• Waste reduction: By using only the necessary material, waste is minimized and recycling is facilitated.
• Eco-friendly materials: Bio-based or water-based inks and more sustainable substrates are being developed, enabling greener electronics.

CIDETEC Surface Engineering: 25 Years of Experience Leading Innovation

CIDETEC Surface Engineering has been working in the field of printed electronics for over 25 years. In 2005, it patented a pioneering sensor technology and has since participated actively in both internal and collaborative projects at national and European levels.

Over the past three years, CIDETEC Surface Engineering has made a significant strategic investment that has consolidated its position as a European benchmark in the field. Its new Printed Electronics HUB is equipped with state-of-the-art systems for integrating electronics into plastic components, including the NIEBLING SAMK 720 high-pressure thermoforming system, the only one of its kind in Spain.

This HUB not only drives advanced research but is also prepared to transfer knowledge and scale solutions to the market, offering companies a technological partner capable of accelerating their competitiveness through functional and sustainable innovation.

Printed electronics is not only transforming products and processes but also redefining how we conceive sustainability in industry. With centers like CIDETEC leading the way, this technology promises to be a cornerstone in the evolution toward smarter, more efficient, and more eco-friendly manufacturing.