Roll-to-roll electronics

The world of semiconductors, displays, computers, printers, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), circuit boards, and many other electronic devices may soon experience a paradigm shift away from silicon chips, according to Glenn Sanders, VP of development at Rolltronics. The company has pioneered a new approach to electronics manufacturing by producing thin-film electronic devices on flexible substrates using roll-to-roll manufacturing techniques. "The first applications will probably involve flexible back planes for IT and PDA devices," says Sanders. Using roll-to-roll manufacturing, Rolltronics plans to work with private companies developing Internet devices, medical imaging equipment, electronic ID tags, electronic books and paper, and a variety of other "transformational" products. Other potential applications include logic, wireless, power, memory, and display components. The devices are constructed as a "sandwich" of five or six thin layers (such as the plastic used in overhead transparencies) laminated into a single unit. "We're still in the prototyping phase, but we expect to have test units in a year and small production quantities in 18 months," says Sanders. For more information, visit the Rolltronics web site at www.rolltronics.com.