Hoffmann + Krippner GmbH & Co. KG & Co. KG
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Printed Electronics

flexible, thin and light

Printed electronics refers to electronic assemblies that are manufactured entirely or partially using the printing process. By using conductive inks and pastes, electrical circuits can be printed directly onto flexible foils or other substrates. This additive manufacturing enables thin, light and flexible electronic assemblies for a wide variety of applications.

Hoffmann + Krippner has been developing and producing printed electronics applications since 1978. Today, at our production site in Buchen, Germany, we turn your idea into a customized printed electronics solution.

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Printed electronics demonstrator film with conductive tracks and integrated functional areas

Functionality and structure of
printed electronics

In printed electronics, insulating, electrically conductive or even semiconducting materials (e.g., silver, carbon or polymer pastes) are applied to flexible carrier materials such as polyester or polyimide. The electronics are printed using a screen printing process. Fully automatic production lines in sheet formats allow for simple and cost-efficient handling, as well as reproducible and durable functional layers.

Conductor paths and sensor surfaces: Customized conductor path layouts or sensor surfaces for capacitive keyboards and touchscreens.

Resistor tracks: Printed, linear resistor tracks for displacement measurements

Heating structures: Printed heating elements

Antennas: RFID and NFC antennas

More information about Printed Electronics in the Induux Wiki.

Two flexible sensor films with printed functional structures and connection contacts

Your printed electronics solution. Your scope of performance.

From a simple functional foil to an integrated solution:
Sie bestimmen, welche Funktionen und Komponenten Ihre Anwendung benötigt.
We combine the right technologies and, on request, also handle the integration.

1. The basis of your printed electronics solution

  • Function

    Printed conductor paths, sensor surfaces, heating structures, antennas or resistors

  • Connection options

    Customized ribbon cable with ZIF, Crimpflex and Duflex connectors or customized connection cable

Transparent Flabeg demonstrator with integrated control surfaces and connection leads

2. Expand your printed electronics solution

Populated flexible circuit with a push-button switch, conductive tracks and electronic components

Component assembly

Low-temperature soldering enables the direct assembly of SMD components on a polyester foil. This allows for space-saving, hybrid electronic applications that offer more freedom in device design.

Detail der abgerundeten Ecke eines schwarzen Touchdisplays im Gehäuse

Touchscreen + display

Touchscreens and displays expand printed functions with dynamic display and operating features. The result is modern HMI solutions with a compact design.

Membrane switch with illuminated keys, coloured status indicators and directional buttons

Lighting

Lighting technology integrated directly onto the foil saves an additional circuit board and thus valuable installation space. Despite the low profile, it enables homogeneous and full-surface illumination.

Folientastatur auf einem schwarzen Trägerteil mit seitlichen Befestigungslaschen

Housing + carrier

Carrier plates and housings provide printed electronic applications with the necessary stability and allow for easy integration into the respective application.

3. Complete solution tailored to your requirements

You receive a 360° worry-free package: one solution, one point of contact!
We take care of the time-consuming coordination of many individual components and services for you.
You define the scope!

Operating unit

Buttons, touch, printed electronics, or a combination of multiple technologies.

Housing

Standard housing or a custom housing solution made of plastic or metal

Electronics

Custom-populated PCBs and LED technology for button backlighting.

Software

Intelligent user guidance or protocols for smooth data transmission

Connectivity

Custom interfaces and IoT connectivity for value-added HMIs

Complete printed electronics control unit with a black front and integrated touch controls
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Design + Development

Mechanics

Mechanical design defines the structure, materials, and ergonomics of the input system. From membrane or glass thickness to integration into housings, a solution is created that can be optimally integrated into the customer application.

Electronics

The electronics of an input system include trace layouts, PCB routing optimization, sensors, and lighting. Custom interfaces and the integration of the signal processing electronics ensure smooth communication with the customer application.

Software

The software is developed individually using compiler, debug, and programming tools. It precisely evaluates the input signals, controls functions, and enables communication with the customer application.

Quality + Sustainability

ISO 9001:2015

We develop and manufacture all input systems in accordance with the ISO 9001:2015 quality management standard

ISO 13485:2016

We develop and manufacture control units for medical devices in accordance with the ISO 13485:2016 quality management standard

ISO 14001:2015

We apply an environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001:2015 for the development and manufacture of our products.

Typical applications of printed electronics

Medical technology:

Position sensors for infusion pumps or hospital beds

Mechanical engineering:

Printed sensors for monitoring production processes

Mobility:

Sensorfolien im Cockpit oder Heizelemente für den Außeneinsatz

White goods:

Printed, illuminated sensor foils for operating kitchen appliances

Vehicle cockpit with a digital display and integrated touch controls in the centre console
Industries + Projects

Individual solutions from Hoffmann + Krippner

Every project requires a precisely coordinated solution. We develop control units and sensor foils that are optimally suited to your application in terms of function, design and robustness – from technology selection to series production.

All services at a glance
Blick – download PDF here!

Short brochure
Graphic box elements for Hoffmann + Krippner

FAQ:

Frequently asked questions about printed electronics

The choice of material depends on the application, environmental conditions and mechanical stress. Surface resistance of the conductive paste, substrate flexibility, and temperature and chemical resistance must be evaluated. PET or PC foils are suitable for flexible applications; polyimide is preferred for high operating temperatures.

Printed electronics applications are manufactured using the screen printing process. The roll-to-roll process or printing in sheet format is used for this. These processes allow for simple and cost-efficient handling, as well as reproducible and durable functional layers. At Hoffmann + Krippner, production lines in sheet format are used.

Classic printed circuit boards (PCBs) are usually rigid, with copper being etched away. Printed electronics are printed directly and layer by layer (additively) onto different materials.

Yes. For example, microcontrollers or LEDs can be glued or soldered directly onto the printed conductor paths.

Printed or hybrid electronics
– welche Technologie passt
for my project?

In printed electronics, functions are
printed entirely onto a carrier material using printing processes,
such as with capacitive keys on foil.

Hybrid electronics combines printed electronics with conventional
electronic components, such as LEDs and ICs. This technology enables many functions in a small space.

Start your project!

New development or redesign?
We are your partner from prototype to series production.

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