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Printable Electronics
Overview
North East England is leading the way with a technology that allows electronic circuits to be made using specially developed semi-conductive materials in a process similar to inkjet printing.
Printable electronics is a much simpler and cheaper process than the traditional means of producing circuits, and is already transforming the way many types of products will be made.
A striking example of this is the development of polymer-based light-emitting diodes (PLEDS). A number of companies are creating these flat, thin devices that offer ground-breaking options in lighting technology.
The technology has been taken up by companies such as Thorn Lighting, which has a large plant at Spennymoor in County Durham. The company is working on a project to produce ultra-thin plastic sheets that can emit light of sunlight intensity and will use a fraction of the energy of a conventional light bulb.
Other firms taking advantage of the expertise and support offered by the Printable Electronics Technology Centre (PETEC) include PolyPhotonix, based at NETPark, which is developing printable lighting technologies for the automotive and architectural markets.
DuPont Teijin Films and the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) have collaborated in a project at Wilton Central to manufacture new polymers for use in printed circuits.
Another specialist polymer maker is Epigem, at Redcar in Tees Valley, which is producing material for use in lighting and display systems.
To discuss investing in this sector contact our Inward Investment Support Team
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is an internationally renowned R&D facility for the Advanced Manufacturing and Chemicals sector. 
The Printable Electronics Technology Centre (PETEC) is a new design, development and prototyping facility.
One North East is the Regional Development Agency (RDA) covering North East England.-
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