AMC（Additive Manufacturing Center）

AMC is a co-creation organization that closely works with customers through trial and error, from casual experimentation to mass production. AMC hopes to bring AM(*) inkjet manufacturing to more fields through this endeavor.

*AM (additive manufacturing) is a manufacturing method that uses inkjet and other techniques to selectively layer materials on the targeted area. Achieving waste-free manufacturing through digital technologies is essential in Industry 4.0 as well as Society 5.0, and is thought to contribute to the SDGs.

Common misconceptions in IJ technology development and Elephantech’s support

Any liquid can be used
There are certain ink properties that are required for inkjet printing suitability, making other manufacturing methods more suitable in some cases.
→ We will evaluate the liquid (ink)’s suitability for inkjet printing based on its properties. In addition, we will compare and verify against other manufacturing methods to help select the most appropriate manufacturing method from a productivity and cost perspective.
All printheads can draw equally
Each company’s inkjet printhead has its own characteristics and the characteristics of the inks it specializes in differ from company to company.
→ We will select the inkjet printhead that is the best match for the ink you wish to use based on the characteristics of each company’s inkjet printhead and provide support in terms of discharge evaluation, drawing evaluation and system construction.
Inkjet makes drawing easy
The waveform, voltage and drawing conditions must be set according to the ink. Fine tuning of the pre- and post-processing on the substrate‘s side is also of great importance, requiring comprehensive adjustments.
→ We will evaluate the liquid (ink)’s suitability for inkjet printing based on its properties. In addition, we will compare and verify against other manufacturing methods to help select the most appropriate manufacturing method from a productivity and cost perspective.
Inkjet technologies are easy to use (easy to systemize)
Inkjet printheads require a variety of adjustments depending on the ink and is a technology that is built up step by step according to your requirements. From a reliability standpoint, there are many items that need to be checked.
→ Reliability is essential in building a mass production system. We will work along with not only printhead makers but also material and equipment manufacturers to support your development.
Mass production will be quickly achievable if the results of the sample works are satisfactory
The road to mass production is a lengthy one, requiring a great deal of time and effort to be put into its preparation, including evaluating various aspects and scrutinizing costs. With a proven track record in mass production, Elephantech can propose a variety of solutions.
→ We will continue to advance the sample works while simultaneously evaluating the hurdles and scenarios that await in the lead up to mass production. We will provide you with appropriate solutions to each of these challenges, including the involvement of third parties when necessary.
Inkjet systems are inexpensive to set up
Industrial printing systems are designed on the premise that they are to be used with special inks and there are also high requirements in terms of print accuracy. As such, high precision, and therefore expensive, systems are needed to ensure continuous stable drawing.
→ Building a system requires coordination with printhead makers, control board manufacturers, equipment makers, suppliers and such on various levels, all of which can end up very costly if not conducted efficiently while keeping the key points in focus. We fully grasp the characteristics of each company and can provide you with the best proposal. In addition, we can provide you with a business prototyping environment through our prototyping and manufacturing services.

Elephantech’s role in society

In the world of inkjet manufacturing too, we see companies with technologies and budgets overcome the Valley of Death only to get stuck in a second Valley of Death (VoD2).

Elephantech will match large corporations (Launch Customers) with technologies and projects facing VoD2, using the Launch Customers’ PoC budget to set milestones that lead into the mass production phase in Stage 4 and playing the role of driving prototyping processes simultaneously for both business and manufacturing.

Example 1: In the case of flex PCB, Elephantech’s innovation development was combined with the underlying technologies of material suppliers, printhead makers and equipment makers to bring about a scenario in which mass production is successfully achieved by researching technologically feasible and cost-matched specs that satisfy user needs. P-Flex is in Stage 4 as its ultimate goal is to take the production line to market.

Example 2: In the case of IMPC, Elephantech’s innovation development and development support activities were combined with a large number of suppliers as well as Launch Customers such as Tier 1 automotive suppliers to guide mass production users with PoC in their pursuit of mass production while achieving technological superiority, target cost and durability. Stage 3 projects have already been announced.

The Four Areas Trargeted by the AMC

AMC aims to promote AM in all industries, with a particular focus on the following areas

Electronics

Ink
Metal Nanoparticles Inks, Catalyst ink, insulating materials (SR ink, etc.), carbon inks (CNT, etc.), transparent conductive material inks (PEDOT, etc.), glowing inks (for LEC, etc.), solar cell related materials, semiconductor inks, pretreatment agents (primers, etc.), decorative printing inks, etc.

Substrate
PET, PI, PC, low-k materials, biocompatible materials, disposable materials, etc.

Technological applications for P-Flex®
Development of IMPC™ related technologies (resin housing, wiring, connector integrated molding, etc.)

Healthcare

Biosensors, etc.

Enzymes, transducers, mediators, insulating layers, etc.

With the present manufacturing method (silk screen printing), the simultaneous coating of multiple enzymes is limited by contamination issues during printing and drying as enzymes for biosensors are deactivated at high temperatures. Inkjet printing provides an attractive solution including in terms of productivity.

Textile

The use of inkjet printer in textiles is one of the sector that has grown enormously in the last 5-10 years. It has already become a major dyeing method, especially in Europe, where it is appreciated for its low environmental impact. EPSON's print heads are also widely used in this field, and if we developed some kind of functional ink, there are many potential users who would be able to use them immediately.

Expected functionalities

Addition of Dyeing
Addition of textures (hardness, sharpness, punchiness, etc.)
Addition of antibacterial, waterproofing, deodorant and other properties.

Optics

This is a field in which the functions of an optical system is added to transparent materials with a controled refractive index by placing them in desired areas. In particular, there is great expectation for applications in GRIN lenses where shapes that can only be achieved by AM can be useful in a wide range of scenes.

Expected functionalities
・Freedom in setting of refractive index (GRIN lens, etc.), cuts specific frequencies, etc.
・High transparency
・Cuts specific frequencies

AMC（Additive Manufacturing Center）

Services and Support

Common misconceptions in IJ technology development and Elephantech’s support

Elephantech’s role in society

The Four Areas Trargeted by the AMC

Articles concerning the AMC

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