Flexible OLED Printed on Plastic Nears Market
roboma | Saturday, November 12th, 2011 | Comments Off
Researchers at the University of Toronto have recently made dramatic advancements in the world of OLED lighting (organic light-emitting diode) by successfully printing super-effecient diodes on plastics. According to the University, the team working on the project achieved “a record efficiency of 50% at 10,000 cd/m2 (a standard florescent light has a brightness of approximately 8,000 cd/m2), which is at least two times more efficient than the conventional OLED.” An OLED is a light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compounds that can be printed on a substrate and which emit light in response to an electric current.
The implications for manufacturing are tremendous. Once this technology hits commercial scale, it could be used for electronic advertisements, interior decorations glowing curtains or even wallpaper that replaces the need for lights. However, even before those types of advanced applications, we’ll probably start to see this technology on smaller devices where glass will be replaced with plastic in order to reduce weight and, most importantly, reduce cost. In the video below, one of the researchers on the project explains how OLED technology works, how close they are to making this commercially viable, and how it will be used by the industry.
Creating the Digital Displays of Tomorrow from U of T Engineering on Vimeo.
While Hallmark Nameplate hasn’t printed OLEDs as of yet, we do have experience printing other forms of electroluminescent. Most commonly this has come in the form of backlighting graphics which are used for superthin signage that is easily seen both during the day and when lit up in low lighting. We’re currently working on capacitive switches that take advantage of the electric currents within our own bodies and will be posting on those projects in near future.
If you have project that you feel could benefit from electroluminescent technology, request a fast, free bid/quote or ask us a question.
