Screen Printing Imaging Technologies for Fine Features in Printed Electronics Applications

This paper investigated the commercially available imaging technologies for screen printing to produce fine feature size less than 50 microns. The technologies discussed include emulsions such as direct emulsion, capillary film, and mesh alternative such as metal plating. The mesh quality affects the feature size. There were three types meshes examined, which include calendered stainless steel mesh, electroformed mesh, and stencil. The results showed that the mesh structure affects the size of fine feature greatly. Another factor is the type of emulsion being applied. The emulsion with smaller particle sizes are able to hold smaller features. The orientation of the feature to the mesh also plays important role. To achieve uniform feature width, the features cannot be placed with the same angle to the mesh. The results suggested that woven structure impacts the ink flow after the ink is pushed through the mesh. Electroformed mesh can produce features with better edge definition than woven mesh.