The printed electronics market bears similarities to the membrane switch field. The ability to print electronic circuits is essential for both fields. Not surprisingly, there are a few membrane switch specialists who are making their mark in the field of printed electronics.
 
Memtronik Innovations is definitely showing its capabilities in printed electronics. Founded in 1994, Memtronik now employs close to 100 employees. It is a privately held Canadian company and has traditionally supplied into applications that include appliances, transportation, industrial instrumentation and medical equipment.
 
The company has grown from a conventional membrane touch switch supplier to a highly automated, flexible manufacturer of a variety of solutions. This permits Memtronik to address a much broader market with innovation a consistent theme in the evolution of the organization.
 
Memtronik Innovations was recently honored with the CPES2016 Commercialization Award from the Canadian Printable Electronics Industry Association (CPEIA). Memtronik was selected for developing capacitive touch and illuminated displays prototypes for the retail industry. These functional printed circuits include capacitive sensors, conductive adhesive and controlled LED lighting for use in 3D displays.
 
“It is an honor to be recognized by the CPEIA and our peers” said Jessica Forget, VP for Memtronik. “It is always rewarding to have special efforts and accomplishments noted by our customers and peers. We look forward to the business anticipated from that particular program identified, as well as results from interest the award is generating.”
 
Memtronik is targeting a combination of traditional and new markets for its technologies.
 
“In addition to the traditional markets, which continue to support the company, new directions include the wearables sector and in-mold applications,” Forget noted. “Memtronik is enjoying business in both of these nascent fields and expects volumes to build in the near-term. Additional interest is also being generated as Memtronik becomes better-known.”
 
Among Memtronik’s latest innovations is its new 7-segment LED display, which is embedded in the membrane switch. The display eliminates the need for a PCB. In addition, a loudspeaker can also be integrated into the membrane switch.
 
As is the case with membrane switches, printing does play a key role in Memtronik’s products, with screenprinting remaining dominant.
 
“Predominant styles of printing use screens and inkjet equipment,” Forget said. “The respective advantages allow a broad range of products to be offered, with an excellent result in either case.”
 
“The final products are reliable, cost-effective and have higher current-carrying capabilities that some of the alternatives,” she added. “With the methodology and equipment used, competitive products can be provided on a consistent basis with high performance, great reliability and a much lower environmental footprint than some other options.”
 
Forget said that Memtronik expects to see continued growth, with shifts beyond traditional applications to more integrated designs, using newer materials and technologies.
 
“Wearables and moulded applications are likely the next high-growth segments for printed electronics, where stretchable inks able to withstand the processing conditions are now being offered commercially,” he concluded. “Integration of wireless technology is also envisioned.”