What is PyzoFlex®?
PyzoFlex® is a fully printed sensor technology based on a printable polymer ink. The transducer is manufactured using a screen printing process, which enables printing of customized sensors of specific shape and size on a variety of substrates including plastic film, paper, glass and metal. We are able to comply to customers' needs at a low cost. Our ferroelectric sensor ink allows a system to detect changes in temperature (∆T; pyroelectric), pressure (∆P; piezoelectric) as well as structure born sound (Hz; vibration). Due to the sensing principle of PyzoFlex®, the transducers themselves do not require a power supply and in fact can also be used for energy harvesting.
PyzoFlex® technology consists of:
(i) Transducer: Know-how and patents regarding the production and processing of polymer- or nanocomposite inks as well as the printing of these inks on various materials and thus the production of components with functional layers and structures
(ii) Sensor-specific electronics: Know-how for data processing and communication of sensor signals
(iii) Software: Customer or application-specific interpretation of sensor signals, thus resulting in devices for different applications in IoT, consumer electronics, security, industry 4.0, automotive, smart textiles, smart living and life science, sport and many more.
Even the smallest changes in pressure, temperature or vibration generate charges in the sensor layer. These charges migrate to the sensor-electrodes and are read out as voltage/current signals using application-specific electronics. The signal level is proportional to the intensity of the respective stimulus, thus allowing not only detection of the location of contact, but also its intensity.
Pyroelectric
Piezoelectric
Flexible
Vibroacoustics
PVDF-TrFE, the core material for our PyzoFlex® technology is sourced from Piezotech/Arkema, a close partner for many years.