Study of the conductive ink wash-out during overmolding

This study explores the efect of the wash-out of conductive inks used during the in-mold electronic process. The infuence of processing conditions and design parameters on wash-out areas during overmolding is analyzed. Using a comprehensive design of experiments approach, factors like the gate type,...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Pascual Cuenca, Enric, Sánchez Soto, Miguel|||0000-0002-0023-5059, Fontdecaba Baig, Enric, Cruz Jesús, Lucía Guadalupe de la|||0000-0001-9009-4503
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/431524
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/431524
https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00170-025-15016-w
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:In-mold electronics
Overmolding
Printed electronics
Ink wash-out
Flm insert–based technology
Polycarbonate
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria dels materials
Descripción
Sumario:This study explores the efect of the wash-out of conductive inks used during the in-mold electronic process. The infuence of processing conditions and design parameters on wash-out areas during overmolding is analyzed. Using a comprehensive design of experiments approach, factors like the gate type, cavity thickness, melt temperature, injection rate, and mold temperature were evaluated. Three gating types, namely, edge, fan, and submarine, were considered. From the statistical analysis, it was demonstrated that the choice of gating type is the most important factor. Cavity thickness is the second most important factor for all three gating types. Reducing cavity thickness and raising melt temperatures generally led to a decrease in wash-out (WO), whereas the efect of injection rate varied depending on the gating method used. Adjusting mold temperature also produced favorable results, emphasizing the importance of ink-to-substrate adhesion. Simulation studies revealed the relationship between shear rate and wash-out area, underscoring the need to control injection parameters. These fndings stressed the importance of meticulous design and processing to minimize wash-out defects, thus advancing in-mold electronic technology and meeting market demands for complex electronic parts