ALUSolder project develops resource-saving electronics based on low-cost aluminium PCBs
The innovations developed in the ALUSolder project position the project partners involved as pioneers in the industry. Their lightweight electronic modules and the use of printed circuit boards made of aluminum make them more cost-effective, sustainable and resource-saving products.
As part of the innovation network Hidronik: Hybrid systems with printed electronics, which is coordinated by ENERGIEregion Nürnberg e.V., Plasma Innovations GmbH is working on the ALUSolder project together with the companies Powerlyze GmbH and PCB-Systems GmbH as well as Nuremberg Institute of Technology. The aim is to develop resource-saving electronics based on a newly developed aluminum circuit board. The project work is funded by the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) and IraSME (International research activities by small- and medium-sized enterprises).
The use of aluminum in the printed circuit board instead of copper makes it possible to switch to more cost-effective and more readily available materials. This reduces the CO2 footprint during production and conserves valuable raw material resources. It also leads to weight savings. In the case of the IMS (insulated metal substrate) board variant, which was also developed, there are further advantages in terms of recycling.
Excellent market prospects
In view of the growing awareness of sustainability and resource conservation among consumers and companies, the demand for corresponding electronics is expected to increase significantly. The resulting weight saving thanks to the new PCB is a further advantage - especially when the requirements for mobile applications are considered.
In addition to the use of climate-friendly technology, there are new opportunities for the users in terms of fully automated, flexible production of PCBs at their own site as well as significant savings in logistics and production.
The innovations developed in the ALUSolder project position the project partners involved as pioneers in the industry. Their lightweight electronic modules and the use of printed circuit boards made of aluminum make them more cost-effective, sustainable and resource-saving products.
Technical summary of the ALUSolder project
The aim of the project is to develop a surface and soldering technology based on surface mount technology (SMT) for the production of flexible electronics using aluminum as a conductor track material to substitute copper circuit boards. The soldering of SMT components on flexible aluminum conductor structures (ALUSolder) based on the combination of surface finishing, solder paste, process control and system technology is a novelty on the market to date. In combination, this results in a new process for surface mounting technology on aluminum PCBs for electronics production. Corresponding long-term test procedures and design guidelines for the layout on these new substrates are being developed in parallel in the project.
The project is funded by the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand) and IraSME (International research activities by small- and medium-sized enterprises). The project costs amount to €960,000, the funding amount is €657,000.
Partners in the ALUSolder project
Plasma Innovations GmbH
Plasma Innovations GmbH, founded in Austria in 2012, is a pioneer in the field of digital direct metallization (DDM). As an innovative research, development and manufacturing company, it offers a wide range of modular systems and consumables for the production of LED lights, PCBs and MID components. Plasma Innovations GmbH is a specialist in surface functionalization and plasma technologies and develops new coating technology for aluminium surfaces. It also has many years of experience in plant engineering and production automation.
www.plasma-innovations.com
Powerlyze GmbH
As a test and inspection laboratory for electronic assemblies, Powerlyze GmbH from Nuremberg has a high level of expertise in carrying out standard-compliant reliability tests from all areas of environmental simulation as well as adequately analysing, characterising and evaluating damage through stress tests.
www.powerlyze.gmbh
PCB-Systems GmbH
PCB-Systems GmbH from Bad Aibling is an EMS (electronic manufacturing services) service provider which, in addition to PCB design, also offers hardware and software development as well as the subsequent assembly of the PCBs, including completion into a complete device/system.
www.pcb-systems.de
Nuremberg Institute of Technology Georg Simon Ohm
With more than 13,000 students, Nuremberg Institute of Technology Georg Simon Ohm (TH Nuremberg) is one of the largest universities in Germany. At the Institute for Chemistry, Material and Product Development (OHM-CMP) at the TH, application-related research and development projects are carried out in cooperation with partners from science and industry, including modern assembly and connection technology as well as process technology for printed electronics.
www.th-nuernberg.de
About Hidronik: Hybrid systems with printed electronics and ENERGIEregion Nürnberg e.V.
The Hidronik innovation network develops hybrid concepts, products and materials that combine the advantages of printed and conventional electronics. The network brings together suitable partner companies and research institutions. Solutions are developed and subsequently commercialised by means of joint research and development projects. The network is managed by ENERGIEregion Nürnberg e.V.
The initiative ENERGIEregion Nürnberg e.V., as a central network platform for the future fields of energy and the environment in the Nuremberg metropolitan region, has been acting as a driving force for innovative projects and as a showcase for regional energy expertise since 2001. Its aim is to promote the intelligent use of energy and resources.
Through dialog platforms, project initiatives and other services, the ENERGY Region promotes the regional transfer of technology and knowledge and strengthens the regional networking and cooperation among its 85 members. Thus, stakeholders from business, research, politics, administration, chambers and associations are working together on a secure, cost-effective, climate-friendly, accepted and sustainable energy supply for the Nuremberg metropolitan region.
www.hidronik.de
www.energieregion.de
Caption: Innovative aluminum-based printed circuit board. (Picture: ALUSolder project)