From vision to product – OE-A presents the most innovative ideas and outlooks at LOPEC 2017

 
3D in-mould human-machine interface for automotive applications with printed touch interface (photo: Sabic)

Already in its seventh year, OE-A organizes the OE-A Competition for its members from all the different sectors of organic and printed electronics. Numerous international companies, research institutes and universities take part in this annual competition to present their ideas, prototypes, and concepts. The best submitted projects in each of the three categories – “Prototypes & New Products”; “Freestyle Demonstrator”; and “Publicly Funded Project Demonstrator” – will be honored at LOPEC 2017 in Munich, Germany.

This year there are products and prototypes from the packaging, wearables, smart buildings as well as consumer electronics and automotive sectors. In total, 28 submissions from 12 countries – a new record – will be showcased at the OE-A exhibition booth (Messe Munich, Hall B0, Booth 510) during LOPEC 2017. For example, there will be a jacket featuring illuminating OLED buttons, which are integrated into 3D printed cases, developed by Kent State University. Furthermore, Sabic produced a 3D in-mold human-machine interface which can be used, for example, in automotive applications. What makes this special is the integration of printed electronics, e.g. the touch-interface, conventional electronics and decorative surface all in one component.

Again this year, attendees can cast their votes and choose which demonstrator deserves the “Public Choice Award”. The voters can also win something: an OPV-driven greeting card from OE-A member Armor Group will be raffled off.

The winner of the OE-A Competition 2017 will be announced on Wednesday evening, March 29 during the LOPEC Dinner & Award Show. “By hosting this competition, OE-A supports the ongoing market development of organic and printed electronics. The projects also support young researchers,” says Dr. Klaus Hecker, managing director of OE-A, a working group within VDMA. “This is how we demonstrate how organic and printed electronics can be applied while in turn supporting new ideas and collaboration.”

During LOPEC, OE-A will also present the seventh edition of its Roadmap, to which more than 250 experts have contributed. It describes the progress organic and printed electronics has made in recent years and undertakes a look into the future. OE-A experts have analysed all previously existing applications and technologies and, based on that, formulated the latest trends in the industry. Furthermore, the latest OE-A Business Climate Survey will be presented.

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