720091Printing Quantum Tunnelling Inks with Reel-to-Reel ProcessesClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKPeratech is a small company progressing a unique and patented piece of science which is proving to have high commercial value. ‘Quantum Tunnel Composites’ (QTCs) are pressuresensitive materials that are capable of increasing the functionality of many types of touch sensitive device, ranging from textile switches to touch-pads and touch-screens (one version of the material is an extremely sensitive substance with a resistance range of more than one trillion ohms under fingertip pressures). The use of QTC can significantly reduce the component count in such devices, and hence their build-costs. Peratech develops and makes bespoke forms of QTCs to meet customers’ requirements and then sells licences for their use. The company holds the worldwide patents for QTCs and is the only supplier. One form of QTC is a screen printing ink which allows the active component of unique types of switches, keypads, sensors and touch-screens to be printed. However, at the moment not all factors affecting the performance of the material in ink form are understood. Additionally, there are many devices where the ability to use other types of printing (e.g. flexography, lithography etc.) would open up even more applications. This project concerns the use of Peratech’s innovative Quantum Tunnelling (QT) Ink in the manufacture of touch screens. The project will develop a range of inks based upon this material, enabling Peratech to introduce the x-y-z touch responsiveness of their QT ink to a far wider range of markets. In addition, the project work will increase the understanding of the properties of QTC ink systems and hence improve their application technology and robustness. The work will be carried out by Peratech and a subcontractor: the PETEC facility of the Centre for Process Innovation, part of the High Value Manufacturing Technology Innovation Centre.