A STRENGTHENED PORTFOLIO OF POLYMER THICK FILM INKS

Heraeus Electronics is a globally recognised provider of advanced materials used in the assembly and packaging of electronic devices. As a solution provider, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio, including bonding wires, assembly materials, substrates and thick film pastes (TFPs). All products are designed to meet the increasing demands for miniaturisation, reliability and performance in modern electronic devices. 

Heraeus Electronics has built a strong reputation in the field of printed electronics, particularly through its thick film business line. With the strategic acquisition of PriElex in 2024, Heraeus Electronics is expanding its capabilities in polymer thick film (PTF) inks. As a result, new opportunities are being brought to engineers and product developers across industries.

PriElex has built a strong reputation for delivering high-performance materials tailored to flexible and low-temperature applications. This acquisition enhances Heraeus Electronics’ ability to serve the growing demand for printed electronics. Particularly, in sectors such as medical devices, automotive, smart packaging and internet of things (IoT).

Ryan Banfield, PriElex Product Manager, comments, “With PriElex, we’re not just expanding our product line – we’re expanding what’s possible in printed electronics.” He continues, “This integration gives engineers access to a broader range of functional materials, backed by Heraeus Electronics’ global support and commitment to innovation.”

“PriElex inks are already being used in diverse applications”

At the core of PriElex’s offerings are PTF pastes, also referred to as electronic inks or low-temperature pastes. These materials are engineered for printing on flexible substrates, such as PET, paper and textiles. It makes them ideal for applications where traditional rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs) are unsuitable.

Key benefits of PTF inks include low-temperature curing, which enables processing on heat-sensitive substrates without compromising performance. In addition, mechanical flexibility supports bendable, stretchable and conformal electronics. Furthermore, PTF inks are compatible with high-volume printing methods, such as screen and inkjet, making it cost-effective. They also reduce energy consumption and solvent-based formulations, lowering environmental impact.

These properties allow engineers to design lightweight, adaptable electronic components for a wide range of applications. Uses range from wearable biosensors to smart labels and hybrid circuits.

PriElex inks are already being used in diverse applications. These include:

Medical devices – Printed biosensors, glucose monitors and skin patches.

Automative – Low-temperature heaters, capacitive switches and pressure sensors.

Smart packaging – Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and interactive labels.

Consumer electronics – Flexible circuits for touch sensors and smart textiles.

Typical products include silver conductor (AG-500A, AG-510, AG-810), Ag/AgCl (AGCL-675, AGCL-1134), carbon (C-250J) and dielectric (UV-2533, UV-3010) inks, as well as conductive epoxies (EP-600).

These materials offer engineers the flexibility to tailor electrical and mechanical properties to specific design requirements. 
As a result, rapid prototyping and scalable production is facilitated.

Heraeus Electronics has ensured a smooth transition for existing PriElex customers, maintaining uninterrupted service and expanding technical support. The integration brings together the company’s global infrastructure and PriElex’s specialised expertise. This comprises custom formulation capabilities, regional application engineering support and a reliable global supply chain.

The printed-electronics market is poised for continued growth. It is driven by demand for flexible, sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Heraeus Electronics – now strengthened by PriElex – is committed to advancing materials that enable next-generation devices.

The company is looking to develop hybrid systems that combine printed and conventional electronics. Additionally, advanced sensor platforms for biomedical and environmental monitoring. It is also aiming to integrate with emerging substrates, such as biodegradable films and smart fabrics.

The integration of PriElex into Heraeus Electronics marks a significant milestone in its evolution. By expanding the company’s portfolio with proven PTF technologies, Heraeus Electronics is helping engineers to create smarter, more adaptable and sustainable electronic systems.