EL process demystified at Print Summit 2014

Shah, in a video presentation, showed to the audience the process of producing electroluminescent (EL) panels / signs / boards through traditional screen printing. 

Screen printing, the 2000-year old print process, according to Shah, is the most proven versatile print process in the industry. “Technology has evolved but the traditional screen printing process is not primitive yet. The applications of this process are wide-ranged and touch upon the requirement of every industry.”

Quoting examples, he said, beginning from visiting card printing to textile printing, the applications range up to In-mould Decoration (IMD), i.e. on the mobile touchpad; Printed Circuit Board (PCB); the screens of the touch-phones; and membrane switches, like that on the air conditioners and washing machines.

The EL technology, Shah stated, was invented in 1936 but was popularised only in the 80s. “With a few calibrations, your traditional screen printing machine is equipped to produce EL panels. It is methodical, with little setup investment.”

Shah took the audience through the eight-step process and the essentials of the EL sign production through traditional screen printing. ITO-coated films are used for transparency and conductivity. Phosphorus-based inks are used on the coated side of the ITO film to print the desired artwork. This is followed by printing of the silver conducting ink and silver conductive tracks, followed by the process of soldering / crimping. The process gives a provision to illuminate specific areas of the artwork in a specific desired sequence. The essentials of the production are a climatically controlled shopfloor and a dust-free environment.

The characteristics of the EL panels highlighted by Shah include low power consumption (up to 75-90% less) compared to other technology, its flexibility, its light weightiness, its execution on any surface; flat or curved; the visibility from a distance and in fog; the even-light production from its surface; its sturdiness; and being water proof.

Shah added, “Creativity has no price. The customer is willing to pay a price for innovation and innovation is no rocket science. It is merely thinking out-of-the-box.” Commenting on the life of an EL panel, Shah said, “The EL lights last for 8,000 hours and the digital print lasts for two to three years.”

The session concluded with the unveiling of the EL-Print Summit logo, which was adorned by the PS committee members on their balck t-shirts.