Flexible & Free-form Products: 3D printing, flexible solar cells, printable electronics

New opportunities for the High-Tech sector

Large Area and Flexible Electronics comprises new forms of lighting, displays, solar cells and sensor devices that are ultra-thin, unbreakable, lightweight and flexible. In the Field of Flexible and Large Area Electronics, TNO teams up with R&D partners in two strong alliances: Holst Centre and Solliance.

Additive Manufacturing comprises production processes to make products layer by layer, allowing for shapes that are fully optimized for usage and not restricted by limitations of the manufacturing process. The next wave will be the clever combination of these two. This roadmap explores these two areas and their future synergies, leading to opportunities for the Dutch High-Tech sector.

TNO targets the development of new production processes, materials and products to industry, leading to increased export by Dutch high-tech manufacturing industry and to the creation of new start-ups and spin-offs. TNO will do this by:

• Contributing to sustainability by reduced usage of energy and scarce materials and by sustainable energy generation
• Building and strengthening networks between industry, RTO's and universities, accelerating innovation
• Providing R&D talents to industry, resolving talent shortages and effectively transferring knowledge