Product category: Electronics Manufacturing Machinery and Materials
News Release from: BAE Systems Aerospace Controls
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 26 October 2006
Direct writing technology
proved in F1 application
Scientists and engineers from BAE Systems' Advanced Technology Centre in Filton, UK, have developed technology to 'write' electrical circuits directly onto surfaces
'Direct Write' will increase the functionality and flexibility of existing structures and designs in both the defence and commercial arenas. Its huge range of potential applications includes the printing of clothing with sensors and display systems with moving images and logos, or so parents can track their young children.
Related stories
Wireless project spawns novel antenna design
A new wireless system allowing television studio cameras to be operated without the need for clumsy, trailing cables has been developed by BAE Systems
Measurement system guides craft into Venus orbit
A new and incredibly accurate, measurement system has been used by European Space Agency for the very first time to successfully guide the Venus Express spacecraft into orbit insertion
These integrated sensors in clothing could also be used to monitor a person's health and be active in dispensing drugs if necessary.
Direct Write works by depositing electrical wires, resistors, capacitors and other electrical components in 3D onto conformable surfaces.
There is considerable worldwide research underway into using Direct Write technology for 'bioprinting' - building living tissue layer-by layer onto a surface, which could pave the way to reforms in tissue repair after accidents or even the growth of body parts.
Further reading
British Army orders information infrastructure
BAE Systems has been awarded a contract valued in excess of GBP 200 million to provide the British Army with an information infrastructure system due to enter service in 2010
Dr Jagjit Sidhu, Principal Scientist at the BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre, BAE Systems said: 'The technology will keep the weight down on aircraft, including UAVs, by printing the electronics and eventually the sensors themselves, directly onto aircraft components - what we are doing is simplifying processes and getting rid of unnecessary wires'.
Through its technology partnership with Team McLaren Mercedes - which is currently celebrating its tenth year - BAE Systems is using Direct Write in efforts to increase the performance of the team's Formula One cars.
The system allows McLaren Mercedes to write the electrical interconnections directly onto car components which gives the car a lower aerodynamic profile than if conventional wiring is used.
This could enable the team to gain crucial fractions of a second for the team during a race.
The technology could also lead to reduced costs in production.
Load cells interconnected using this technology have been evaluated on Team McLaren Mercedes' cars during testing, and after 5000km of wet and dry testing there was no degradation in the performance of the interconnects, demonstrating the durability of the process in a very harsh environment.
Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of McLaren Racing said: 'Over the past 10 years BAE Systems' technologies have benefited almost every aspect of our Formula One racing car'.
'We're anticipating that in time, Direct Write could make a significant difference in reducing the weight and complexity of wiring on the car, thus improving reliability and performance, and ultimately race results'.
• BAE Systems Aerospace Controls: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Related Business News
Taiwan Shares Climb 0.9 Percent
Taiwan shares rose on Thursday as investors were cheered by U.S. stock gains overnight. The Weighted Price Index of the Taiwan Stock Exchange rose 49.39 points, or 0.9 percent, to close at 8061.28.
Acxiom Agrees to Be Acquired by...
...Silver Lake and ValueAct Capital for $3.0 Billion. Acxiom Corporation announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Silver Lake, the leading investment firm focused on large-scale investments in technology-driven growth industries, and ValueAct
Opnext Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Operating Results
Opnext, Inc. , a global leader in the design and manufacturing of optical modules and components, today announced preliminary and unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2007.
Vista Partners Updates Coverage on TXP...
...Corporation; Maintains $0.80 Price Target. Vista Partners announced today that it has update coverage on TXP Corporation . Vista Partners provides equity research to institutional and individual investors, with a focus on publicly traded small capitalization companies.
Ceasefire in Gaza Strip begins to...
...take hold ahead of Abbas visit. Gaza City, Gaza Strip (AP) - A tenuous ceasefire between rival Fatah and Hamas forces appeared to be holding Thursday, and shellshocked residents emerged from their homes to stock up on food and supplies after four days of intense fighting brought the ci
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
