VolteraNOVA, a platform for printing flexible hybrid electronics, was launched by, a global leader in printed electronic technology.
NOVA uses direct writing technology to print circuits on soft, flexible and conformable surfaces.
“This first-of-its-kind benchtop machine unlocks rapid flexible hybrid electronics prototyping and the ability to experiment with custom inks and a wide variety of substrates,” said Alroy Almeida, CEO and co-founder of Voltera. “NOVA is already being used to innovate how humankind explores deep space, to develop printed, on-skin sensors for medical imaging, and to prototype clothing that can measure your heart rate yet can go through the gentle cycle in your washing machine.”
NOVA’s precision extrusion technology can help conduct research and develop “products of the future”, by enabling rapid benchtop iteration according to Voltera, leading to more reliable results, faster development times, and lower costs.
“With NOVA, we can make devices and align them to sub 10-micron precision, which is essential to everything that we do,” said Alex Kashkin, Graduate Researcher, Velasquez Group at MIT. “If we have a 20-micron deviation, our devices explode. We need a lot precision. To achieve this, we must have tuned materials. NOVA allows both.
Kashkin uses NOVA to create printed electron sources for neutralising ionic propeller plumes in low Earth orbit. Voltera claims that NOVA bridges the gap between what researchers can do and their wishes.
“I think where this sort of technology, NOVA, will shine is in applications that were not possible before. You shouldn’t fight or try to compete with silicon chips or PCBs. You should try to make something that’s impossible with those technologies,” said Gerd Grau, Director of the Electronics Additive Manufacturing lab at York University, who is using NOVA in the development of on-skin biomedical tattoo electrodes.
Voltera claims that subtractive techniques are good for traditional electronics. However, flexible electronics means the future of electronics will be additive. NOVA, a direct-write digital printer, allows for innovation without the need to use the tools and high cost associated with screen printing.
NOVA is faster than inkjet and allows for more design iteration. Voltera claims that NOVA is better for the environment as there is less waste and contamination. Additionally, it can be printed on eco-friendly substrates.
The NOVA also includes a Smart Dispenser Cartridge that can be filled up with the desired material. After calibrating with semi-automatic calibration, the cartridge can be used to print in minutes. The vision system has AR print overlay capabilities and camera-based alignment. The system can also be equipped with two quick-swap modular ports, drop in fixturing, as well as optional ethernet and USB connectivity.
Voltera launched its first printer, the V-One, in 2015, after a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Have a question? Join the conversation on the Additive Manufacturing Global Community Discord.
Get your FREE print subscription to TCT Magazine.