Germany based lighting manufacturer OSRAM approached XTPL, a technology provider of ultra-precise printing based in Wrocław, Poland for a cooperation in the field of additively fabricating conductive connections. OSRAM is looking for effective technological solutions to address the challenges connected with the manufacture of future generations of lighting elements, and it is the XTPL printing technology that might provide a answer to their needs.
XTPL and OSRAM Cooperation
OSRAM has decided to cooperate with XTPL to evaluate the technology for creating specific conductive connections. XTPL is a company developing globally innovative, additive manufacturing technology that enables ultra-precise printing of nanomaterials with a precision of 1-8 micrometers.
Additive Manufacturing Technology for Various Applications
The unique XTPL printing system allows for precise deposition of an in-house formulated nano ink on a variety of substrates to obtain conductive and nonconductive submicron structures. The potential industrial application of the XTPL method in the lighting industry is proof of its platform character which allows it to be used in a number of fast-growing high technology industries.
The purpose of the agreement signed by both partners is to confirm the parameters of the technology developed and commercialized by XTPL and to assess the possibility of implementing it in OSRAM’s production processes.
OSRAM and its Track Record in the Lighting Industry
OSRAM is a global player in the lighting industry. Together with GE Lighting and Signify, it is one of the three largest manufacturers of lighting equipment in the world. The enterprise also develops and manufactures optoelectronic materials. OSRAM operates as part of a corporate group which in the financial year 2018/2019 generated revenue of nearly EUR 3.5 billion. The group has a highly developed research and development arm with almost 18,000 patents and patent applications in its portfolio. In 2019, OSRAM allocated more than 11% of its annual revenue to R&D activities.
Solutions for Displays and Smart Glass Industries
A solution similar to the one sought by our partner has been partly developed by XTPL during work on a technology dedicated to repairing open defects in displays and the smart glass industry. As a result, XTPL can start cooperation with OSRAM at the proof of concept stage, without first going through a several months-long research project related to the opening of new application fields. For many years, the lighting industry has been looking towards increased use of light-emitting semiconductor materials that convert electrical energy into light energy. They are used in LED lighting and OLED.
The Global Lighting Industry
The size of the global LED lighting market in 2019 is estimated at almost $70 billion, and is expected to be driven towards $100 billion by 2023, which means a rapid growth of 9% (CAGR 2019-2023). This makes it a very interesting and promising sector for the Polish company.
At 3DPrinting.Lighting, we’re following these interesting cross-market partnerships with great interest and will report upon further developments once they appear.
