Behind the scenes of "ultra-fast prototyping" that overturns common sense in sensor development
── Accelerated R&D and prospects for new business realized by GOCCOPRO
Sensia Technology Co. Ltd. is a startup company originating from Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, established to implement cutting-edge technology developed at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) into society. They develop and sell “thin and flexible” devices like cloth or film, overturning the common sense of conventional “hard and heavy” electronic devices. We visited their site.
Interviewees
Shusuke Kanazawa CEO & President
─── Triggers and decisive factors for introduction
In the field of sensor development, “trial and error” of repeatedly making minor modifications to wiring patterns is indispensable. However, with conventional screen printing (stainless steel screen), it took at least a week from ordering the screen to receiving it, and nearly a month including the printing process, which was a challenge. The trigger for introducing GOCCOPRO was the realization of overwhelming “time” and “cost” reductions that are impossible with external outsourcing.
─── Benefits of introducing GOCCOPRO QS1836
1. We were able to build a system that completes the process, which usually takes a month, from “design, screen making, printing, to shipping on the same day”. In addition, the screen cost, which used to be about US$300.00 per screen, can be kept under US$6.00, allowing us to repeat trial and error without worrying about costs.
2. In the development of sensors for VR gloves, we repeated prototyping more than 20 times before reaching the final shape. If this had been outsourced, it would have cost years and millions of dollers, but thanks to GOCCOPRO, commercialization was realized in just a few weeks.
3. High-precision wiring with an L/S (line and space) of 0.25 mm / 0.01″, which exceeds the manufacturer’s recommended value, is achieved using Sensia’s know-how, and multilayer printing in which 4 screens of silver paste, insulating layer, and unique functional ink are layered is performed with GOCCOPRO. Taking advantage of the disposable nature of the screens, we repeated dozens of prototypes in a short period of time, and as a result, we succeeded in printing on special materials that are normally avoided in standard printing lines.
─── Specific use cases
・Sensor sheet for VR gloves
Precisely detects the movement of finger joints. All prototyping for mass production of 1,000 units was completed with GOCCOPRO.
・Temperature visualization sheet for EV batteries
Delivered to the research department of an automobile manufacturer. Measures the temperature distribution in narrow gaps in real time.
・Pressure distribution sensor
Contributes to solving problems in industrial sites, such as evaluating the pressure uniformity of rolls.
The value of an ‘engine of development’ that goes beyond a mere printer
The mastery of fusing materials engineering and digital plate making, like that of Sensia Technology, was a great surprise even to us as a manufacturer. We are convinced once again that GOCCOPRO is not just a “printer” but an “engine that accelerates the speed of innovation”.
Thank you very much for your valuable time!