The new technology, developed in conjunction with the Institute for Print and Media Technology at Chemnitz University, Lucent Technologies Bell Labs and printed systems GmbH, will enable electronic circuitry to be produced with mass printing technology.

This represents an industry first and major advancement in the printing of low cost, highly flexible integrated circuitry, using established offset and gravure-based printing processes.

Practical applications include electronic printed maps, RFID tags, printed paper keyboards, labels for clothing, luggage, packaging and ticketing.

A circuit was created for demonstration at the trade show using a ring oscillator consisting of 14 transistors. A ring oscillator is an integrated circuit made up of transistors that together produce an oscillating signal.

The circuits were printed at to 0.8 metres per second, a new dimension of production speed for electronics that could make millionfold print runs possible.

BASF Future Business project manager Dr Peter Eckerle estimates that markets for printed electronics technology may reach a potential of more than €20bn in the next seven to 10 years.

“This reflects the wide range of new applications attainable with this innovative and cost-effective technology,” says Eckerle. “Our goal now is to tailor and optimise our process to specific applications, and to develop marketable products together with partners within the next three years.”

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