Printing Technology

Printing technology plays an important role in the production of industrial solar cells, especially in metallization. Fraunhofer ISE is continuously working on process development to realize the finest contact structures with the aim of gradually reducing high-priced silver. Various printing processes are being focused on, including classic screen and stencil printing, rotary printing (flexographic printing, (indirect) gravure printing and rotary screen printing) and the inkjet process as well as the multi-nozzle dispensing and FlexTrail processes developed at Fraunhofer ISE. Printing technology components, such as print heads, are developed and manufactured in-house and evaluated in existing systems. In addition, development work is carried out in the area of printing forms and printing media in order to reduce the use of expensive silver. A wide range of expertise in the field of digitalization enables in-depth process simulation and the implementation of digital twins of printing processes and the associated materials. In addition to printing technology, the focus is also on drying and sintering technologies for printed structures. Various thermal and photonic processes are used, such as continuous ovens with IR emitters, laser systems, and flash lamps.