SYSTEM FOR FORMING A CONDUCTIVE PATTERN
A system or apparatus for forming a conductive pattern on a substrate ( 208 ) includes a thermal imaging head ( 220 ) that forms an image pattern on the substrate. A functional material ( 240 ) spraying element ( 224 ) applies a functional material on the substrate which bonds with the image pattern. The spraying element is integrated in the thermal imaging head. An electro-less deposition element is applied using the electro-less deposition element on the substrate to enhance the functionality of the final product.
1 . A system or apparatus for forming a conductive pattern on a substrate comprising:
a thermal imaging head that forms an image pattern on said substrate;
a functional material spraying element that applies a functional material on said substrate which bonds with said image pattern wherein said spraying element is integrated in said thermal imaging head; and
an electro-less deposition element wherein a deposition process is applied using said electro-less deposition element on said substrate to enhance the functionality of the final product.
2 . The system or apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said spraying element is detached from said thermal imaging head.
3 . The system or apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said thermal imaging head is a laser imaging component.
4 . The system or apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said thermal imaging head is comprised of a plurality of heating elements such as in thermal transfer head.
5 . The system or apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said substrate is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) treated to absorb near intra-red (NIR) radiation.
6 . The system or apparatus according to claim 3 wherein:
said laser imaging component is configured to image on said substrate; and
wherein said substrate is mounted on a capstan imaging device.
7 . The system or apparatus according to claim 3 wherein:
said laser imaging component is configured to image on said substrate; and
wherein said substrate is mounted on an external drum.
8 . The system or apparatus according to claim 3 wherein:
said laser imaging component is configured to image on said substrate; and
wherein said substrate is mounted on an internal drum.
9 . The system or apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said laser imaging component is configured to image ultra violet.
10 . The system or apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said laser imaging component is configured to image near infra-red (NIR).
11 . The system or apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said functional material is 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS).
12 . The system or apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said functional material is palladium fine powder.
13 . The system or apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said electro-less deposition element deposits a metal such as copper, nickel, or silver.
14 . The system or apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said functional material is in a form of gas.
15 . The system or apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said functional material is in a form of liquid.
16 . A system or apparatus for forming a conductive pattern on a substrate comprising:
a thermal imaging head that forms an image pattern on said substrate;
functional material chamber situated in proximity to said substrate wherein said functional material bonds with said image pattern; and
an electro-less deposition element wherein a deposition process is applied using said electro-less deposition element on said substrate to enhance the functionality of the final product.
17 . The system or apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said functional material in a form of liquid such as Palladium Chloride (PdCl2) solution.