challenger 650
High-Precision, Customizable Sheet-Based Printing and Coating System
Applications
Pilot production of printed functional devices
Prototype development
Research and development in printed electronics
Ink/substrate testing and multilayer printing
Technical data
Printing/Coating technologies:
Inkjet, Slot Die, Flatbed Screen, Flexo, Rotogravure, Gravure Offset, Lamination
Curing methods:
Photonic Curing, UV, NIR, Hot Air, Heated substrate vacuum chuck, Air Knife
Substrate pre-treatment:
Corona Pre-treatment
Substrate size:
Up to 300 x 300 mm
Substrate compatibility:
Flexible and rigid substrates up to 4 mm thickness
Process speed:
Up to 90 m/min.
Positioning accuracy:
+/- 10μm
CSV file export/import:
Supported
Automated multiple processes:
Up to 100 programmable steps for printing, coating, drying, and laminating
Recipe control:
User-specific recipe management for precise process control
Dimension (L x W x H):
Configuration dependent (varies by number of modules)
Weight:
Configuration dependent (varies by number of modules)
Technologies & Options
Combo Printing Unit & Modular Design
The unique combo printing unit integrates up to four printing technologies (rotogravure, flexographic, gravure offset, and laminating) into a single station, allowing seamless transitions in less than 20 minutes. The system is modular and can be customized with additional modules such as corona pre-treatment, inkjet, flatbed screen printing, slot die coating, and various drying methods (UV, IR, NIR, photonic curing).
High Precision & Optical Alignment
Achieves a positioning accuracy of +/- 10μm, making it ideal for highly accurate layer-to-layer registration. The integrated optical alignment system with cameras ensures precise alignment and real-time inspection of printed structures, supporting consistent overprinting and multiple coating layers.
Substrate Flexibility
Supports both flexible and rigid substrates up to 4 mm thick. Its advanced substrate handling, including a vacuum chuck with temperature compensation, ensures reliable processing of various materials, making it suitable for Printed Electronics.
Advanced Process Control
The PC-based control system allows programmable printing, coating, drying, and laminating processes, with up to 100 steps. Recipe management, CSV import/export, and individually adjustable process speeds ensure full control over production, enhancing efficiency and precision.
Low Ink Consumption & Efficient Printing
The interchangeable doctor blade system reduces ink consumption to less than 1 ml per print, which is particularly beneficial for expensive functional inks. It offers both open doctor blade for small fluid volumes and chambered systems for serial printing.
Real-Time Inspection & Process Monitoring
Integrated measurement software provides real-time inspection of printed structures, ensuring continuous quality control throughout the production process. The system also features built-in cameras for monitoring substrate alignment and printing cylinder positioning.
Scientific publications
Sustainable, Room-Temperature Printing Technologies for Energy Storage and Electronics with MXene Inks, using the Challenger 650 (formerly C600) at Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology
Poster [PDF]
Scalable, Cost-Effective Printing of Carbon Nanotube Electrodes for EAP Transducers with the Challenger 650 (formerly C600) at Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology
Access the full paper here: [Full Publication]
Sustainable Screen Printing of High-Performance MXene Micro-Supercapacitors using the Challenger 650 (formerly C600) at Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology
Access the full paper here: [Full Publication]
Automated Screen Printing of Perovskite Solar Cells – at Empa’s Work with the challenger 650 (formerly C600)
Access the full paper here: [Full Publication]