Ink Lab

NETZSCH LFA 467 HyperFlash® – Light Flash Apparatus

Principal User: Dr Wing Chun Liu
Deputy: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole

New dimensions in the measurement of thermal diffusivity and conductivity – fast, simple, economical
Broadest temperature range available, from -100 °C to 500 °C.
With a single instrument setup – that is, without having to swap out either the detector or the furnace – the LFA 467 HyperFlash® can carry out measurements from -100 °C to 500 °C. Coupled with the broadest range of accessories available on the market, the instrument opens the door to completely new dimensions in the determination of thermophysical properties.

Sample throughput up to 4 times higher due to sample holder for 16 samples
One unique advantage of the LFA 467 HyperFlash® is its ability to simultaneously measure up to 16 samples over the entire temperature range. This allows for maximum sample throughput with a minimum input of operational time and effort. Refill systems are available for automatic refilling of the dewar on both the detector and the furnace, allowing uninterrupted operation of the LFA system around the clock.

BioDot AD1520 Aspirate/Dispense Platform

Principal User: Dr Boyang Mao
Deputy: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole

The AD1520 is a tabletop workstation designed for high speed aspirating and dispensing applications to glass slides, microtiter plates or membranes. It has a compact footprint and can be configured with up to four dispensers, making it ideal for a research laboratory to investigate new applications.

Chemical and biological reagents can be dispensed using the proprietary BioJet Elite technology. This technology couples the XYZ motion control system with the high precision displacement capabilities of a syringe pump and the high-speed actuation of a micro-solenoid valve. The three components synchronised together result in precise, non-contact liquid handling system. 

Discovery Hybrid Rheometer HR-1

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Wing Chung Liu

The Discovery Hybrid Rheometer is a rotational rheometer that uses the parallel plate method to measure the viscosity and viscoelastic properties of liquids or soft solids.

It combines a patented advanced drag cup motor, a second generation magnetic bearing, force rebalance transducer (FRT) and the new patent-pending True Position Sensor (TPS) in a single-head hybrid rheometer. The DHR has unprecedented performance specification and delivers unsurpassed direct strain control, direct stress control and normal force measurement accuracy. The DHR features all popular TA innovations including patented Smart SwapTM geometries and the widest range of Smart Swap temperature systems and accessories commercially available. The result is the most advanced, versatile rheometer platform imaginable.

The HR-1 is a rugged, accurate, field-proven rheometer. The HR-1 shares the cutting-edge technology of the Discovery Hybrid Rheometer family in a platform that is ideal for production control, asphalt manufacture and a wide range of general measurements of viscosity and viscoelasticity.

Testacolor 171

Principal User: Dr Boyang Mao
Deputy: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole

The testacolor 171 is an advanced printing system that enables the accurate single and multilayer printing of functional inks on flexible substrates. It includes exchangeable modules for gravure, flexo, screen printing.

The advanced printing/coating system enables accurate single and multilayer printing/coating of functional inks on flexible substrates. It's designed to explore various possibilities and combinations of coating and printing with a precision of <20 µm in one machine. featuring easily and rapidly exchangeable modules. The instrument also features as optical alignment system (optional), measuring software, low ink consumption (2 ml is sufficient for reproducible print (gravure/flexo)), customised printing forms, chambered and open doctor blades.

Ceradrop Super-Inkjet Printer X-Serie

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Boyang Mao

CeraPrinter X-Serie is a TurnKey Materials Deposition Inkjet tool for process development in printed electronics and smart 3D printing. Thanks to its patented rotative head-holder “plug and play”, full curing area, in situ characterisation devices and exclusive software suite, CeraPrinter X-Serie is a perfect “all inclusive” tool to enable advanced inkjet process development.

Capabilities include:

• Substrate up to 305 mm x 305 mm with thickness up to 10 mm
• High accuracy five axis with motorised adjustable printing resolution, substrate alignment (+/-2 µm) and nozzles self calibration (< +/-3 µm)
• Up to three different print-heads (more on request) to deposit aqueous, biologic, solvent and UV based inks
• Able to print in raster-scan mode (X or Y), vector mode (XY) and single pass (X or Y)

http://www.ceradrop.com/en/products/x-serie/

Climatic Chamber

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Boyang Mao

Reproducible temperature and climate tests can be performed directly at your workplace. This is possible with the WTL and WKL chambers of Weiss. This series was specifically developed for use in laboratories offering compact dimensions. Features include:

• Control and program control Simpac* with program storage for a max. of 100 programs
• 3.5″ TFT-colour touch panel with ethernet interface for communication with an on-site computer system
• USB interface for documentation of measuring data via USB stick
• Large observation window and illuminated test space
• High-quality double seals
• 50mm access port
• Upper and lower temperature, specimen protection according to EN 60519-2 (1993) adjustable, with separate sensor

CMP

Principal User: Dr Yang Li
Deputy: Sohail Abbas

Logitech’s CMP system offers nanometer level material removal capabilities on either individual die or wafers up to 100 mm diameter. 

• Silicon wafer CMP
• Global CMP of III-V compound semiconductor
• Global CMP of brittle, friable IR material substrates
• Global CMP of sapphire, gallium nitride and silicon carbide substrates
• Reclamation of EPI- ready substrates
• Final stage thinning of SOS and SOI wafers to below 20 microns
• Device delayering for reverse engineering of FA applications

Contact Angle

Principal User: Dr Wing Chung Liu
Deputy: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole

Dimatix Inkjet Printer

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Wing Chung Liu

The DMP-2850 allows the deposition of fluidic materials on an 8 x 11 inch or A4 substrate, utilising a disposable piezo inkjet cartridge. This printer can create and define patterns over an area of about 200 x 300 mm and handle substrates up to 25 mm thick with an adjustable Z height. The temperature of the vacuum platen, which secures the substrate in place, can be adjusted up to 60 °C. The DMP-2850 offers a variety of patterns using a pattern editor program. Additionally, a waveform editor and a drop-watch camera system allows manipulation of the electronic pulses to the piezo jetting device for optimisation of the drop characteristics as it is ejected from the nozzle. This system enables easy printing of structures and samples for process verification and prototype creation.

• Provides substrate rotation alignment using reference marks
• Allows positioning of the print origin to match substrate placement
• Provides measurement of features and locations
• Provides inspection and image capture of printed pattern or drops
• Provides cartridge alignment when using multiple cartridges
• Allows matching drop placement to previously patterned substrate

Flexo Printer

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Boyang Mao

The RK FlexiProof 100 is a high-speed, PLC-controlled bench-top precision proofer, designed as a scaled-down version of a full-sized flexographic press to eliminate press downtime and minimise waste. It features a variable digital speed control from 20 to 99 m/min, digital pressure settings in 4 µm steps, a swing-in doctor blade assembly forming an ink chamber, quick-change ceramic or steel anilox rollers and a standard 1.14 mm photopolymer plate (with 0.5 mm cushion mount). The instrument accepts substrate sizes up to 297 mm x 105 mm (half-A4) to yield a maximum print area of 240 mm x 75 mm. Designed for ISO 2834-2 compliance, it works with water-based or solvent-based inks across flexible paper, board, film, foil and tissue substrates, making it an essential quality control and R&D tool for computer colour matching, product testing and printability evaluation.

Gas Sensing System

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Boyang Mao

The system provides:

• 3 mass flow controllers: 2 air (to give dry and wet air) and 1 gas, with a valve system to distribute gas mixture flow
• a thermoregulated humidifier, to provide 100% wet mixture
• a thermoregulated condenser to eliminate extra humidity

This allows maximum flexibility on preparing gas flows at a given concentration, humidity and temperature.

With these parameters , the control program provides complete automatic sequences to verify all tests in conformity with CEI norms. Complete feedback on gas concentration is obtained by a computer-controlled mass spectrometer. Software PPT430 allows constant monitoring of cell contents, showing actual system concentrations of gas. It is also possible to log data on disk, filling in reports on system activity. A special close source allows good readings even at low concentrations (a few PPM) of gas mixture (like CO, CH₄, C₄H₁₀, and so on).

Also featured:

• Three independent test cells, each with its own sensors to monitor constantly pressure, temperature, relative humidity and flow speed.
• Thermal regulated chamber allows an accurate setting of temperature.
• Microprocessor program is used to control every valve and to calculate gas flows and gas mixtures at desired concentration, humidity and temperature.
• Total control of dry and wet flows permits to obtain specified relative humidity value.
• Mass spectrometer to monitor actual gas concentrations.

Nikon Large Sample Microscope

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Boyang Mao

The Nikon Optiphot 300 Series is a heavy-duty industrial inspection microscope engineered for 12-inch (300 mm) semiconductor wafer, IC, and flat-panel LCD analysis. It features an anti-static ergonomic stand, an extended tilting trinocular head, and low-positioned controls to minimize operator fatigue in cleanroom environments. Utilising Nikon's Chromatic Aberration Free (CF) optical system with a 210 mm tube length, it pairs high-resolution BD Epi-Plan objectives with an integrated episcopic illuminator to support brightfield, darkfield, and differential interference contrast (DIC) observation modes across a large-format X-Y stage.

Ozone Cleaner

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Boyang Mao

The UV Ozone Cleaner UVC-1014 is a benchtop surface-treatment system designed for cleaning and modifying small-to-medium substrates, such as object slides and SPR chips. It accommodates objects up to a maximum height of 1.5 in. (drawer dimensions: 4.9 × 5.3 × 1.5 in.) or 0.5 in. when using the included height-reducing inlay (drawer dimensions with inlay: 7.4 × 5.3 × 0.5 in.) to position flat items at an optimal distance from the UV light source. The instrument features an integrated electronic timer programmable from 1 second up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds. The system delivers 4 W of optical power at a wavelength of 254 nm. Compactly sized at 13 × 16.2 × 6.1 in. overall, the UVC-1014 generates ozone during operation and must strictly be operated inside a suitable fume hood or connected to an air exhaust to maintain safe ambient air quality.

Screen Printer

Principal User: Dr Boyang Mao
Deputy: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole

SCS Spray Coater

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Boyang Mao

Specialty Coating Systems (SCS) PrecisionCoat is the first-generation standalone automated selective spray coating and dispensing system in the PrecisionCoat lineup. It was built to apply selective conformal coatings – including acrylics, silicones, urethanes, epoxies, photoresists and light-curable formulations – without the need for manual masking. Controlled via proprietary PC-based control software, the platform utilises a closed-loop 3-axis motion system (X, Y, Z) to perform precise dot, line and area spray coverage. Equipped with integrated exhaust routing, safety doors with interlocks, and flexible valve mounting options, the PrecisionCoat provides automated fluid application for microelectronics, PCB assembly, R&D and semiconductor packaging. 

Sonoplotter - GIX Microplotter

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Boyang Mao

The SonoPlot® Microplotter II is a high-precision, picolitre fluid dispensing system engineered for polymer/printed electronics and microarray applications. Utilising patented, controlled ultrasonic technology, the non-contact dispenser deposits droplets (> 0.6 pL) and draws true continuous features such as lines, arcs and bends that avoid the overlapping droplet artifacts typical of traditional printing methods. It achieves feature sizes ranging from 5 to 200 µm with low deposition variability (down to 10%) and accommodates a broad range of materials, including aqueous solutions, organic solvents and high-viscosity fluids up to 450 cP. Operating on a 35 x 30 x 7 cm positioning stage with 5 µm resolution and automatic surface height calibration, the system is controlled via SonoGuide and SonoDraw software, which integrate DXF/Gerber file imports, surface tilt mapping, custom CAD design tools and real-time CCD camera monitoring.

Bar Coater Table

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Boyang Mao

The RK K Control Coater provides controlled speed and pressure to produce highly accurate, repeatable surface coatings of liquid inks onto flexible and rigid substrates for R&D and quality control testing. Conforming to standards such as ASTM D823-95(2001) for paint applications, the system utilises wire-wound meter bars, wedge bars or micrometer-adjustable gap applicators to yield wet film deposits ranging from 4 to 120 µm (close-wound bars), up to 500 µm (spirally wound bars) or 0–10 mm gap settings in 10 µm increments. Key technical specifications include variable coating speeds between 2 and 15 m/min, maximum coating areas of 170 x 250 mm.

Molder - Colin Project

Model: Lab Line Platen Press P200S

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Wing Chung Liu

The COLLIN Lab Line P 200 S (or P 200 E) is a high-precision laboratory platen press designed for material testing, sample preparation and quality control of polymers, ceramic masses and advanced materials. Featuring a four-column design with a fixed upper counter plate and a movable lower plate, this press delivers uniform force distribution across an expansive pressure range. The large column spacing ensures optimal interior handling for effortless sample positioning and tool loading.

Technical Specifications

• Usable pressing area: 196 x 196 mm
• Pressing force: Up to 125°kN
• Temperature range: 20 °C to 300 °C
• Pressure build-up: Hydraulic system with fine-tuned precision
• Operation and control: Integrated 7″ touch display (CMI 7) powered by a microcontroller, supporting both manual control and automated operation modes
• Advanced functionality: Real-time graphical process visualisation, high-precision pressure management, and customisable programming with up to 100 process steps

Vacuum Oven

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Boyang Mao

The XFE020 Vacuum Oven is a 20-litre benchtop system designed for drying sensitive products, degassing materials and performing heat treatments on samples prone to oxidation. Capable of operating up to 200 °C under deep vacuum (down to 1 mbar absolute), it provides a controlled, low-oxygen processing environment.

• Chamber capacity: 20 L (internal dimensions: 250 × 320 × 250 mm)
• Temperature range and stability: Up to 200 °C (±0.2 °C stability via TCJ probe)
• Maximum vacuum level: 1 mbar absolute

Ultimaker 3D Printer

Principal User: Dr Vaishakh Kedambaimoole
Deputy: Dr Boyang Mao

The UltiMaker S5 is an enterprise-grade, high-reliability 3D printer designed for scaling professional engineering, design and research projects. Featuring a large 330 x 240 x 300 mm build volume, it allows users to print complex, large-scale models or multiple parts in a single run.

Key Features and Capabilities:

• Advanced dual extrusion: Features a dual-extrusion print head with an auto-nozzle lifting system and swappable print cores, enabling multi-material prints and soluble support structures (like PVA).
• Composite and material versatility: Equipped with a dual-geared, composite-reinforced feeder capable of printing with over 280 + materials (2.85 mm filament), including composite carbon-fibre filaments, PLA, ABS and engineering-grade polymers.
• Precision and quality: Offers layer resolutions ranging from 60 µm to 400 µm with precise XYZ positioning (6.9, 6.9, 2.5 microns).
• User-friendly interface: Operates via an intuitive 4.7-inch colour touchscreen UI with advanced active auto-bed levelling on a heated glass build plate for effortless setup.
• Eco-system and integration: Seamlessly integrated with UltiMaker Cura and UltiMaker Digital Factory management software, supporting macOS, Windows and Linux operating systems. Supports CAD plugin integration with SolidWorks, Siemens NX and Autodesk Inventor.
• Connectivity: Transfer files easily via Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz), Ethernet or USB, supporting formats such as STL, OBJ, 3MF and GCODE.