Printing instead of a PCB – how to simplify IoT device design

Printing instead of a PCB – how to simplify IoT device design

When you design an IoT device, you often fight the same battle every time: you need more functions in less space, the product must stay light and cost-effective, and assembly should be fast and repeatable. In many cases, the biggest “space and complexity” generator is the traditional PCB, together with connectors, wires, and mechanical mounting. That’s why more and more designers ask a simple question: do we really need a classic PCB here, or can we print the circuit instead? Printed electronics is a method of creating electronic layers by printing conductive, insulating, sensing, or protective inks on flexible materials. Instead of building a rigid board and then connecting everything around it, you can build thin, lightweight circuits directly on substrates like PET film, TPU, paper, fabrics, or even biodegradable foils. The result is an electronic layer that can be integrated into the surface of the product, into the housing, or into an HMI panel, which makes printed electronics especially attractive for IoT, wearables, automotive, and medical devices.  This material comes from the free LCE Insider newsletter, available in both English and Polish.Subscribe today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lcelektronik.com/lce-insider/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=podcast [https://lcelektronik.com/lce-insider/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=podcast]

KNOWLEDGE THAT STAYS – A Mini Guide for Project Managers

In today’s episode of LC INSIDER, we talk about something every Project Manager knows too well: documentation that actually works. Not the kind that collects dust or gets lost in folders, but the kind that helps teams make decisions faster, avoid mistakes, and build knowledge that stays in the company — even when people change, when sprints move fast, or when a project suddenly pivots.  Let’s start with a simple rule: one file equals one decision. It sounds minimalistic, and that’s the point. When we separate files for approving layers, changing materials, or adjusting test conditions, the whole story becomes clear. One decision, one document, no confusion. In large projects, this clarity is gold. It helps teams review, compare versions, and understand why something happened — even months later. It also makes audits so much easier. No more hunting through long documents trying to guess what changed, when it changed, and who decided it.  This material comes from the free LCE Insider newsletter, available in both English and Polish.Subscribe today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lcelektronik.com/lce-insider/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=podcast [https://lcelektronik.com/lce-insider/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=podcast]

How printed electronics is changing the rules in IoT ?

When was the last time someone from your R&D team said, “It can’t be done”? Maybe because the part is too big, too stiff, the battery doesn’t fit, or the PCB can’t bend. Maybe everything fails when humidity is high. For many CEOs, these limits aren’t just frustrating. They’re a real risk to staying competitive. But what if there’s another way? What if you could build a light, flexible, working electronic system—without glass, without hard plastic, and without a traditional PCB? That’s exactly what printed electronics makes possible. It’s not science fiction. It’s a real technology already used in automotive, wearables, and smart packaging, and it’s happening in Europe right now.

Ethics and sustainability in the purchasing process

In today’s episode of LCE Insider, we’re going to talk about something that’s changing the daily work of purchasing teams: ethics and sustainability. A few years ago, life seemed simpler. If a part arrived on time and at the right price, everyone was happy. Today, that’s no longer enough. Buyers are expected to think not only about cost and delivery, but also about where materials come from, how they are produced, and what impact they have on people and the planet. Customers are asking tougher questions, and they don’t just want a good product – they want a responsible supply chain.  This material comes from the free LCE Insider newsletter, available in both English and Polish.Subscribe today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lcelektronik.com/lce-insider/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=podcast [https://lcelektronik.com/lce-insider/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=podcast]

Tools for printed electronics designers – overview and recommendations

In today’s episode of LC INSIDER, we’re diving into a practical topic for engineers and designers: the tools you need to work effectively with printed electronics. Printed electronics, often called PE, is becoming more common in home appliances, cars, medical devices, wearables, and smart labels. And for designers, that means one thing: traditional PCB tools are no longer enough.  Printed electronics requires a new way of thinking. It’s not just about drawing a circuit. It’s about combining graphic design tools, CAD software, and production-ready file formats into one process. The goal is less clicking and more control — and today we’ll walk you through how to get exactly that.   This material comes from the free LCE Insider newsletter, available in both English and Polish.Subscribe today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lcelektronik.com/lce-insider/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=podcast [https://lcelektronik.com/lce-insider/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=podcast]