SABIC to Demo at OFC 2024 EXTEM Resins Well Suited for Micro-lens Arrays in Co-packaged Optics

• SABIC’s EXTEM RH resins support emerging optical technologies by helping enable cost-effective, high-volume production of micro-lens arrays.
• SABIC’s EXTEM RH resins overcome drawbacks of traditional glass and thermosets and other thermoplastic resins by maintaining the dimensional and optical tolerances of complex shapes across a broad temperature range.

SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, will demonstrate at the 2024 Optical Fiber Communication (OFC) Conference and Exhibition the advantages of its Edison Award-winning EXTEM RH series resins for production and assembly of micro-lens arrays (MLAs) in commercial onboard and co-packaged optics. Two demonstrators built by Tyndall National Institute and the Chip Integration Technology Center (CITC) will be featured at the SABIC booth (#1204) during the event.

“As data traffic increases exponentially, driven by AI, IoT and 5G technologies, rapid adoption of opto-electronics has become critical for improving data center bandwidth capacity and energy efficiency,” said Scott Fisher, general manager, Technology, SABIC Specialties. “Optical components for applications like co-packaged optics can be difficult, complex and costly to manufacture and assemble at scale. To address this challenge, we developed EXTEM RH resins, which can deliver key performance and processing capabilities for lens arrays. These resins undertake scalability and manufacturability concerns regarding traditional materials, and open new opportunities to advance the state of the art in optical component design, performance and production.”

Supporting Low-loss Expanded Beam Coupling

Development of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) on silicon or other substrates has enabled compact designs with faster data rates. One challenge is the size disparity between the smaller optical mode field of silicon photonic waveguides and larger single-mode optical fibers.

At OFC 2024, SABIC will demonstrate a promising approach to this issue, which leverages expanded-beam optical interfaces in connections. Beam-expanding optical elements, in this case free-form lens arrays, are installed on each side of the optical connector interface to couple the fiber array to larger free-space beams. Use of expanded-beam coupling can relax lateral alignment tolerances and reduce occlusion effects from contamination like dust particles.

The arrays in this model are micro-molded from EXTEM RH resin which has a glass transition temperature of 280°C and can be injection molded into a wide variety of free-form optical lens designs.

This connector assembly, built by Tyndall, will show how SABIC’s material solutions can help improve the integration of individual optical components in these designs, using established optical fiber connection technologies. Visitors will be able to examine the assembly to understand how optical integration is achieved using optically transparent EXTEM resin with the potential to withstand the extreme temperatures of JEDEC Reflow or surface-mount technology(SMT).

Improving Manufacturing Efficiency

Accelerating adoption of emerging optical technologies requires high-volume, streamlined manufacturing of micro-optics with a relatively low per-part cost – a goal that is not achievable using fused silica or glass. In contrast to these traditional materials, EXTEM RH resins offer several ways to improve the scale and cost-efficiency of micro-optics processing and assembly.

First, micro-molding of EXTEM RH resin can deliver millimeter-size components at a scale of millions of parts with high signal integrity and low optical loss. This capability can help drive faster adoption of cutting-edge optical packaging and coupling technologies in data server backplanes, telecommunications switches, supercomputers and network fabrics.

Further, micro-optics molded from EXTEM RH resin can be aligned with the fiber and a PIC by using optically transparent adhesives before the reflow step to simplify the packaging process.

SABIC’s other demonstrator at OFC 2024 will showcase a process developed collaboratively with CITC that uses an alternative interconnect material – nano silver sintering paste – for the alignment of MLAs with the board. It can replace standard epoxy adhesives, which have drawbacks such as lack of long-term stability and CTE mismatches and require UV-transparent lens materials for curing.

In addition, SABIC will demonstrate the use of complex-shaped lens arrays with total internal reflection, enabling a 90-degree bend of the optical coupling between VCSEL/PD and PIC in a standard MT ferrule connector.

Surpassing Traditional Materials

High-heat EXTEM RH resins won a 2023 Edison Award Gold Medal in the Next Generation Manufacturing category. These advanced thermoplastics provide solutions to the drawbacks of traditional materials for MLAs. Unlike glass and thermosets, EXTEM RH resins offer expanded freedom to design complex lens geometries. Micro-molding avoids the need for secondary operations like grinding and polishing, permitting rapid, high-volume production that can drive down costs.

To help customers achieve the full potential of these materials, SABIC’s Optical Center of Excellence in the Netherlands offers advanced support in thermoplastic processing, component design and optical performance measurement. Also, the company has developed a brochure featuring EXTEM resins for potential use in optical interconnects and lenses, and a video describing the potential benefits EXTEM resins can bring to co-packaged optical connectors.

At its exhibit at OFC, SABIC will also display material solutions for connectors, wire & cable applications, and both pluggable optics and emerging onboard and co-packaged technologies. OFC 2024 will take place on March 26-28 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif., USA.

https://www.sabic.com/en

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Comexi to Revolutionize Drupa with its Global Solutions for Flexible Packaging

Comexi stands as a global leader ininnovative solutions for flexible packaging. Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Comexi has solidified its position as a premier provider in flexographic, offset, and digital printing, as well as lamination, coatings, and cutting-edge automation technologies. Spearheading the industry 4.0 revolution, Comexi offers consultancy, training, and demonstrations at its state-of-the-art Comexi Manel Xifra i Boada Technological Center.

Committed to printing excellence since its inception, Comexi has diversified its offerings, unveiling groundbreaking solutions such as the first Central Drum Offset for flexible packaging at Drupa 2012 and the Digiflex digital printer at K 2022, catering to variable data needs.

 Cutting-edge Technology for Converters:

Comexi, continuing its focus on innovation on high-value solutions for converters, unveils two new models at Drupa 2024. Within its range of flexographic printers, following the new F2 Evolution and F2 Origin, alongside the renowned F4, Comexi premieres the new F1 Evolution. This machine is esigned to be the benchmark of the highest-end flexo presses in the sector. Highlighting its printing speed of 600m/min and printing width of up to 1690mm with developments of up to 1260mm. Its exceptional robustness and drying capability make it the ideal flexo press to increase productivity in the most challenging jobs. The new F1 Evolution can be equipped with a robotic arm for sleeve and anilox changes, as well as other automations from the GeniusTech range developed by Comexi, such as Genius Print for initial setup with a single touch, Genius Dry for adaptable and energy-efficient drying, Genius Flow for automatic and fast cleaning, or its ergonomic design that facilitates maintenance and cleaning. Comexi, with its commitment to excellence and market problem-solving, once again demonstrates its leadership in the industry.

The F1 Evolution has been developed to be especially productive. Its brilliant design makes it the most productive press on the market. The robustness, drying capacity, and printing speed of up to 600 m/min make this flexo the ideal machine for medium and long jobs and for those sectors where the profitability of each print is crucial. We especially refer to sectors such as hygiene products, and food packaging products printed on monomaterials without further processes.

Carles Rodríguez, Printing Director at Comexi, comments on this solution:

“The new F1 Evolution is an unmatched engineering piece that culminates the renewal of Comexi’s central drum flexographic printer portfolio. This new range represents a real revolution for the sector. It is a flexo press with a multitude of innovations aimed at addressing the challenges faced by our customers. A good example is the Genius Board, which automatically calculates the most efficient way to carry out a job change, guiding operators step by step, or the new Genius Run HD system, thanks to which bouncing and barring are things of the past, the results are spectacular, reaching 600 m/min in the most demanding jobs. It is a pride to be able to present it at Drupa 2024. At the end of the year, it will also be available at our Girona Technological Center to carry out tests with our customers and share the incredible F1 Evolution experience.”

Offset: The Sustainable Alternative for High-Quality Printing

Comexi takes a significant step forward in its Offset technology at Drupa, responding to consumer demands and governmental regulations favoring sustainability in packaging. Offset printing offers exceptional print quality, rapid time to market, and significant prepress cost savings. However, its greatest advantage lies in sustainability, utilizing Electron Beam inks and varnishes to reduce solvents, CO2, and VOCs, while enhancing recyclability through the use of monomaterials. Drupa 2024 sees an expansion of the Offset range, including a wider Offset CI model catering to flexible packaging and paper markets, along with the revolutionary Color Closed Loop system for precise color control without print marks.

Comexi is Fully Embracing Digital Printing Technology

Comexi also showcases digital printing solutions at Drupa, complementing converters’ services for enhanced profitability, sustainability, and quick time to market. Addressing trends like packaging personalization and traceability, digital printing offers an efficient solution for short runs and frequent job changes, promoting sustainability and versatility in packaging solutions.

Beyond Printing:Comprehensive Solutions from Comexi

Comexi’s solutions extend beyond printing, incorporating other key processes in converting for packaging development. Visitors to the booth can see the S2 DT slitter, equipped with dual laser heads and inspection system, ensuring precise control and measurement of micro perforations. Comexi’s investment in laser digital technology offers multiple value-added applications for flexible packaging: micro and macro perforations, precutting, easy open web, cross direction (scriving), shapes, windows, alphanumeric codes for promotions, among others.

Also in slitting, the new S1DT evolution range is presented, a step forward from the iconic S1 DT. For now, this new model has been designed in its evo8 version, a cutter distinguished by its high productivity (double turret) with rewinding diameters of up to 650 mm, making it ideal for the wrap-around market, where demand has shifted from 610 mm to 650 mm of rewinding output.

The S1DT evolution features all the automations and inline solutions of its predecessor, such as the inline laser and automatic reel handling system from slitter to final pallet, ensuring traceability and total production control. This automation, developed to provide a global solution to the shortage of qualified personnel affecting the flexible packaging market, is a turnkey solution, designed modularly and fully adapted to the needs of each productive plant.

Bringing Services Closer to Clients

With recent expansions in Thailand, Mexico, and Miami, Comexi reaffirms its commitment to providing localized and efficient services to its clients worldwide, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the industry.

Drupa 2024: A Space for Sharing

However, Comexi will not only showcase novelties in its solutions during Drupa. Its booth will serve as a hub for various activities throughout the fair. After 8 years of not being able to celebrate Drupa in person, 2024 is also a significant date for Comexi as it marks its 70th anniversary. Various events will commemorate this milestone during Drupa, coinciding with the arrival of the third generation of the Xifra family to Comexi’s leadership.

In a familiar and relaxed atmosphere, various activities will take place during Drupa:
• 2 daily shows presenting all printing technologies: Flexo, Offset and Digital.
• Two exclusive dinners, jointly organized with Reifenhauser, on May 29th and June 3rd, on a boat along the Rhine River or in an old soap factory.
• Participation as a gold sponsor in the FTA Awards held during the fair, supporting companies in the sector.
• The third edition of the Sustainable Packaging Showroom, a space to firsthand experience all the sustainability innovations offered by Comexi and other associated sector partners.
• A commitment to knowledge transfer for younger generations through the Sinapse Young Talent Competition.
• Demos and presentations at our technological center in Girona, Spain in the weeks before and after the fair.

In summary, Comexi is preparing a grand Drupa with many novelties and presentations, where it will showcase its solutions to address current and future market needs: sustainability, automation, industry 4.0, and the current shortage of skilled workers. All of this in collaboration with partners and clients, to make Drupa 2024 an unforgettable event.

https://comexi.com/

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