I’m a huge fan of short blog posts. So here is one.

TODAY – NEW BRIEF

“Create Internet Connected Paper”

Mike Shorter, a PHD student here working towards a thesis on paper electronics will be leading our module for the next few weeks. This is fantastic as Mike has soley or collaboratively been working on some fantastic projects. All 5 of us in this year PD Masters are looking forward to the weeks ahead.

We’ve also each been handed one of these!

Bare Conductive is a company producing a water/carbon based conductive ink. Although conductive ink has been around for decades it has previously been very expensive silver oil based or nickel, also solvent or oil based.

Bare Conductive ink is relatively low cost (at £18) a pot (50ml). To put that into perspective a 8.5ml silver ink pen is around £35 and unless you are drawing with it, it’s really horrible stuff to use/ hack with.

From the website:

Bare Paint is the first non-toxic electrically conductive paint available to consumers today. This unique material is designed for people of all ages to explore and learn about electronics through an inclusive, easy-to-use material.

Bare Paint provides a dramatically different method of interacting with electronics as it can be applied to almost any surface, including cardboard, paper, wood, wallpaper, walls, textiles, and some plastics.

Bare paint can be used to replace conventional acid etching, making it a great electronics prototyping tool. Nontoxic and water-soluble, Bare Paint can be used without gloves or mask. The paint dries quickly at room temperature, and can be removed with soap and water.

Application Methods Include: painting, screen printing & spray painting among others.

It’s also now available in 1L tubs!  Conductive road markings anyone?