Thin Film Electronics ASA (Thinfilm), a developmer of printed electronics, and Brady Corporation, a manufacturer of indentification, smart and security label products, have announced a strategic alliance to bring Thinfilm’s printed electronic technology to Brady’s identification product lines.

“Thinfilm has established itself as the clear leader in commercializing integrated printed electronic systems, and we are pleased to be working with Thinfilm to bring these breakthrough innovations to our customers,” says Matt Williamson, president of Brady’s Global Identification Solutions Business.

Brady’s initial work with Thinfilm is focusing on electronic timing labels for applications in visitor and healthcare identification and tracking. These timing labels will complement Brady’s existing industry-leading products in these areas. “Dynamic labels have the potential to be an important part of our current product offerings, and we see opportunity for Thinfilm’s technology in multiple market segments,” explains Williamson.

In October 2013, Thinfilm demonstrated the first standalone printed electronic label, a temperature monitor designed for protecting perishable goods. Thinfilm has extended this circuitry to demonstrate an electronic timer label.

Under the terms of the commercial agreement, Brady has secured an exclusive license to Thinfilm’s printed electronic timer system for select applications including visitor and healthcare identification. The companies anticipate this to be the first of multiple applications that will use timing and sensing devices to increase safety, security, productivity and performance. “We believe we are only scratching the surface of what printed electronics will enable for our customers,” adds Williamson.

“With Brady’s focus on providing complete customer solutions, they are a perfect partner to work with to deliver printed electronics to multiple markets,” says Davor Sutija, CEO of Thinfilm. “Brady shares our vision and will significantly extend our ecosystem for bringing electronics to cost-sensitive, high-volume applications.