OrelTech is a Berlin-based metallization specialist. The company was founded in 2015 by alumni of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. The core of the company’s success is a proprietary formula of nanoparticle-free metallization liquids that enable innovation for the next generation of precious metal layers beyond the surface.
OrelTech delivers first its metallization expertise and, in the long run, the specialty chemicals for its proprietary metallization technology. Their customers are innovation-oriented champions seeking to develop next-generation products or make existing metallization processes more economical and greener. The company works with customers from many sectors, including electronics, medical, and industry.
Interview with Dr. Kristina Lovrek, R&D Scientist / Marketing Manager at OrelTech.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Dr. Kristina Lovrek: OrelTech is a metallization specialist who supports clients in developing functional metal layers with high performance demands in many industries, ranging from electronics, automotive, energy generation, medical tech, semiconductors to smart textiles.
Because our clients sometimes develop highly complex products, we act as a development partner with all our expertise in metallization until the final product goes into mass production. Bespoke is the rule rather than the exception. Our company DNA is highly research-focused. We also give guidance on process engineering and investment decisions on e.g. equipment and provide on-site training to work with our technology. In the long run, we aim to “only” be materials provider. But we’re always there for our clients.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
Dr. K.L: Our latest products are OTech Palladium and OTech Platinum, the world’s first commercially available printable Pd and Pt inks. While printing silver and copper inks is already well established in many industries, primarily of course in printed electronics, inkjet printing of palladium and platinum has been unattainable up until now.
Palladium and platinum are technologically important catalytic and protective materials and are used in hydrogen generation and purification, fuel cells, PCB production and catalysis. Their biocompatibility and radiopacity renders them essential materials for use in medicine.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
Dr. K.L: OrelTech’s unique metallization solutions come in two distinct product categories that address different markets: OTech Conductive Inks and OTech Coating Solutions.
OTech Conductive Inks are used for patterning and printing and can be deposited with inkjet, aerosol jet, microdispensers, and other printing methods, while OTech Coating Solutions are suitable for deposition of thin metal coatings utilizing deposition methods such as spray coating, slot die coating, dip dyeing, bath coating, rotating barrel, and many others.
No matter the end application and deposition process, all products are metalized by fast and simple plasma treatment. OrelTech’s unique plasma curing process allows green, economical production without generating toxic waste. By using plasma, it is possible to save up to 95% on electric energy during the metallization step.
Our product range covers precious metals such as silver, gold, platinum, and palladium. The technology itself leaves room for developing more materials down the line (e.g. iridium or copper inks), which OrelTech team currently develops on a per-request basis.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
Dr. K.L: We are active in various markets at different maturity levels, ranging from electronics and semiconductors, medical and biosensor technologies (all mature and constantly innovating) to energy (PV having a revival, hydrogen growing fast) and smart textiles (early emerging).
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
Dr. K.L: All our products are unique and innovative due to their nanoparticle-free formulation and low temperature curing. However, printable platinum and palladium conductive inks are completely new on the market of inks and pastes with little to no competition.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
Dr. K.L: We do not publish exact revenue figures but we see strong two-digit growth in most of our product segments. Energy and medical applications are driving a large share of this growth.