Hummink is featured in a recent Duke University publication demonstrating a decisive breakthrough in capillary flow printing, enabling the fabrication of sub-micronic carbon nanotube transistors with unprecedented reproducibility.
This work confirms the growing scientific relevance of nanoprinting and highlights how precision fluid control can reshape additive manufacturing for high-performance flexible electronics.
A major step forward in capillary flow printing
The Duke team achieved a major technical milestone by printing transistor channels below one micrometre using silver nanoparticle ink and carbon nanotubes — a resolution long viewed as incompatible with scalable printing methods.
Their approach relies on capillary-driven deposition, which allows extremely fine liquid confinement without the need for high-temperature processing, complex surface functionalisation, or lithographic steps.
Key technical results
- Sub-micronic line widths enabling high-density device integration
- Successful deposition of conductive, semiconductive, and insulating materials
- Compatibility with multiple substrates: silicon, Kapton, glass and paper
- Stable device performance under mechanical stress and bending
This advancement demonstrates that capillary flow printing can compete with — and in some contexts surpass — traditional microfabrication steps, while remaining cost-effective, flexible, and environmentally efficient.
Related resource: Learn more about Hummink’s direct capillary printing technology
A shared ambition: from laboratory to scalable manufacturing
Duke University’s research aligns strongly with Hummink’s own mission: making micro- and nanofabrication for flexible electronics accessible, reliable, and scalable.
Our proprietary system leverages similar physical principles to deliver micron and sub-micron resolution, with unmatched precision and material versatility.
While the Duke study focuses on carbon nanotube transistors, the underlying principles extend to a wide range of industrial applications, including:
- semiconductor prototyping
- photonics and optical components
- biosensors and lab-on-chip devices
- advanced material deposition for R&D
Hummink acts as a bridge between academic breakthroughs and industrial implementation by offering a scalable platform that preserves laboratory-grade precision while meeting manufacturing constraints.
Learn more about Hummink’s direct capillary printing technology and how it bridges academic precision and industrial scalability.
Scientific validation and international recognition
The Duke publication reports strong electronic performance, including:
- On-currents reaching 1.12 mA·mm⁻¹, demonstrating efficient charge transport
- Excellent mechanical resilience, with stable operation under repeated bending
- High printing reproducibility, a crucial factor for device uniformity
These results validate the potential of nanoprinting technology for producing the next generation of flexible and high-performance electronics.
For Hummink, this recognition reinforces our position as a trusted partner for cutting-edge R&D teams and industrial innovators seeking precision additive manufacturing capabilities.
A growing network of research collaborations
Duke University joins a global ecosystem of laboratories, research centres, and industrial groups working with Hummink to advance micro- and nanofabrication.
Our commitment to scientific collaboration continues to accelerate innovation in electronics, materials science, and device engineering.
Explore our research partnerships and joint projects
Interested in applying sub-micronic printing to your R&D or production?
Contact our team to discuss how Hummink’s nanoprinting solutions can accelerate your next innovation.
