INVESTIGACIÓN APLICADA, 
UN ENFOQUE EN LA TECNOLOGÍA

In this issue

Flexometer: A Method for Studying Electronic and Mechanical Behavior in Flexible Substrate

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Flexible electronics have garnered significant attention for their potential use in low-cost electronic products such as electronic skin, health monitoring patches, and other lighting and sensing applications. Their inherent flexibility and adaptability, open up new possibilities for integrating electronic functions into unconventional forms and substrates. However, mechanical deformation during operation can significantly influence the performance and reliability of these devices.

This underscores the need for thorough evaluation and testing, which are crucial to developing flexible electronics. In this work, we present the design and implementation of a Flexometer instrument developed explicitly for testing flexible devices. This instrument is designed to provide guided bending of flexible samples with controlled bending radius and time, ensuring no additional tensile stress is applied during testing. The system incorporates a linear actuator driven by a stepper motor, allowing precise control over the bending process.

The control system for the Flexometer was developed using LabVIEW software, which was chosen for its robustness and versatility in handling complex control tasks. The software architecture was meticulously designed to ensure accurate and repeatable bending cycles, facilitating consistent testing conditions. The performance of the Flexometer was rigorously evaluated through bending tests conducted on a flexible SnO diode.

The results from these tests validated the system's capability to perform precise and controlled bending operations, making it a valuable tool for assessing the electrical properties of flexible electronic systems under bending and extension conditions. This study highlights the potential of the Flexometer as a crucial instrument for advancing the research and development of flexible electronics. By providing a reliable method for testing these devices’ mechanical and electrical properties, the Flexometer contributes to optimization and enhancement of flexible electronic products, paving the way for their broader application in various fields.