HP rolls out flexible screen material

HP is showing off a new printing system which can place electronic screens on multiple devices as a thin sheet.

The Electronic Skin allows for what HP describes as flexible screens which can be printed as a roll and later placed on other electronic devices, such as notebooks and mobile phones.

The screens can then be electronically controlled to produce designs, and adjusted to display various images and transparency.

HP said that the system is being developed in partnership with its other display and printing systems to provide colours which match the Pantone printing and display standard.

The company initially plans to aim the systems at consumer electronics companies.

"Consumer electronics manufacturers who integrate HP eSkins technology into future products can benefit from HP's expertise and innovation in ink technology, and deliver print-like colour performance," said Ken Abbott, director of emerging technology at HP's inkjet and printing solutions branch.

"HP's eSkins technology allows our partners in the consumer electronics industry to further differentiate their products by introducing a dynamic, durable and reflective digital surface to enable new design freedom."