Seiko Epson and Sumitomo Chemical form technical alliance

Seiko Epson and Sumitomo Chemical have announced a technical alliance aimed at improving the performance of piezoelectric thin film materials and expanding their application in electronic and functional components.

The partnership combines Sumitomo Chemical’s expertise in thin film formation and crystal growth with Epson’s precision microfabrication and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technologies. The primary goal is to maximize the characteristics of piezoelectric materials, which convert electrical energy into mechanical movement.

Initial joint development efforts will focus on inkjet printer printhead technologies. The collaboration seeks to address the growing demand for high-performance components and diverse applications in sensors and other advanced devices.