AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc. (APNT), a global leader in nanotechnology, is pleased to introduce a new copper ink material based on micron copper particles for low-cost direct printing of electronic circuits for mobile devices, solar cells, display devices, and more.

The new microcopper ink material joins Applied Nanotech's award-winning nanocopper ink, which won an R&D 100 award from R&D Magazine in 2010. The novel copper ink is specially designed to replace expensive silver-based conductors for rapidly developing applications in the printed electronics industry. Applied Nanotech's microcopper ink has an optimal combination of high conductivity and ease of processing that allows for direct replacement of silver inks and pastes at significantly lower cost.

"Microcopper inks fill a need for lower-cost conductive materials used for applications such as smart cards, RFID antennas, touchscreens and sensors in smart phones, just to name a few," said Dr. James Novak, Director of the Nanoelectronics Division. "Furthermore, the microcopper ink retains all key advantages of nanomaterial-based copper ink, such as low-temperature sintering and ease of application."

Applied Nanotech's microcopper ink material is easily applied on various substrates by a number of additive print processes such as screen, flexographic and gravure printing, as well as some advanced dispensing techniques. This eliminates the cost and waste stream compared to other approaches, including lithography, used presently in the manufacturing of printed electronics circuits such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), for example.

The microcopper ink is engineered to be compatible with photosintering curing processes and equipment-enabling printed trace conductors on substrates with maximum temperature limitations. The process has been demonstrated on most preferred substrates used in printed electronic applications including PET, PEN, polycarbonate, ABS, and even epoxy-based FR4 circuit board material, The microcopper ink can also be used as a patterned seed layer for electroplating and metal finishing.

"Mobile and display devices, as well as solar cells, represent very large markets that are constantly seeking to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiencies utilizing higher quality but less expensive materials such as the microcopper and nanocopper inks. Our inks and pastes are joining our growing portfolio of products that will impact our top and bottom line through direct sales," said Doug Baker, CEO of Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.

ABOUT APPLIED NANOTECH HOLDINGS, INC.

Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc. is a global nanotechnology leader, focused on solving problems at the molecular level, and commercializing the results of its research. Its team of PhD-level scientists and engineers work with companies and other organizations to solve technical impasses and create innovations that will create a competitive advantage. The business model is to sell products and license patents and technology to partners that will manufacture and distribute products using the technology. Applied Nanotech has over 300 patents or patents pending. Applied Nanotech's website is http://www.appliednanotech.net.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties concerning our business, products, and financial results. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted. More information about potential risk factors that could affect our business, products, and financial results are included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, and in reports subsequently filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). All documents are available through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System (EDGAR) at http://www.sec.gov or from our website listed above. We hereby disclaim any obligation to publicly update the information provided above, including forward-looking statements, to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

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Applied Nanotech Unveils Low-Cost Micron Copper Ink for Electronic Applications