initiated as a bachelor’s thesis at KISD, designer dorothee clasen’s ‘cirquids’ explores a novel, low-tech method for creating printed circuit boards. instead of utilizing silver or copper-based components, as is industry standard, clasen instead uses nothing more than wax, salt, and water. the results are temporary, lasting only as long as moisture resides, but nevertheless has some curious potential.

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‘cirquids’
images © dorothee clasen

 

 

 

‘cirquids’ is represented by a diverse collection of paper devices, built by clasen, with attached electronics. possibilities include turning paper into three-dimensional objects that react to touch, or for a squeezable section to act as current regulator. due to ease of creation, ‘cirquids’ is a viable approach for designers to confront and explore low-tech PCBs. 

cirquids circuit boards dorothee clasen
conduction by saltwater

 

video courtesy of dorothee clasen

cirquids circuit boards dorothee clasen
defining circuit layout with wax prints and salt water 

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two-and-three dimensional studies

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prototypes

cirquids low-tech circuit boards developed by dorothee clasen
sounds are triggered when saltwater passes a specific region in the paper

cirquids circuit boards dorothee clasen
squeezable potentiometer 

cirquids low-tech circuit boards developed by dorothee clasen
when moisture is introduced, deformation is commenced by a shape-memory alloy

cirquids low-tech circuit boards developed by dorothee clasen
printed circuits remain conductive until liquids fully dry, leaving only salt behind 

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PCB and attiny85 micro-controller

cirquids circuit boards dorothee clasenbrushed conductive path

cirquids low-tech circuit boards developed by dorothee clasen
hidden LED

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: nick brink | designboom

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