Amorim Cork Composites is a member of the consortium responsible for the patent of a totally innovative system, that makes it possible to print reliable and functional heating circuit systems in cork.

The production process of agglomerated cork, preparation of cork surfaces and printing of heating circuits was designed to be continuous, or using sheets. This prevents separation of the layers (delamination) and offers the benefits of thermal insulation provided by cork. The invention has various possible industrial applications and may be extended to printing sensors for multiple applications.

An agglomerated cork and surface treatment has been developed that can support the printing of electrical circuits. This development involves printing using cost-effective and efficient industrial processes. This patent may be applied in various fields, in particular the upper layers of flooring, thus delivering the added value of heating in an upward direction, associated to the insulation provided by cork in a downward direction. In this way, the solution minimizes the energy consumption in a specific room. This solution, offering the same benefits, can also be used in composite sandwich layers in the floors or panels of trains or buses. An additional advantage is that this involves a smaller number of layers, thus avoiding possible delamination.