Dashboard Controls and Wall Heating - IDTechEx Explores Conductive Ink

The conductive inks market holds many differentiating factors and parameters to consider for conductive inks, including conductivity, printing yield, ink formulation, underlying material, durability, curing time and temperature, and compatibility with printing methods. IDTechEx dives into the details behind the need for these specific conditions in the report, "Conductive Inks Market 2024-2034: Technologies, Applications, Players", which explores applications and uses from 3D electronics to printed heaters.

 

Conductivity is a hot topic within the conductive inks sector, with a wide variation of requirements for it differing by application. The low current of capacitive touch sensors and the need for resistance in PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heaters means the conductivity requirement for these applications is low. On the other hand, power electronics stand at the far end of the spectrum, with high conductivity required for high efficiency and optimum results.

 

 

 

3D electronics allow electronic functions to be seamlessly incorporated into surfaces and interiors, such as vehicles with built-in dashboard and door controls. Fully additive 3D electronics require no molding, as manufacturing is entirely digital and is most commonly used for small-scale devices, with advantages including complex designs, hybrid parts, and improved sustainability. With these capabilities come commercial benefits outlined in IDTechEx's report as new product opportunities, features, and logistic opportunities alongside eco-friendly products.

 

Requirements for conductive inks used in the 3D electronics sector need to be specific and include:

 

There are many conductive ink formulations and opportunities within the 3D electronics sector, providing opportunities for product differentiation in prototyping and bespoke parts. IDTechEx predicts the conductive ink revenue for fully additive 3D electronics to reach approximately US$980 million in 2034, demonstrating strong growth expected over the next decade.

 

 

Flexibility, small size, biocompatible adhesive, and electrical connection are some of the requirements for wearable electrodes, which are used in applications from skin patches to smartwatches. Electrodes are used to make an electrical connection to the body in different locations to gain information that can be read or interpreted through a device. Conductive inks are outlined in IDTechEx's report to provide new design options for products including pregnancy monitoring and respiration sensors for babies, with most of these applications requiring stretchability to conform to the body. The conductive ink market for wearable electrodes is expected to reach a revenue of US$574 million in 2034, with steady growth throughout the next ten years.

 

 

Resistive inks on flexible substrates or glass, alongside self-regulating PTC inks, are three approaches to achieving printed heaters. They can be produced from a combination of both stretchable and flake-based silver, and are mostly used for battery heating, heated seats, and windscreens, and are seamless to integrate whilst having good functionality. IDTechEx explores the emerging application for conductive inks in floor, wall, and fabric heaters within home interiors for greater integration and control of specific-area heating. The revenue from the conductive inks market for printed heaters is expected to stand at US$114 million in 2034, presenting the market to be not quite as lucrative as other applications, but still showing strong growth and the potential for growing applications.

 

Alternative conductive ink applications explored by IDTechEx include FHE (flexible hybrid electronics) circuits with integrated sensors, in-mold electronics, and smart packaging. Many sectors with increased demand for conductive inks are seeing growth due to an increase in additive manufacturing capabilities and the thermoformable, digital, and aesthetic qualities that conductive inks can offer.

 

For more information about the trends and players within the market, visit IDTechEx's report, www.IDTechEx.com/Ink.

 

For the full portfolio of printed and flexible electronics market research available from IDTechEx, please see www.IDTechEx.com/Research/PE.

IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.