Printed stretchable sensors

Printed stretchable sensors can help bring electronics close to the body.

The sensors are more than just pliable and flexible circuits. They introduce a new dimension to flexibility as the sensors can stretch without losing function and can thus be placed close to or directly on the skin.

In recent years, Mekoprint has invested heavily in production equipment and intensive skills development, so we have now mastered screen printing of electrical circuits on ultra thin and stretchable foils in non-woven materials and TPU foil.

We know that stretchable sensors on flexible materials are a key part of the future of wearables and IoT devices.

NON-WOVEN MATERIAL

A non-woven material is thinner than paper and looks like a thin piece of textile. The material consists of fibres which are placed very close together on a breathable plastic coated foil. It is stretchable by up to 10 percent.

A stretchable, electrically conductive paste is printed on the material. Prints in graphite, graphic colours and lacquer are possible – all with stretchable properties and without crazing.

The stretchable sensors are screen printed on roll-to-roll printing equipment. During the production process, it is ensured that the non-woven material is handled without creasing, cracking or improper stretching, and without shrinking in connection with the curing of the conductive paste.

CASE: THE INTELLIGENT INCONTINENCE DIAPER IS A WORLD SENSATION

In partnership with diaper giant Abena, Mekoprint has created a printed and stretchable sensor for an intelligent diaper which means enhanced quality of life for incontinence patients and fewer costs for the environment and care budgets in Danish municipalities.

It paves the way for new opportunities for printing on stretchable materials and the development of smart products in many other sectors.

TPU FOIL

TPU foil (thermoplastic polyurethane) is an ultra thin transparent plastic foil which is flexible and highly elastic with a stretchable property upwards of 100 percent.

The stretchable circuit is screen printed in a roll-to-roll production. Conductive silver, graphite, graphic colours and lacquer are printed on the material – also with stretchable properties.

For handling in production, the foil is mounted on a silicone-coated liner which is heat stable throughout the production process.

DO YOU WANT YOUR PRODUCTS DIGITISED?

Mekoprint are always happy to act as a sounding board for new and existing solutions, and as a European partner, we are always close.

Mekoprint already assists many large companies in their digital journey – We are involved from the first prototype to scaling and cost-effective mass production in high volumes.

THE FUTURE IS DIGITAL

INTERNET OF THINGS
More and more companies work with IoT and digitisation of traditional products to create a new value proposition to its customers.

By adding a digital dimension to the products, real-time data can be collected and used actively via connection to the user’s smartphone or other mobile platform.

The Internet of Things is particularly widespread in smart homes, the care and healthcare sector and industrial applications.

WEARABLES
In the category of Internet of Things applications, we find wearables where electrical circuits are incorporated into clothing or in applications carried directly on or close to the body. A printed sensor is very suitable for such processes. The sensor collects data that the individual can subsequently act upon.

Consumers have largely welcomed the technology in products like smart watches and activity trackers. The future holds even more wearable products for both consumers and professionals.