Research progress of screen-printed flexible pressure sensor

The manufacturing process of flexible pressure sensors involves a variety of technologies. Screen printing stands out for its cost-effectiveness, expansive print area, customization capabilities, and high throughput. It is employed in crafting diverse hierarchical structures of flexible pressure sensors, encompassing sensitive layers, electrode layers, and microstructures. Presently, flexible pressure sensors manufactured through screen printing boast a measurement range extending beyond 18 MPa, facilitating modular sensor integration across large areas, with microstructure dimensions refined to as small as 125 μm. This article delineates the evolution of screen printing from 960 AD to the present, discusses factors influencing print quality, and introduces the temperature and mechanical properties of substrate materials such as fabrics, polymers, and glass. It proceeds to present five types of printable inks and their typical applications. The subsequent section of the article delves into the principles governing stretchable and bendable flexible sensors. Four categories of flexible print sensors and their typical applications will also be discussed. Additionally, the article scrutinizes the performance and characteristics of flexible pressure sensors manufactured using screen printing technology and the associated processes. Finally, the article offers its perspective on the future development of screen-printed flexible pressure sensors, providing insights into potential advancements and applications that may emerge from this manufacturing method.