IDTechEx explores conductive inks

Conductivity, stretchability, cost, and durability are just some of the factors of consideration for manufacturers when selecting ink types and materials, and IDTechEx’s latest report, Conductive Inks Market 2024-2034: Technologies, Applications, Players, deep dives into the many combinations available.

The conductive ink market at a glance

Silver flake, silver nanoparticle, silver nanowire, and conductive polymers are a few types of conductive inks to name from a vast array, and all exist within a very segmented market. While silver flake inks currently dominate the market due to their lower cost, simple processing, ability to be easily deposited, and their high durability, IDTechEx reports that they will see their growth slowing down over the next ten years at a CAGR of 2.8%. This is predicted to be primarily as a result of new emerging solar cell varieties requiring different quantities of conductive inks due to improved cell efficiencies.

Circuits, sensing, and other applications from heaters to EMI shielding are the main three segments for conductive inks, leading to their existence in a large number of devices and components. IDTechEx’s report outlines which conductive inks are best suited to different applications and provides in-depth research and SWOT analyses.

Expenses, conductivity, and yields

Due to varying expenses within the conductive ink market, the cost a company pays should match the application, i.e. having more expensive inks for long-term uses with a need for premium materials and durability. The benefits and downsides when choosing an ink type are purely dependent on the requirements of a specific application. Certain ink formulations are also cheaper than others, such as flake based inks. The price of underlying materials for the inks also is a factor to be considered, as copper is much cheaper than silver, but is still not as popular with specialist companies.

Another factor to consider is that some more expensive inks possess greater conducting abilities, allowing less ink to be used compared to cheaper alternatives, reducing the difference in price between the inks.

Printing yield is undoubtedly important, but specifically for most applications where the performance of a printed ink is not influenced by variations such as ink storage time, temperature, and humidity during the manufacturing process.

The main markets for conductive inks

Fully additive 3D electronics is one of the main applications for conductive inks, with advantages of reduced material consumption, compatibility with digital manufacturing, and complex design creation, which can enable electronics to exist on unusual form factors. The conductive ink requirements for fully additive 3D electronics include adhesion, low temperature and rapid curing, and high conductivity to ensure good quality and durability for their uses within the automotive industry and wearables.

RFID and smart packaging, used in some cases to track deliveries, would only require cheap and non-durable hardware, with low-cost inks that have compatibility with existing printing methods. While this use of conductive inks could increase the efficiency of the packaging industries, the cost of silver means this application is not common, providing a potential growth opportunity for low-cost copper inks. Consumer concerns surrounding sustainability could also be a barrier with this application.

New opportunities

Opportunities are emerging for new materials in areas like wearables and in-mould electronics because both applications require stretchability or thermal formability that flake-based inks can’t provide. However, according to IDTechEx, flake-based suppliers have begun investing in these markets due to an increased opportunity for variation.

In their latest report, Conductive Inks Market 2024-2034: Technologies, Applications, Players, IDTechEx predicts the conductive ink market to exceed US$6.5billion by 2034, with non-silver inks predicted to grow at a CAGR of 24%. Stretchability and thermal formability will continue to be desired properties, with new alternative materials such as liquid metal gels on the horizon. The report assesses application areas by identifying main markets and their current statuses, as well as outlining the role of different conductive inks and their requirements. It covers materials and processes from production to markets and explores innovations and opportunities.