When designing the components of printed electronics, choosing the right Ink is a vital step to ensure proper performance and intended functionality. The main two ink groups used in trace printing are conductive and dielectric inks. Both types utilize different chemistries to serve specific functions, while also often used side by side in applications such as membrane touch switches, sensors, RFID, and printed circuity. Understanding the distinction between the two is vital in selecting the correct ink type for your application.
What Are Conductive Inks?
Conductive inks are formulated to carry an electrical current, similar to a wires function in traditional circuits. Electrical paths are made by dispersing conductive materials including silver, carbon, and cooper on to a printed medium such as polyester film.
Conductive inks are ideal for applications that require:
- Flexible and lightweight circuitry
- Printed traces and interconnects
- Consistent electrical performance
They are commonly used in:
- Membrane switches
- Printed resistors and heaters
- Biomedical sensors and EKG electrodes
- Antennas and RFID tags
What are Dielectric Inks?
Dielectric inks, by contrast, are electrically insulating. Rather than carrying current, their primary function is to block or isolate it. These inks are used alongside conductive inks to separate conductive layers or to encapsulate traces, helping to prevent short circuits and unintended electrical contact.
Dielectric inks are essential in multilayer circuit designs and serve functions such as:
- Layer insulation
- Trace encapsulation
- Moisture and chemical protection
Typical applications include:
- Membrane switch spacing
- Circuit overcoats
- Electrical barrier coatings
Which one to choose?
In many printed electronics both of these inks are used in tandem. For instance, in a membrane touch switch, conductive ink is used to print the functional circuit, while dielectric ink insulates layers and defines active switch areas.
Choosing the correct combination of inks and ensuring compatibility with your substrate is key to achieving dependable performance.
At Tekra, we offer a wide variety of both conductive and dielectric inks, and films substrates that are manufactured with the intended use of printed circuitry. Whether you're developing a new product or improving an existing one, contact our team to help guide your material selection.
