May 29 2015
Sensors are playing an increasingly important role in printed electronics. While the biggest market is currently glucose sensors (for the treatment of diabetes), it is also highly commoditized. However, a new generation of printed sensors is now emerging from R&D and the range of applications is vast. There are many types of sensors and therefore many addressable markets. IDTechEx forecasts the market for fully printed sensors will be over $8 billion by 2025.
Printing is not a new technique in the sensor industry. In fact, some types of sensors have always been printed.
For example, there are already various types of sensors partially manufactured by screen printing (also known as a "thick film" process). In such devices, the transducer is a printed layer of either a polymeric or ceramic material. This technology has been used in the sensor industry for many years.
Progress in printed electronics now enables more sensors to be fully printed. Since sensors have a much simpler structure than displays or logic circuits, the manufacturing learning curve is therefore less steep compared to many other printed electronics applications. In most cases, these new printed sensors can be made on plastic substrates, offering the advantages of mechanical flexibility, thinness and light weight.
This report covers the following categories of printed sensors:
- Biosensors
- Capacitive sensors
- Piezoresistive sensors
- Piezoelectric sensors
- Photodetectors
- Temperature sensors
- Humidity sensors
- Gas sensors
- Established and emerging markets
Printed disposable blood glucose sensors currently generate $6 billion of revenue annually. These sensors are used by diabetics as a self-diagnosis tool. The technology is well-established but the market is now commoditized and in low-growth mode. However, other types of printed biosensors are emerging, targeting medical or fitness applications.
Some printed and flexible sensors such as photodetectors, temperature sensors or gas sensors are transitioning from R&D to mass production. These market segments are set to grow fast over the next 10 years.
Printed humidity sensors will have the highest growth rate. However, this can be explained by the fact that it is starting from a low base. The market size (in terms of revenue) will actually be much smaller compared to other segments.
Overall, IDTechEx forecasts that fully printed sensors will be worth more than $8 billion by 2025.
The market data in the report are at the sensor module level, thereby avoiding the common issue of including other components and services (system integration) in the revenue forecasts.
The complete picture
Save months of research by quickly learning who the key players are in printed and flexible sensors by using the latest information. Get the complete picture on the various technologies, their applications and the market sizes.
The report includes 10-year market forecasts for fully printed sensors as well as associated organic sensors:
- Printed biosensors
- Printed capacitive sensors
- Printed piezoresistive sensors
- Printed piezoelectric sensors
- Printed photodetector
- Printed temperature sensors
- Printed humidity sensors
- Printed gas sensors
- Hybrid organic CMOS image sensors
- Organic X-ray sensors
Included in the report is a listing of over 80 companies making thick film sensors or fully printed sensors. Sorted by sensor category, this listing helps you identify potential partners and suppliers.
The report also includes 23 detailed company profiles based on direct interviews by IDTechEx's analysts.
Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p01662164-summary/view-report.html