Being at the right place at the right time. Some call it serendipity. Others consider it plain luck. When it comes to printed electronics, the right time is now. And the right place? The wearable industry.
Thanks to advancements in material science and production techniques, flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) have advanced in power and reliability. Simultaneously, the demand for compact wearable devices has skyrocketed. Put them together, and product design teams have a tremendous opportunity in front of them.
In this article, we’ll explore the applications, benefits, and manufacturing considerations of FHE wearables.
Flexible hybrid electronics combine the flexible nature of printed electronics with traditional rigid components to maximize power and performance. This hybrid approach has unlocked many applications within the wearable device market.
In medical devices, FHE circuits are instrumental in creating innovative devices for continuous health monitoring, such as heart rate monitors, glucose sensors, and sleep trackers, that are discreet and comfortable for prolonged wear. Advancements in remote patient monitoring can reduce the strain on medical facilities for in-patient care while reducing healthcare costs.
On the recreational side, fitness enthusiasts benefit from FHE circuits through skin patches, shoe insoles and flexible electronics embedded in textiles, allowing for seamless physical activity and body metrics tracking.
Flexible hybrid electronics give product teams unprecedented design opportunities by reducing rigid components and offering a pliable form factor.
While it’s evident that flexible hybrid electronics offer tremendous untapped potential for wearables, there are several manufacturing challenges to consider.
Flexible hybrid electronics are revolutionizing the wearable device market. At Tapecon, we are eager to work alongside forward-thinking engineers and product designers to make the most of this impressive technology. With a combination of design consulting and manufacturing capabilities – including printed electronics – we’re uniquely positioned to bring FHE wearable devices to life and get it to market quickly. We also have extensive experience producing medical devices in our FDA-registered facility.
If you’re working on a wearable using flexible hybrid electronics, we encourage you to reach out to our team early in the development process.
With over 100 years of manufacturing experience, Tapecon works with product teams to solve challenges, create products, and enhance lives. Learn more about our flexible printed electronics applications.