Stretchable Conductive Inks for Wearable Electronics & E-Textiles
Browse our full range of Stretchable Conductive Inks below.
Stretchable conductive inks allow electronic circuits, sensors, and heaters to be printed onto fabrics and elastic films that bend, twist, and stretch with the body. Unlike conventional conductors that crack when deformed, stretchable inks are engineered to retain electrical performance through repeated mechanical strain, making them central to applications including garments, virtual and augmented reality, automotive eg seat heaters, e-textiles fitness and sports, defence and skin-contact medical devices.
Dycotec Materials develops a complete portfolio of stretchable materials for printed electronics, including stretchable conductive silver and carbon pastes, stretchable conductive adhesives, and stretchable insulators and encapsulants. Designed to work together as a system, these materials let manufacturers build fully stretchable printed circuits, from the conductive tracks through to the protective top layers.
Our stretchable inks print onto elastomeric and textile substrates such as TPU and fabric, and process at low temperatures suited to heat-sensitive substrates. They are used across wearable healthcare monitoring, smart garments, ECG and EMG sensors and printed heaters.
| Name | Description | Applications | Key Features | Deposition Method | Substrates | Processing Temperature (°C) | Datasheet | hf:tax:pa_applications | hf:tax:pa_deposition-method | hf:tax:pa_substrate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DM-ENC-2500 | Aqueous-based stretchable encapsulation coating for screen printing protective layers over conductive circuits in wearable devices, sensors, and medical electronics on elastomeric and textile substrates. Electrically insulating formulation protects stretchable conductive layers from abrasion and wash damage; cures at 120–180 °C. | Wearables | Stretchable | Screen | Textile | 120 - 180 |  | wearables | screen | textile |
| DM-INS-2501 | Stretchable screen printable insulator for encapsulating and electrically isolating conductive layers in wearable devices, sensors, and medical electronics on elastomeric and textile substrates. Suitable for multilayer and crossover structures in stretchable circuit constructions; cures at 80–140 °C and is compatible with Dycotec stretchable conductive pastes. | Heaters, Sensors, Wearables | White | Screen | PET, Textile, TPU | 80 - 140 | | heaters sensors wearables | screen | pet textile tpu |
| DM-SAS-10030-ST | Stencil and screen printing format of the DM-SAS-10030 flexible silver ECA, designed for higher-throughput component attachment in IME, wearables, sensors, and medical devices on PET, TPU, and textile substrates. Maintains joint flexibility when cured at 120 °C, achieving <200 mΩ/□/25µm with fine pitch resolution suited to dense component layouts. | Flexible Electronics, In-Mold Electronics | Flexible, Withstand overmolding | Screen, Stencil | PET, Polycarbonate PC | 120 | | flexible-electronics in-mold-electronics | screen stencil | pet pc |
| DM-CAP-2101S | Biocompatible thermoplastic carbon paste for screen printing on elastomeric and textile substrates, designed for skin-contact wearables, ECG/EMG sensors, heaters, and medical devices requiring >200% stretchability. Achieves ~60 Ω/□/25µm at 130 °C; tested to ISO 10993-5 for biocompatibility. Typically overprinted on silver layers to improve durability and washability | Heaters, Sensors, Wearables | 200% stretch, 60Ω/□/25µm, ISO 10993-5 compatible | Screen | PET, Textile, Transfer paper | 120 - 140 | | heaters sensors wearables | screen | pet textile transfer-paper |
| DM-CAP-2101SPU | TPU-optimised biocompatible thermoplastic carbon paste for screen printing on polyurethane substrates, designed for skin-contact wearables, sensors, heaters, and medical devices requiring >150% stretchability. Achieves ~60 Ω/□/25µm at 130 °C; tested to ISO 10993-5 for biocompatibility. Formulated specifically for adhesion and compatibility with TPU substrate chemistry. | Heaters, Sensors, Wearables | 150% stretch, 60Ω/□/25µm, Biocompatible, ISO 10993-5 compatible | Screen | Textile, TPU, Transfer paper | 120 - 140 | | heaters sensors wearables | screen | textile tpu transfer-paper |
| DM-INS-2520 | Translucent stretchable insulator coating for screen printing protective and insulating layers in wearable devices, sensors, and medical electronics on TPU, textile, and PET substrates. The translucent finish suits applications where the underlying circuit or substrate appearance must remain visible. Stretches to >50%; cures at 120–150 °C. | Heaters, Sensors, Wearables | stretchable >50%, Translucent | Screen | Elastomer, Textile, TPU | 120 - 150 | | heaters sensors wearables | screen | elastomer textile tpu |
| DM-INS-2512 | High-elongation stretchable encapsulation coating for screen printing protective and insulating layers in wearable devices, sensors, and medical electronics on TPU and textile substrates. Stretches to approximately 220%, with good breakdown voltage; cures at 80–140 °C. | Heaters, Sensors, Wearables | 220% stretch, Compatible with 2006 silver conductive, White | Screen | PET, Textile, TPU | 120 | | heaters sensors wearables | screen | pet textile tpu |
| DM-SAS-10030-SY | Pressure-time dispensing format of the DM-SAS-10030 flexible silver ECA, optimised for automated dispensing systems in IME, wearables, sensors, and medical device assembly on PET, TPU, and textile substrates. Maintains joint flexibility when cured at 120 °C, achieving <250 mΩ/□/25µm with fine pitch resolution and shear strength of ~50 kg/cm². | Flexible Electronics, In-Mold Electronics | Flexible, Withstand overmolding | Pressure-Time Dispense | PET, Polycarbonate PC | 120 | | flexible-electronics in-mold-electronics | pressure-time-dispense | pet pc |
| DM-SAS-10030-SYP | Manual syringe dispensing format of the DM-SAS-10030 flexible silver ECA, suited to lower-volume or prototyping assembly of IME, wearables, sensors, and medical devices on PET, TPU, and textile substrates. Maintains joint flexibility when cured at 120 °C, achieving <250 mΩ/□/25µm with fine pitch resolution and shear strength of ~50 kg/cm². | Flexible Electronics, In-Mold Electronics | Flexible, Withstand overmolding | Manual Syringe | PET, Polycarbonate PC | 120 | | flexible-electronics in-mold-electronics | manual-syringe | pet pc |
| DM-INS-2514 | Water-resistant stretchable insulator for screen printing encapsulation layers in ECG/EMG, heater, sensor, and medical wearable applications on TPU, textile, and PET substrates. Stretches to 60% with excellent moisture resistance; cures at 80–120 °C and is compatible with Dycotec stretchable conductive pastes | Heaters, Sensors, Wearables | 60% stretch, Compatible with 2004 and 2005 silver conductive, White | Screen | PET, Textile, TPU | 120 | | heaters sensors wearables | screen | pet textile tpu |
| DM-CAP-2100S | Aqueous-based thermoplastic carbon paste for screen printing stretchable overprint layers on elastomeric and textile substrates in wearables, sensors, and medical devices. Achieves <40 Ω/□/µm with an environmentally friendly water-based formulation; typically applied over silver conductive layers to improve durability and washability. Compatible with DM-ENC-2500 and DM-INS-2501 encapsulants. | <20Ω/□/25µm, 20% stretch | Screen | Textile, TPU, Transfer paper | 80 - 120 | | screen | textile tpu transfer-paper | ||
| DM-SIP-2004 | Wash-durable thermoplastic silver paste for screen printing on elastomeric and textile substrates, withstanding up to 50 wash cycles when used with Dycotec encapsulant pastes. Achieves <10 mΩ/□/25µm across a wide cure range of 80–200 °C with >20% stretchability, suited to smart garments, ECG/EMG sensors, and medical wearables where long-term conductivity retention through laundering is critical. | Heaters, Sensors, Wearables | <10mΩ/□/25µm, 20% stretch, Excellent washability | Screen | PET, Textile, Transfer film | 80 - 150 | | heaters sensors wearables | screen | pet textile transfer-film |
| DM-SIP-2005 | Cost-effective thermoplastic silver paste for screen printing stretchable circuits on textiles, PET, and elastomeric substrates for wearables, sensors, and medical devices. Achieves <10 mΩ/□/25µm at 120–140 °C with ~60% elongation, 5B adhesion, and no resistance increase after crease testing; washable when used with Dycotec encapsulant pastes. For TPU substrates use DM-SIP-2005PU. | Heaters, Sensors, Wearables | <10mΩ/□/25µm, 60% stretch | Screen | PET, Textile, Transfer film | 80 - 150 | | heaters sensors wearables | screen | pet textile transfer-film |
| DM-SIP-2005PU | TPU-optimised thermoplastic silver paste for screen printing stretchable circuits on polyurethane substrates for wearables, sensors, and medical devices. Achieves <13 mΩ/□/25µm at 130 °C with up to 80% elongation and high surface coverage (247 cm²/g at 6 µm), offering a cost-effective formulation specifically matched to TPU substrate chemistry. | Heaters, Sensors, Wearables | <10mΩ/□/25µm, 60% stretch | Screen | TPU | 120 - 140 | | heaters sensors wearables | screen | tpu |
| DM-SIP-2006 | High-elongation thermoplastic silver paste for screen printing on elastomeric and textile substrates, offering up to 170% stretch (>300% when laminated) for demanding sensor and wearable device applications. Achieves <22 mΩ/□/25µm at 130 °C with good washability and low silver content for cost-effective large-area stretchable circuit production. | Heaters, Sensors, Wearables | <25mΩ/□/25µm, 170% stretch | Screen | PET, Textile, Transfer film | 120 - 140 | | heaters sensors wearables | screen | pet textile transfer-film |
| DM-SIP-2006-PU | High-elongation thermoplastic silver paste for screen printing on elastomeric and textile substrates, offering up to 170% stretch (>300% when laminated) for demanding sensor and wearable device applications. Achieves <35 mΩ/□/25µm with good washability and low silver content for cost-effective large-area stretchable circuit production.
| Heaters, Sensors, Wearables | <22 mΩ/□/25µm | Screen | TPU | 120 - 140 | | heaters sensors wearables | screen | tpu |
| DM-CAP-2106PU | Thermoplastic carbon paste for screen printing stretchable conductive tracks on TPU, designed for wearables, sensors, and heaters requiring up to 140% elongation. Achieves ~70 Ω/□/25µm at 130 °C and is compatible with Dycotec stretchable silver paste DM-SIP-2006PU for multilayer stretchable circuit construction.
| Heaters, Medical, Sensors, Wearables | 140% Stretch | Screen | TPU | 120 - 140 | | heaters medical sensors wearables | screen | tpu |
| DM-ADH-11013S | Screen printable plastisol-based adhesive for bonding layers in wearable electronics and smart garment constructions. Washable up to 60 °C, suiting textile-integrated applications that must survive domestic laundering. | Wearables | Stretchable, Washable | Screen | PET, Transfer film | 140 | | wearables | screen | pet transfer-film |
Stretchable Ink Expertise from Dycotec Materials
Dycotec Materials has developed printable conductive and dielectric materials for printed electronics, sensors, and wearable devices for more than a decade. Our engineering team works closely with developers to optimise stretchability, electrical performance, adhesion to elastic substrates, washability, biocompatibility, and long-term reliability under repeated mechanical strain.
Because a stretchable device depends on every printed layer flexing together, we develop our conductive, adhesive, and insulating materials as a compatible system. Our R&D technology centres combine industrial screen printing and dispensing equipment with extensive electrical and durability testing, so we can prototype and test complete stretchable circuit constructions, and rapidly tailor formulations to specific customer requirements.
What Are Stretchable Conductive Inks?
Stretchable conductive inks are functional formulations that combine conductive particles, most commonly silver or carbon, with elastic polymer binders. The flexible binder allows the printed layer to deform and recover while maintaining the conductive network, so the circuit keeps working as it is stretched, bent, or worn against the body.
A complete stretchable circuit is built from several matched layers: stretchable conductive tracks carry the signal, stretchable conductive adhesives attach components and relieve joint stress, and stretchable insulators and encapsulants electrically isolate layers and protect the circuit from abrasion, moisture, and washing. After printing, the layers are cured at relatively low temperatures so that elastic substrates and any skin-contact materials are not damaged.
Applications and Industries Using Stretchable Inks
Stretchable inks are used wherever electronics must move with a flexible surface or the human body. Common applications include wearable health and fitness monitors, skin patches, smart garments and e-textiles, ECG and EMG biopotential sensors, printed heaters for apparel and therapeutic devices..
These devices serve markets including medical and healthcare, consumer wearables, sports and fitness, and automotive interiors. As electronics become increasingly integrated into clothing, soft devices, and curved surfaces, stretchable inks enable functionality that rigid circuit boards and conventional flexible films cannot provide.
Why Use Stretchable Conductive Inks?
Stretchable inks make it possible to print durable, working electronics directly onto materials that flex and stretch. Conventional conductors fail under repeated deformation, whereas stretchable formulations are designed to retain conductivity through hundreds of stretch cycles, enabling comfortable, body-worn devices and electronics integrated into fabric.
Low-temperature curing is essential for this class of material. Elastic substrates such as TPU and textiles, along with any temperature-sensitive components, cannot tolerate high processing temperatures, so stretchable inks are formulated to cure within a low thermal window. This compatibility also supports thermoforming and overmolding, allowing flat printed circuits to be shaped into finished three-dimensional parts.
Durability in real-world use is the other key advantage. For garments and skin-contact devices, stretchable systems can be engineered for washability through repeated laundering and for biocompatibility where the material touches skin. Because the conductive, adhesive, and insulating layers are developed to be compatible, the complete printed stack stretches and survives as a single, reliable system.
How to Choose a Stretchable Ink
Selecting the right stretchable materials starts with the role of each layer. Conductive tracks are chosen for their balance of conductivity and elongation, with washable silver formulations suited to garments and biocompatible carbon formulations suited to skin-contact sensing and overprinting. Conductive adhesives are selected by dispensing or printing method and by the level of joint flexibility and overmolding resistance required.
Substrate, stretch requirement, cure temperature, and operating environment then guide the final choice. Highly elastic devices call for high-elongation conductors and encapsulants, skin-contact applications call for biocompatible, tested materials, and washable garments call for moisture-resistant encapsulation. Insulators are available in white, translucent, and water-resistant grades to suit appearance and protection needs.
Dycotec Materials works closely with customers to match conductive, adhesive, and insulating layers into a compatible stretchable system suited to their substrate, stretch and durability targets, and manufacturing process.
Stretchable Inks Designed for Scalable Manufacturing
Dycotec stretchable inks are developed for industrial manufacturing using established screen printing, stencil printing, and automated dispensing processes. Ink rheology, particle dispersion, and binder systems are controlled to ensure stable, repeatable deposition across extended production runs, helping minimise issues such as screen blocking, inconsistent layer definition, and electrical variation.
Our pastes are tested to exacting standards for performance under mechanical strain, washing, and skin contact, supporting both single-use devices and garments that must survive repeated laundering. Our applications laboratory supports prototype and pilot-scale evaluation using industrial equipment and can print and test complete stretchable circuit constructions so customers can assess performance before scaling to production. We provide materials to a global customer base with flexible delivery from low-volume samples to high-volume production.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stretchable Conductive Inks
What materials make up a stretchable printed circuit?
A complete stretchable circuit combines several matched layers: stretchable conductive tracks built from silver or carbon, stretchable conductive adhesives to attach components and relieve joint stress, and stretchable insulators and encapsulants to isolate layers and protect the circuit. Dycotec supplies a compatible portfolio covering each of these layers so the full stack stretches together.
How stretchable are the inks?
Stretchability varies by material and role. Conductive tracks are typically engineered for elongation in the region of 20% upward, while specialist conductive and encapsulant formulations can stretch well beyond 200%. The right grade depends on how much strain the finished device will experience in normal use.
What substrates are compatible with stretchable inks?
Stretchable inks are designed for elastomeric and textile substrates, most commonly TPU, fabric, and elastomer films, as well as PET and transfer papers for certain constructions. The most suitable substrate depends on the device format, stretch requirement, and processing conditions.
Are stretchable inks suitable for skin contact?
Yes. Biocompatible stretchable carbon formulations are available for skin-contact wearables and biopotential sensing such as ECG and EMG, and are tested to ISO 10993-5 for cytotoxicity. These materials are often overprinted onto conductive layers to improve durability and skin compatibility.
Can stretchable printed electronics be washed?
Yes. When paired with compatible encapsulant layers, washable stretchable conductors can be engineered to withstand repeated laundering cycles while retaining conductivity. Washability is an important selection criterion for smart garments and e-textiles and depends on using a matched conductor and encapsulation system.
What printing and deposition methods are used?
Stretchable conductors and insulators are typically screen printed, while stretchable conductive adhesives are applied by stencil printing or by automated and manual dispensing, depending on throughput and component layout. Each material is formulated for the deposition method it is intended to be used with.
At what temperature do stretchable inks cure?
Stretchable inks cure at relatively low temperatures, broadly within an 80 to 200 °C window depending on the material. Low-temperature processing protects elastic substrates such as TPU and textiles and any temperature-sensitive components in the device.
Can stretchable inks be used for In-Mold Electronics and thermoforming?
Yes. Selected stretchable conductors and adhesives are compatible with thermoforming and overmolding, allowing flat printed circuits to be shaped into three-dimensional parts and to withstand the In-Mold Electronics process. This makes them suitable for integrating electronics into moulded surfaces.
Can Dycotec develop custom stretchable formulations?
Yes. Dycotec develops custom stretchable formulations tailored to specific substrates, stretch and durability targets, cure profiles, and electrical requirements. Our R&D technology centres can also print and electrically test complete stretchable circuit constructions for customer evaluation.
Technical Support and Process Development
Dycotec Materials provides technical support and process development services to help customers optimise stretchable inks for real-world manufacturing. Our capabilities include:
- Screen, stencil, and dispense process development
- Pilot-scale manufacturing trials
- Print and test of complete stretchable circuit constructions
- Electrical performance testing
- Stretch, fatigue, and durability testing
- Wash-durability evaluation
- Adhesion analysis
- Custom formulation development
By combining materials development with industrial-scale printing and testing expertise, we help accelerate the transition from concept to production while reducing technical risk during scale-up.
Why Choose Dycotec Materials
Choose Dycotec Materials for a complete, compatible stretchable portfolio backed by materials expertise, manufacturing experience, and hands-on technical support. We supply every layer of the stretchable printed stack, conductors, adhesives, and encapsulants, developed to stretch and survive together and tested to exacting standards for mechanical strain, washing, and skin contact.
Our team supports projects from initial feasibility and prototype development through to commercial production, including custom formulation and the ability to print and test stretchable constructions in-house. We provide materials to a global customer base with flexible delivery from low-volume samples to high-volume production.
Need Help Selecting a Stretchable Ink?
Our technical team can recommend the most suitable stretchable conductor, adhesive, and insulator materials based on your substrate, stretch and durability targets, deposition method, and performance requirements.
Contact Dycotec Materials or Ask a Question for technical guidance, formulation support, or sample requests.