A novel flexible strain gauge sensor fabricated using screen printing

A novel flexible strain gauge sensor was successfully screen printed on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate using silver (Ag) ink as metallization. The electro-mechanical characteristics of the printed strain gauge sensor were investigated by subjecting the sensor to a cyclic 3-point bend fatigue test. The sensors were subjected to an elongation of 1 mm and 2 mm, for 10,000 cycles at 0.5 Hz. Resistance changes of 0.64 % and 1.89 % were observed for the 1 mm and 2 mm elongations, respectively. An average increase of 9 % in the resistance was calculated for every 0.004 mm/mm increase in the strain, during a strain analysis test performed on the sensor. These responses of the fabricated sensor demonstrate its potential to be used in sensing applications for safety measures.