Thick Film Technology: The Silent Backbone of Modern Electronics

In a world that increasingly depends on precision, reliability, and miniaturization, thick film technology has emerged as a critical enabler of advanced electronic systems. Often working quietly behind the scenes, this technology powers components found in everything from modern automobiles to spacecraft — ensuring they function efficiently, accurately, and consistently.

What is Thick Film Technology?
Thick film technology refers to a manufacturing process in which conductive, resistive, and dielectric pastes are screen-printed onto ceramic or other insulating substrates and then fired at high temperatures to form durable, stable electronic circuits. Unlike thin films, which are deposited at the atomic level, thick films use micron-level layers, making them more robust and better suited for high-power, high-reliability environments.

The process allows the integration of resistors, capacitors, conductors, and even sensors directly onto substrates, forming compact hybrid circuits or discrete passive components.

Why is Thick Film Technology Important?

• High reliability: Thick film circuits are exceptionally stable under harsh conditions — such as high temperatures, vibrations, or corrosive atmospheres.
• Compact design: Enables significant miniaturization without compromising performance.
•  Customizability: Allows for tailored circuit layouts, resistance values, and multi-layer configurations.
•  Longevity: Minimal drift and degradation over time.
•  Cost-effective for medium-to-high volumes: Especially when compared to full silicon-based integration.
• Where is Thick Film Technology Used?
•  Automotive – Used in fuel level sensors, pressure sensors, engine control units (ECUs), and battery monitoring systems for both ICE and EV vehicles.
•  Aerospace & Space: Applied in avionic systems, satellite telemetry, RF modules, and high-reliability communication equipment.
•  Defense & Military: Used in radar systems, guided munitions, tactical communication devices, and ruggedized electronics.
•  Medical Devices: Found in patient monitors, diagnostic instruments, implantable devices, and compact medical sensors.
•  Industrial Automation: Used in control panels, embedded sensor systems, instrumentation, and high-voltage power electronics.
•  Test & Measurement: Critical for precision resistors, calibration standards, and hybrid circuits in lab and field instruments.
• Our Expertise at Film Electronics
  With over four decades of experience, Film Electronics is a leader in the design and manufacturing of thick film hybrid circuits and passive components.

We offer:

•  Custom solutions tailored for automotive, defense, aerospace, and industrial applications
•  Advanced screen-printing and firing processes delivering tight tolerances and consistency
•  A strong focus on R&D, co-development, and innovation with clients
•  End-to-end production in a controlled, high-capability environment
  
  Whether you’re building next-gen mobility platforms or mission-critical electronics, we have the technology and experience to support your journey.