A comparative analysis of printing techniques by using an active concentric ring electrode for bioelectrical recording

Purpose - This paper aims to present a comparison between three types of manufacturing techniques, namely, screen-printed, inkjet and gravure, using different types of inks, for the implementation of concentric ring electrodes which permit estimation of Laplacian potential on the body surface. Design/methodology/approach - Flexible concentric ring electrodes not only present lower skin-electrode contact impedance and lower baseline wander than rigid electrodes but are also less sensitive to interference and motion artefacts. The above three techniques allow printing of conductive inks on flexible substrates, and with this work, the authors aim to study which is the best technique and ink to obtain the best electrode response. Findings - From the results obtained regarding ink thickness, resistivity, electrode resistance and other performance parameters derived from electrocardiographic signal recording tests, it can be said that concentric electrodes using the screen-printing and inkjet techniques are suitable for non-invasive bioelectric signal acquisition. Originality/value - The development of new types of inks and substrates for the electronics industry and the adaptation of new manufacturing techniques allow for an improvement in the development of electrodes and sensors.