Thick film resistosrs are by far the most used resistors in electrical and electronic devices. They come usually as chip resistor (SMD), and have the lowest cost compared to any other technology. The resistive material is a special paste with a mixture of a binder, a carrier, and the metal oxides to be deposited. The binder is a glassy frit and the carrier exists of organic solvent systems and plasticizers. Modern resistor pastes are based on oxides of ruthenium, iridium and rhenium. This is also referred to as a cermet (Ceramic – Metallic). The resistive layer is printed onto a substrate at 850°C. The substrate is often 95% alumina ceramic. After the firing of the paste on the carrier, the film becomes glasslike, which makes it well protected against moisture. The thickness is in the order of 100 micrometer. This is approximately 1000 times more than thin film.This means that the resistive layers are added sequentially to the substrate to create the conducting patterns and resistance values.
Thick Film Resistor is estimated to hold the largest share in the market, by resistor type. Electrical & Electronics industry is estimated to be the fastest growing segment in Thick Film Resistor Market, and
Asia Oceania is the largest region for thick film power& shunt resistor market for automotive industry. Rising urbanization and upcoming smart city projects, especially in China and India, have boosted the growth of the electrical & electronics industry.
