Flexible and printed electronics manufacturing in China

Abstract Flexible electronic devices, such as flexible displays, sensors, and thin-film solar cells, are defined by their thinness, expansive surface area, precision, and elasticity, demonstrating significant applications in optoelectronics, information technology, healthcare, and energy sectors. With ongoing industrial innovation and evolution, diverse heterogeneous flexible electronic devices have arisen, necessitating substantial progress in material adaptability, structural design innovation, and manufacturing techniques. Traditional manufacturing processes commonly face difficulties in simultaneously achieving preparation accuracy, efficiency, and the integration of heterogeneous components. This constraint impedes the vigorous advancement of the flexible electronics sector. A synergistic combination of diverse manufacturing processes, along with the upgraded collaborative development of manufacturing equipment, may provide a feasible solution. Currently, flexible electronics in China are addressing industry challenges and exhibiting remarkable research dynamism and industrial innovation. The study begins with an overview of industry and academic research in the field and explores the contributions of Chinese researchers in solving production challenges. Finally, it showcases domestically produced manufacturing equipment for various process types, aiming to consolidate Chinese flexible electronics-related resources and provide a comprehensive reference for future research.