Stretchable electronics have demonstrated tremendous potential
in wearable healthcare, advanced diagnostics, soft robotics, and persistent
human–machine interfaces. Still, their applicability is limited
by a reliance on low-throughput, high-cost fabrication methods. Traditional
MEMS/NEMS metallization and off-contact direct-printing methods are
not suitable at scale. In contrast, screen printing is a high-throughput,
mature printing method. The recent development of conductive nanomaterial
inks that are intrinsically stretchable provides an exciting opportunity
for scalable fabrication of stretchable electronics. The design of
screen-printed inks is constrained by strict rheological requirements
during printing, substrate–ink attraction, and nanomaterial
properties that determine dispersibility and percolation threshold.
Here, this review provides a concise overview of these key constraints
and a recent attempt to meet them. We begin with a description of
the fluid dynamics governing screen printing, deduce from these properties
the optimal ink rheological properties, and then describe how nanomaterials,
solvents, binders, and rheological agents are combined to produce
high-performing inks. Although this review emphasizes conductive interconnections,
these methods are highly applicable to sensing, insulating, photovoltaic,
and semiconducting materials. Finally, we conclude with a discussion
on the future opportunities and challenges in screen-printing stretchable
electronics and their broader applicability.