Why are thick-film resistors the most commonly used？

Why are thick film resistors so widely used in the electronics industry?
When we disassemble various electronic products, from smartphones to household appliances, and even industrial equipment, we can almost find the figure of thick film resistors. The reason why it can become the undisputed "main force" in the electronics field is the result of the combined effects of technology, cost, and market factors. Today we will explore why thick film resistors can occupy such an important position.
Firstly, cost-effectiveness is the biggest trump card of thick film resistors. In the large-scale production of the electronics industry, the cost of any component will be strictly considered. The manufacturing process of thick film resistors is mature, which is achieved by screen printing resistor paste on ceramic substrates and high-temperature sintering. This process is relatively simple, with low raw material costs, and is very suitable for large-scale automated production. This means that manufacturers can stably obtain a large quantity of thick film resistors at highly competitive prices, which is crucial for controlling the overall cost of the machine.
Secondly, it achieves a perfect balance between performance and diversity. Although thick film resistors may not be as good as thin film resistors or wire wound resistors in some extreme parameters, they provide a "good enough" and cost-effective solution for the vast majority of conventional applications. It has a wide range of resistance values and good power tolerance, which can meet the needs of most circuit designs. Meanwhile, by utilizing advanced laser resistance adjustment technology, high-precision resistance adjustment can be easily achieved, ensuring product consistency.
Thirdly, excellent stability and reliability are the foundation upon which it stands. The resistance film layer formed by sintering is firmly bonded to the substrate, with a dense structure and excellent mechanical strength and environmental resistance. This enables thick film resistors to withstand certain mechanical shocks and vibrations, and has good long-term stability. Thick film resistors can exhibit reliable performance and long service life, whether in daily consumer electronics products or in relatively harsh automotive electronics or industrial control environments.
Finally, it conforms to the trend of miniaturization of electronic devices. As electronic products become increasingly lightweight and compact, strict requirements have been placed on the volume of internal components. Thick film resistor technology can easily manufacture small-sized surface mount resistors that occupy minimal space on circuit boards, yet still provide stable resistor functionality. This miniaturization advantage is unmatched by many traditional resistor types.
In summary, thick film resistors may not be top-notch in all performance aspects, but they have successfully found their niche in the field of electronic components due to their unparalleled cost advantage, balanced performance, reliable stability, and good adaptability to miniaturization. It is like a "versatile" in the manufacturing industry, although not a specialist, it is a generalist, which is the core reason why thick film resistors can be widely used.