Notts research electronic circuits 3D printing
A schematic diagram showing how UV irradiation heats and solidifies conductive and dielectric inks to form the letter N with silver tracks that connect a green LED to a power source.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham believe they have achieved a breakthrough in the rapid 3D printing of fully functional electronic circuits.
Containing electrically-conductive metallic inks and insulating polymeric inks, the circuits can now be produced in a single inkjet printing process where a UV light rapidly solidified the inks, according to the research group. They also expect their process to enable the electronics manufacturing industry to produce functional components, like 3D antennae and fully printed sensors, from multiple materials.
The researchers use silver nanoparticles in conductive inks, which are capable of absorbing UV light, which is then converted into heat. This heat evaporates the solvents of the conductive ink and fuses together the silver nanoparticles. Per the University of Nottingham researchers, the process only affects the conductive inks, and does no harm to the adjacent printed polymers. The researchers have then used the same compact, low-cost LED-based UV light to convert polymeric inks into solids in the same printing process to form multi-material 3D structures.
Through this research, the University of Nottingham sought to overcome many of the challenges posed in the conventional manufacturing of functional devices that contain both plastic and metal components in complex structures. Traditionally, different methods are required to solidify the different materials.
Notts research electronic circuit 3d printing
Left: A conductive helix track printed within an isolative polymer which forms the basis of an antenna made up of complex shapes. Middle: A robotic car printed with electronic circuitry to power up two embedded motors and monitor printed sensors.Right: A microscopic cross-section of a printed structure showing a stack of conductive and insulating materials.
Having developed this 3D printing process, the researchers are now set to participate in several collaborations to develop medical devices, radio frequency shielding surfaces, and novel structures for harvesting solar energy. They expect the process to have a significant impact in both industry and academia.
“Being able to 3D print conductive and dielectric materials (electrical insulators) in a single structure with the high precision that inkjet printing offers will enable the fabrication of fully customised electronic components,” said Chris Tuck, Professor of Materials Engineering and lead investigator of the study. “You don’t have to select standard values for capacitors when you design a circuit, you just set the value and the printer will produce the component for you.”
Professor Richard Hague, Director of the Centre for Additive Manufacturing added: “Printing fully functional devices that contain multiple materials in complex 3D structures is now a reality. This breakthrough has significant potential to be the enabling manufacturing technique for 21st century products and devices that will have the potential to create a significant impact on both the industry and the public.”
