Cover story
Interactive eyeglasses blend fashion and functionality
pair with other parts to create a circuit or switch. Antennas
and switches were some of the first 3D-printed electronic
components, which were then integrated into the production
of entire mechanical bodies or units. These components
started to surface in the market in 2015.
There are now a multitude of companies expanding their
research and production in the field of 3D-printed electronics.
Some of these companies are Voxel8, Nano Dimension, Func-
tionalize, and Optomec. One large drawback for 3D-printed
electronics currently is having to print the mechanical com-
ponents separate from the casing or physical vice of the unit
versus having one machine to handle both printing processes.
These major industry leaders are working on technologies to
further push printing of integrated electromechanical assem-
blies. They are a few of many who are currently able to
produce high-resolution prints with less waste and more
flexibility for component placement. Most 3D-printed parts
are built to size to fit into a specific unit; however, with the
changing of technologies, some printers now have the
capabilities to print integrated electronic parts directly. Inte-
gration ultimately translates to lower costs and quicker routes
to customization.
Nano Dimensions is an
Israel-based company
which describes their
processes in additive
manufacturing as mak-
ing additives intelligent.
Devices in today’s world
are “smart” having char-
acteristics or personas
that imitate human qual-
ities. Smart devices are
defined as being elec-
tronic gadgets which
are able to connect,
share, and interact with
it s users. The idea
behind a smart device is
to have the computing
power to not only assist
with a task but also pro- Smart devices can connect,
vide as much data or share and interact with users
information as possible
about a set task. As our world becomes technologically
smarter, immersive 3D print technologies are appearing on
the market, being updated, and changing around the world
at rapid speeds. 3D printers are being created by engineers
to print with a focused purpose such as printing circuit boards
or optic lenses; however, with today’s market many manufac-
turers are realizing that the end-users, especially in a high
quality reproduction environment, are also looking for the
versatility to push the limits of the technologies with modifica-
tion to machines as well as a larger gamut of filament options.
Many ask whether the return on investment in these technolo-
gies is worth it, and the answer lies within the company’s
end-use goals and overall vision. Will the technology eliminate
a middle step or assist to streamline processes making produc-
tion more efficient? If the technology can help eliminate
outsourcing, increase prototype creation speeds or even
expand product lines and research, then these 3D technologies
may be a worthy investment for your company or business.
Pros and cons of 3D-printed electronics
Let’s start by addressing the positives of this relatively new
technology
Savings during the prototyping stage
Prototyping once meant outsourcing and shipping, sometimes
even overseas, to companies that could handle large produc-
tion quantities at a lower unit cost. With the introduction to
3D-printed electronics, manufacturers are able to produce
single units to show investors or even present at meetings.
These physical prototypes are beneficial as they provide
clients with a tangible, tactile sample of the product. The cost
savings are prevalent and align with production speed, which
is another positive.
Printed solar cells
@graphicarts
GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | October 2018 | 21