Hybrid 3D Printing of Soft Electronics. Issue 40 (6th September 2017) - Valentine, Alexander D.
Abstract: Hybrid 3D printing is a new method for producing soft electronics that combines direct ink writing of conductive and dielectric elastomeric materials with automated pick‐and‐place of surface mount electronic components within an integrated additive manufacturing platform. Using this approach, insulating matrix and conductive electrode inks are directly printed in specific layouts. Passive and active electrical components are then integrated to produce the desired electronic circuitry by using an empty nozzle (in vacuum‐on mode) to pick up individual components, place them onto the substrate, and then deposit them (in vacuum‐off mode) in the desired location. The components are then interconnected via printed conductive traces to yield soft electronic devices that may find potential application in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and biomedical devices. Abstract : Hybrid 3D printing combines direct writing of stretchable conductive traces (electrodes) and elastomeric matrices with automated pick and place of surface mount electrical components, e.g., light‐emitting diodes, to create soft electronic devices, such as wearable sensors.