3D printed circuit boards are made with a 3D printer by applying conductive ink layer by layer to a prototype-like substrate, allowing designers to test and modify designs in a timely manner.
There are many conductive materials that are used in 3D printing:
- Materials with silver, copper, or graphite particles.
- Conductive filaments consisting of conductive particles embedded in a plastic polymer: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PLA (poly lactic acid).
- Aerosol sprays using conductive materials. Specialized equipment sprays the spray onto the substrate.
Another method of making 3D printed circuit boards involves printing a substrate with channels using ABS or PLA and then applying conductive material to the channels. This technique can create printed circuit boards with a higher degree of precision and accuracy. Because the conductive material is applied through pre-printed channels, there is less chance of smearing and misalignment than when the conductive material is applied directly to the substrate. In addition, this technology allows for more complex circuits because the channels can be manipulated to have different routes and geometries.
- Materials with silver, copper, or graphite particles.
- Conductive filaments consisting of conductive particles embedded in a plastic polymer: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PLA (poly lactic acid).
- Aerosol sprays using conductive materials. Specialized equipment sprays the spray onto the substrate.
Another method of making 3D printed circuit boards involves printing a substrate with channels using ABS or PLA and then applying conductive material to the channels. This technique can create printed circuit boards with a higher degree of precision and accuracy. Because the conductive material is applied through pre-printed channels, there is less chance of smearing and misalignment than when the conductive material is applied directly to the substrate. In addition, this technology allows for more complex circuits because the channels can be manipulated to have different routes and geometries.