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ABSTRACT
In 3D-MID, mechanical and electronical functions are closely linked. Challenges are numerous to miniaturize devices that allows to optimize their functionalities and to reduce their weight. Direct printing on 3D objects with a 6-axis robot is presented in this article. This disruptive technology allows the object personalization by adapting to any piece of 3D shape. Different printing head technologies – bead deposit and droplet deposit – are described. The potential of carried out processes is demonstrated by giving a synthesis of their limitations and advantages through examples of realizations.
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Read the articleAUTHORS
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Nadège REVERDY-BRUAS: Senior Lecturer, Process Engineering - Grenoble INP-UGA, Pagora – École Internationale du papier, de la communication imprimée et des biomatériaux/LGP2 – Laboratoire de Génie des procédés pour la bioraffinerie, les matériaux bio-sourcés et l'impression fonctionnelle, Grenoble, France
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Damien PAULET: Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering - Grenoble INP-UGA, IUT1 Grenoble – Département Génie mécanique et productique, Grenoble, France
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Denis CURTIL: Research Engineer, Process Engineering - Association de Gestion de l'École Française de Papeterie et des Industries graphiques (Agefpi), Grenoble, France
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Quoc-Bao DUONG: Engineer - Grenoble INP-UGA, Smart Grenoble Alpes (ex AIP Primeca), Grenoble, France
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Nicolas LETERRIER: Customers Innovation & ONE Labs global VP Innovation & Technology Energy Management Business - Schneider Electric, Eybens, France
INTRODUCTION
Plastronics is developing at the convergence of plastics processing and electronics. This technology consists in functionalizing 3D plastic parts with electronics. The applications are numerous and can be found in the telecommunications, automotive, aeronautics and medical sectors in particular.
A plastronic device (Molded Interconnect Device, MID or 3D-MID) is an object that incorporates an electrically conductive pattern and integrates mechanical and electronic functions. The conductive tracks are integrated into the 3D object, enabling the various functions (mechanical, electronic, optical, etc.) to be better interwoven. The advantages are numerous, and among the most important are space and mass savings due in particular to integration density.
Several manufacturing methods can be used to produce a plastronic device. Some, such as Laser Direct Structuring (LDS), have reached a level of maturity enabling them to be industrialized. Others are still under development. All these methods require an understanding of the chemistry and mechanics of materials, tools for creating functional devices and manufacturing processes. Plastronics thus lies at the convergence of several complementary disciplines.
The technology presented in this article is an emerging, breakthrough process that enables direct printing on thermoplastic objects of any shape. The advantages and limitations of the process are outlined, along with its potential. Examples of functionalized 3D devices show that it is possible, for example, to print functional antennas on half-spheres. In addition, numerous avenues of development and characterization remain to be explored, including achievable resolutions, 3D circuit design, measurement of electrical properties on 3D devices, and device aging.
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KEYWORDS
drop deposit | 3D printing | 6-axis robot | bead deposit
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