3D-printed electronics continue to gain ground

A recent market study by Additive Manufacturing Research (AMR) predicts significant growth for 3D-printed electronics. This future technology will be the subject of a thematic block in the Innovations in AM forum on May 16, 2024 at Rapid.Tech 3D.

According to the AMR study, additively manufactured electronics is expected to grow by 37 percent annually over the next ten years. “The market is developing rapidly. 3D-printed electronic parts with integrated functions are increasingly in demand – across many industries. This is why we are addressing developments in this field of technology in a separate thematic block at the Innovations in AM forum,” explains Wolfgang Mildner, founder and owner of MSWtech, a company that supports customers in the application of printed electronics. The member of the Rapid.Tech 3D advisory board is responsible for the content of the additively manufactured electronics session in the Innovations in AM forum.

Overview of additive electronics manufacturing

The session will start with an overview presentation. Markus Ankenbrand, Technology Field Coordinator Mechatronic Integrated Devices (MID) at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg and representative of the research association 3-D MID e. V., will present methods and technologies for the additive manufacturing of 3D electronics, which enable the production of spatial circuit carriers (3D-MID). In particular, he will present various digital printing technologies and laser direct structuring for creating electronic circuits on three-dimensional surfaces. These technologies can drive the development of innovative products and systems in numerous industries – from consumer electronics to aerospace.

Fully additively manufactured luminaire

NeoTech AMT GmbH is one of the pioneers of additive electronics manufacturing. Dr. Martin Hedges, Managing Director of the company, highlights the sustainability benefits of using AM processes for the production of electronic and mechatronic systems. He will describe how free-form and 5-axis 3D printing is combined with pre- and post-processing techniques. He demonstrates the state of the art using a feasibility study for a fully additively manufactured luminaire. He will present its production from the design concept to the manufacturing process from CAD/CAM operations to AM production and AI-controlled quality assurance.

AME – the next stage of electronics manufacturing

The start-up J.A.M.E.S. has also dedicated itself to the next stage of electronics production using AM, or AME for short. Alexandre Schäfer, Head of Marketing and Sales at the German-Israeli joint venture, will be presenting further applications for 3D-printed electronics. He will highlight the importance, application and benefits of this technology and also address the associated challenges.

Other topics at the Innovations in AM specialist forum

In addition to 3D-printed electronics, the Innovations in AM forum offers two other topics. Also on May 16, AM developments and applications for green energy and hydrogen technologies will be on the agenda. On 15 May, speakers will report on the importance of additive manufacturing for the production and maintenance of defense technology.

Congress with eight industry and science forums

In addition to the Innovations in AM specialist forum, other forums at the Rapid.Tech 3D specialist congress will offer insights into the latest AM developments and applications. On the first day of the event (14 May 2024), the AM4 industry format organized by the VDMA Additive Manufacturing Working Group will be held for the first time, as well as the established Aerospace Forum. The AM Science Forum will also start on this day and continue on the second day (May 15, 2024). On the second day, the Forum Chemical & Process Engineering – presented by DECHEMA and the Forum Software, AI & Design will also take place. The Mobility and AM Science by Fraunhofer forums will also take place on the final day (May 16, 2024).