3D printing company Inkbit, a spin-off from MIT, has introduced a new class of materials for additive manufacturing: cyclic olefin thermosets (COT). These materials are characterized by low dielectric loss, high thermal stability, and mechanical robustness, and are specifically designed for millimeter-wave (mmWave) applications. Inkbit integrates these material properties with its proprietary printing platform to enable streamlined production of complex high-frequency components.
One of the primary use cases for COT is the fabrication of gradient-index (GRIN) lenses, which traditionally require multi-step manufacturing or labor-intensive layered assembly. These conventional methods often result in geometric inaccuracies and signal losses at high frequencies. Inkbit’s approach allows for monolithic printing of such structures, providing precise control over dielectric gradients—an essential factor for antennas, waveguides, and beam-steering elements.
“When coupled with our platform, which scales seamlessly from prototyping to production, this class of materials will enable rapid innovation. Opening paths for faster, cost effective iteration, and end-use production across the radio frequency and microwave market space”, said Davide Marini, CEO of Inkbit.
According to Inkbit, the COT materials have been successfully tested at frequencies up to 90 GHz and maintain dimensional stability even under thermal stress. This makes them particularly suited for use in telecommunications, aerospace, and defense applications.
“Limitations around existing material options and manufacturing processes has meant complex dielectric structures have mostly been an academic curiosity for antenna engineers”, said Scott Twiddy, Materials R&D Lead at Inkbit. “We look to change that at Inkbit, with this new class of low-loss polymer that can be processed in high-resolution at a production scale. Engineers can iterate quickly without compromising on performance, utilizing the same materials and process for both development and production.”
“Iteration is the mother of invention,” said Davide Marini, CEO of Inkbit. “With this new class of materials and our production platform, mmWave engineers can now design, test and deploy advanced dielectric components at a much higher iteration rate than was ever possible.”
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