The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices, or “things,” equipped with the ability to sense, collect, analyze, and transmit data. These IoT devices come in various forms, ranging from wearables and handhelds for mobile users to valuable electro-mechanical components used in industrial power turbines and automobiles.
Despite the diversity of IoT applications, a common requirement for these “smart connected devices” is the presence of sensors (“smart”) and antennas (“connected”). Emerging 3D printing techniques, specifically 3-Dimensional “Direct Write” methods for creating antennas and sensors, facilitate rapid design and prototyping, reduce manufacturing steps and costs, and offer a wider range of material options for producing smart, connected devices on various substrates.
Other Trends
Hybrid Manufacturing
Implementing both Additive and Subtractive Metalworking on a Cost-Effective CNC Platform. Hybrid Metal Manufacturing holds significant potential for industrial manufacturers. This approach refers to the integration of metal additive manufacturing (AM) with traditional subtractive techniques, allowing both processes to operate on the same machine and even on the same part. Hybrid Manufacturing helps minimize the risks and costs involved in adopting metal AM technology, offering a more practical and gradual solution for industrial manufacturers.
Materials Discovery
LENS technology enables researchers to speed up R&D and quickly produce innovative materials with outstanding quality. VIEW WEBINAR Developing a new material using traditional methods can take decades. While simulation techniques have advanced, physical material samples still need to be created and tested. Conventional manufacturing methods are expensive, time-consuming, and typically allow for the evaluation of only one material chemistry at a time industrial applications.
3D Microstructures
3D printing allows for the creation of micron-scale smart structures. ACCESS WHITEPAPER Customers are leveraging 3D printing to enhance their manufacturing capabilities for next-generation product needs. This technology enables the production of functional components from materials like polymers and metals without requiring extra manufacturing steps. The direct digital manufacturing process of 3D printing optimizes product functionality, reduces process steps, and minimizes material usage, making it both a cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Alternative Energy
Aerosol Jet technology boosted the efficiency of silicon solar cells by 20%. ACCESS FRAUNHOFER REPORT Aerosol Jet deposition systems allow for the creation of higher-efficiency solar cells compared to traditional screen-printing methods. This technology enables the printing of fine-feature collector lines and bus-bar lines at room temperature, without the need for masks or stencils. Aerosol Jet is a Direct Write™ process that doesn't require contact, allowing photovoltaic materials to be deposited onto both flat and curved substrates.
Resources
Optomec Overview
Optomec is a leading provider of advanced 3D printing solutions, specializing in metal and functional electronics manufacturing. Their innovative technologies, including LENS (Laser Engineering Net…
Aerosol Jet Overview
Aerosol Jet systems are ideally suited to develop, fabricate, enhance and repair high performance electronic and biologic devices for Consumer Electronics, Semiconductor Packaging, Displays, Aerospace/Defense,…
LENS Materials FAQ
LENS systems process common engineering materials such as stainless steels, tool steels, titanium alloys, and cobalt alloys. LENS technology can also process other materials including…
LENS Materials
LENS Material Starter Recipes are time saving tools helping customers speed the development of new additive manufacturing applications. Developed by Optomec LENS application engineers and…
AEROSOL JET Materials
Aerosol Jet systems have the unique ability to directly print a wide range of electronic and biological materials onto almost any substrate. The AEROSOL JET…
AEROSOL JET MATERIAL STARTER RECIPES
Aerosol Jet Material Starter Recipes enable customers to save time and speed development of new printed electronic processes and applications. Developed by Optomec applications engineers…