Cover story
Production speed
Production speeds are so much quicker compared to previous
timelines. Prototypes used to be produced in countries where
shipping would take anywhere from several days to a week.
Now, 3D printing production times are relative to file sizes,
print settings and finishing applications and technologies
have come a long way to improve speed and production
timelines. Several years ago the option to 3D print electronic
component prototypes was not even a possibility.
Higher accuracy, less product waste
Since software has come a long way, and the advancements
can accurately estimate, measure, and distribute specified
materials on demand, less waste is produced. Some 3D print-
ers even have the capability to produce high-resolution
models with very thin wall tolerances to fractions of a
millimetre.
No need for casting or mold creation
Prior to such methods, manufacturers would have to create
a cast or mold of products if they were to be finished in a
specific material such as metal. With advancements in fila-
ments, especially conductive materials that can be
incorporated into electrical assemblies, molds are no longer
required as often.
Convinced that with so many positives there could not pos-
sibly be any negatives, there are several negatives that should
be addressed.
Environmental responsibilities
When extruding filaments at specific temperatures, some
filaments produce odours that are dangerous to inhale, and
this is why some machines have their own temperature-
controlled chambers. When there is a lack of proper ventilation
in a production facility, health risks can be an issue.
Training and development
Some companies utilize open source software to produce
their 3D printers – a cost-effective way for people to share
ideas and improve the technologies collectively. This is not
the case for most software and printers. Within this industry,
for example, there are many companies that create printers
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that require their name-brand parts in order to modify, replace
or repair any problems. This can become costly and require
specialty-training proprietary to the company who create and
manufacture the printer and its parts.
Cost
The cost to purchase and set up a 3D printer can be very high.
This can make gaining a competitive advantage over other
companies difficult, especially for start-ups or small print
shops looking to expand their capabilities from 2D to 3D.
Extensive post-processing
Some filaments require extensive post-processing steps to
give the product a high-quality finish. This can not only be
expensive but can also be extremely time consuming and
tedious. Some post-processing steps require harsh chemicals
that can be harmful to workers. With machines that don’t have
a post-process station, the digital footprint that the solvent
or solution baths take up can also be large. Proper protective
equipment as well as ventilation should always be considered
when a company is going to expand its 3D post-processing
capabilities.
Many industries are embracing the technology and integrating
3D-printed electronic parts into their systems. Cars, optics,
smartphones, and photonics are only some examples of prod-
ucts which use 3D-printed electronic components in their
switches, antennas and sensors. Since different materials
have a great spread of physical properties such as conductiv-
ity, strength, and resolution, companies are now making the
investments in the technologies. There is much industry
anticipation and excitement to see what other markets will
start to consider using 3D-printed electronics in their
products.
There are several areas within 3D-printed electronics that are
growing rapidly. Poly composite materials with lower melting
temperatures are surfacing on the market providing users
with a greater breadth of possibilities to create products and
rapid prototypes. 3D-printed electronics allow for accurate
testing of designs, to ensure that a part will either be
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