Printed electronics printed directly on 3D surfaces

Pulse Electronics Corporation introduces a new generation of FluidWRITER printers that create printed electronics directly on 3D surfaces. FluidWRITERS incorporate innovative FluidANT print technology which enables the use of conductive ink to produce high-performance antennas, sensors, and electrical circuits on 3D surfaces.

FluidANT uses affordable micron particle inks to print on standard plastic substrates that have robust mechanical properties, enables new integration possibilities, and extends industrial design flexibility and materials options.

This technology delivers significant cost savings potential, introducing very rapid prototyping and versioning using easy to adjust programming. Production benefits from rapid ramp-up, short process time, and simple logistics with a quick control cycle. FluidWRITER technology is environmentally friendly, with no plating involved.

“FluidANT is an innovative technology in terms of cost, lead time, flexibility, and environment,” explained Jon Yu, general manager of Pulse Wireless Consumer business unit, Pulse Electronics. The FluidWRITER IV series consists of two models.

The FluidWRITER IV R&D tabletop model provides an affordable entry option to printing and printed product development. It offers the same capability to print on 3D surfaces as a production model, but with a limited maximum printing speed and only one rotational axis for fixtures to hold the parts to be printed on.

The FluidWRITER IV production model is designed for high-speed, high-precision production operations that want the capability of printing on 3D surfaces. The printhead is based on a linear XYZ motion system and printhead operation is synchronized to real-time actual motion which makes the system capable of very precise dosing in high speeds.

Printed line-width and thickness remain stable in all situations. A unique digital 3D offset setting together with advanced control software enable accurate printing on a rotary three-dimensional surface. Two rotational axes are available for mounting fixtures to hold the parts to be printed on.