Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have shown how conventional 3D printing can print electronic circuits without using semiconductor materials. This feature is useful for those who are limited in the use of silicon components, but need simple electronics, for example, in space or at polar stations. Even the ability to print a model with built-in electronics is expensive.
3D printed circuit with reset fuse (copper alloy plastic). Image source: MIT
«The technology has real benefits. Although we cannot compete with silicon as a semiconductor, our idea is not to necessarily replace what exists, but to push 3D printing technology into uncharted territory, explain the authors of the work published in the journal Virtual and Physical Prototyping. — In a nutshell, we are talking about the democratization of technology. This could allow anyone to build smart equipment away from traditional manufacturing centers.”
The development was created by Jorge Cañada, a graduate student in electrical engineering and computer science, and Luis Fernando Velásquez-García, a principal scientist at the Microsystems Technology Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Previously, they noticed that copper-doped plastic can behave like a semiconductor, which makes it possible to print an element with the properties of a transistor and, therefore, simple electronics on this basis. Interestingly, graphene and graphite do not exhibit similar properties under the same conditions.
The technology proposed by the researchers will make it possible to print an electromechanical device as a single model in the simplest way on 3D printers with conventional extruders designed to work with polymer filaments. With such capabilities, anyone can literally print a device with a control unit on their knees. This opportunity will become invaluable in space flights and, in general, in places where the necessary components simply are not at hand, and there is no mail or will not be available for a long time.