A Harvard University spinoff has unveiled a 3D printer that can print out devices with integrated electronic circuits.
The Voxel8 3D printer uses two materials: PLA plastic for the body and enclosure of the device, as well as a highly conductive thick silver ink for printing electrical circuits capable of carrying higher currents.
The conductive ink is deposited by a 250 micron nozzle, and dries within five minutes at room temperature. While the printer cannot create the microchips, batteries and other components, it uses a cloud-based software developed by Autodesk to pause at pre-programmed points in the print cycle, so users can manually insert components that will be embedded in the object.
By embedding their electronics within their 3D printed objects, designers can eliminate PCBs and benefit from improved design freedom not possible in standard manufacturing methods.
“Circuits of today are flat, two-dimensional circuit boards that are embedded into three-dimensional cases, explained Karl Willis, an Autodesk research engineer. “We’re enabling designers to create circuitry and physical objects at the same time.”