New 3D printing technique could revolutionize manufacturing.
Stratasys and Optomec Inc. have announced that the companies have successfully completed a joint development project to merge 3D printing and printed electronics to create the world’s first fully printed hybrid structure.
The initial demonstration used an aerosol jet system to print a conformal sensor, antenna and circuitry directly onto the wing of a UAV model, using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) process.
“Manufacturers can implement this hybrid technology in a multitude of applications, not just in aerospace,” says Optomec’s Ken Vartanian. “This technology can benefit numerous industries by allowing thinner, lighter, fully functional structures that cost less to manufacture.”
As our wise Vice President once so boldly proclaimed, this is a big deal.