Title: Post-printing characterisation and design for additive manufacturing considerations for conductive tracks 3D-printed by material extrusion

Authors: Marko Chorbikj; Marco Cavallaro

Addresses: Department of Design, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University, Kingston Ln, London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK ' Department of Design, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University, Kingston Ln, London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK

Abstract: The goal of the study is to analyse the post-printing characteristics of conductive tracks 3D-printed using material extrusion (ME) process with varying slicing strategies. Conductive track samples with constant width and varying heights between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm were prepared using two different commercial conductive materials in a single, double and triple layer strategy. Post-printing functional analysis was done by measuring the resistance of samples at different lengths and comparing it to their corresponding counterparts fabricated with different slicing. Post-printing physical characterisation on selected samples was done by measuring the surface area of their cross sections using microscope images and their mass. The conclusions of the study were then transferred in a proposed set of design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) considerations that can be taken into account in the design and process planning phase when manufacturing conductive tracks or objects with such features using ME.

Keywords: material extrusion; design for additive manufacturing; DfAM; conductive tracks; traces; 3D printing; fused filament fabrication.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAPIDM.2021.119938

International Journal of Rapid Manufacturing, 2021 Vol.10 No.1, pp.36 - 51

Received: 02 Aug 2019
Accepted: 27 Jan 2020
Published online: 04 Jan 2022 *

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