In a paper entitled “Characterization of resistors created by fused filament fabrication using electrically-conductive filament,” a pair of researchers 3D prints resistors using electrically conductive carbon black and graphene-based filament.
“With this novel capability to directly create electrical components integrated into 3D printed physical objects designers can envision and 3D print new and/or improved devices with embedded electronics, which they could not do before,” the researchers explain.
Using biodegradable conductive filament to 3D print circuits offers environmental benefits, and 3D printing technology allows for more design freedom, enabling manufacturers to better integrate electrical components within objects. The researchers used a MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental 3D printer, which has dual extruders, for their work. A test print was created, and then two modifications were made to the 3D printer: an extruder block upgrade, which helped improve the consistency of prints due to reduced slippage of the stepper motor pinion gear; and the attachment of two additional cooling fans, one for each extruder.
The researchers then designed a cube-shaped resistor using Autodesk Inventor CAD software. Two electrode contact pads were placed at each end.
“To integrate 3D printed circuits with external components such as LEDs, a suitable contact point has to be provided,” the researchers explain. “The 3D printed contact point should provide sufficient rigidity to secure external components while minimizing contact resistance. Due to the resistive property of the conductive filament, contact resistance plays a significant role in determining the final volume resistance of the test sample. It is for these reasons that contact pads are added to the test sample.”
Each contact pad is a cylinder 5 mm in diameter. The top surface is covered in silver conductive paint to minimize the contact resistance. This provides a uniform resistive area when performing resistance measurements.
A testbed with six resistors was then created to characterize the change in volume resistance of conductive PLA along the X axis, and another testbed with five resistors was created to characterize the change in resistance of the PLA along the Y axis. Two testbeds were created to characterize the change in resistance along the Z axis.
The resistivity of the 3D printed resistors varied depending on their build orientation and 3D printing process parameters.
“Resistor expansions in x axis resulted in increased resistivity, but this increase was not linear,” the researchers conclude. For z-axis expansions, the resistivity increase was mostly linear. The resistivity vs. length graph for y-axis expansion exhibited a minimum value in the middle of the test range.”
The paper offers several guidelines and recommendations for the designing and 3D printing of electrical resistors. Although the researchers used a simple design for their study, 3D printing allows for much more complex designs to be created from conductive materials and incorporated into electrical objects. As conductive materials for 3D printing start becoming more readily available, the variety of 3D printed electrical objects should expand, opening up new applications in a range of industries.
Authors of the paper include Nebojsa I. Jaksic and Pratik D. Desai.
Discuss this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts below.
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
3D Printing Financials: Protolabs’ Network Strategy Offsets Market Challenges in Q3
In a challenging market, Protolabs‘ (NYSE: PRLB) third-quarter 2024 results show a steady performance, driven by its 3D printing segment and stronger productivity. The company’s unique factory-network model helps keep...
Xometry Adds Raytheon Veteran Roy Azevedo to Board of Directors
After three decades leading aerospace and defense initiatives at Raytheon, Roy Azevedo joins Xometry’s board, bringing a wealth of expertise in engineering, global manufacturing, and supply chain strategy that Xometry...
3D Printing Financials: Prodways Targets Industrial Markets for Q3 Growth
Prodways (EPA: PWG) closed its third quarter of 2024 with signs of recovery, marked by renewed momentum in its systems division. The company’s restructuring efforts earlier in the year, particularly...
3D Printing Financials: Materialise’s Diversified Portfolio Powers Q3 Growth
Materialise (Nasdaq: MTLS) has wrapped up a solid third quarter, fueled by growth across its diverse 3D printing segments. Known for its pioneering role in 3D printing software, Materialise demonstrated...