3D printing electronics is emerging as a viable alternative to traditional manufacturing processes. This is especially relevant as electronics are becoming smaller, more tightly packaged, and subjected to more demanding conditions. Miniaturization, the growing number and density of electronic components, and faster data speeds that produce more heat are just some of the challenges that today’s electronic designers face.
Why Not Micro Injection Molding? Cost + Time
Traditionally, manufacturers have used micro injection molding to produce electronic components like connector bases, chip sockets, and brackets for fiber optic arrays.
Molding results in:
- Paying and waiting for tooling, adding to project costs and timelines
- Potentially discarding tooling, if a design changes
And while printed circuit board (PCB) assembly is quicker, some parts under test cannot meet performance requirements.
Why 3D Printing? Speed + Precision
3D printing, or additive printing, eliminates the tooling used in micro injection molding and can reduce time-to-market across multiple design iterations and test cycles. Yet most 3D printers for small parts force engineers to make tradeoffs between production speed, part precision, and surface quality.
Fortunately, BMF’s projection micro stereolithography (PμSL) technology:
- 3D prints small electronic components rapidly
- Prints with the precise features that parts like electronic connectors require
- Uses photopolymer resins with reliable thermal and mechanical properties (important for applications, such as 5G products, where components are exposed to high temperatures, need to connect reliably, and support efficient assembly)
Today, BMF has the only micro 3D printing platform that matches precision injection molding in terms of resolution, size, and tolerance.
Electronics Application Overview
Chip array socket, connector base, and PCB assemblies are just a few of the electronic components that you can 3D print using PµSL technology. Download the application overview to learn more.