Product (mathematics)

Engineering

3D printing

Computer science

Manufacturing engineering

Mechanical engineering

Mathematics

Electronics

Geometry

Printed electronics

Electrical engineering

Printed circuit board

Journal of Electronic Materials

The introduction of 3D printing technology has revolutionised the manufacturing and electronic product design in the past few years, where it is used to even produce printed circuit boards. Printed electronics is one of the fastest-growing additive manufacturing technologies and is becoming invaluable to various industries. The evolution of several contact and non-contact types of fabrication techniques have been reported in the recent past. Leveraging these technologies, various types of printed electronic components have been realized. One method is inkjet printing technology, which has been widely accepted for printed electronics manufacturing. As 3D printing uses only those materials which are essential to create the product, it eliminates waste production, with a smaller equipment cost and minimizes the number of process steps, resulting in lower manufacturing costs with reduced turnaround time. Various kinds of conductive and non-conductive materials have emerged in the recent past in conjunction with many manufacturing techniques for printed electronics. Herein, we review the most commonly used substrates, electronic printing materials, and the widespread printing techniques employed at the industrial level, giving an overall vision for a better understanding and evaluation of their different features. The technical challenges of several contact and non-contact techniques with corresponding solutions are also presented. Finally, status on advances in the production of various kinds of materials employed in 3D printed electronics and the methods for producing them, shortcomings, technical challenges, applications, benefits, and the future opportunities pertaining to printed electronics are discussed in detail.

A Review on Printed Electronics with Digital 3D Printing: Fabrication Techniques, Materials, Challenges and Future Opportunities