A Survey of 3D Printing Technologies as Applied to Printed Electronics

3D printing technologies (3DP) leverage the benefits of additive manufacturing across many areas including electronics, food, medicine and optics. These allow varying materials to be precision deposited, forming structures ranging from simple complex composites such as organs satellites. One important application for 3DP is printed electronics which expected exceed USD10 billion in market value by 2030. However, while considerable work has been reported inter alia: mechanical, thermal multiple aspects, there less emphasis on critical electromagnetic (EM) domain. In EM domain, related encompasses interrelated studies materials, processes built examines material characteristics permittivity, permeability, electrical conductivity, are foundational design fabrication. This paper presents a comprehensive report applied research & development (R&D) end applications order inspire exploratory providing sufficient breadth newcomers depth experts. The contributions include: summarization major R&D 3DP, thereby quantifying prevalence work; examination mainstream based their technology highlights known issues; relevant incorporates traditional printing, proprietary methods composite methods; classification teams. Finally, key challenges opportunities future identified discussed.