Hybrid additive manufacture: Surface finishing methods for improving conductivity of inkjet printed tracks on non-planar substrates fabricated using fused deposition modeling

• Fused Deposition Modeling has the potential to create customized embedded sensor systems if hybridized with InkJet methods. The as-printed surface finish of printed components results in poor conductivity or continuity breaks tracks. Three finishing methods are investigated: nozzle ironing, subtractive machining and burnishing. Burnishing yielded most desirable results, increasing reducing is attractive for hybridizing additive processes “click-to-manufacture” fully systems. This study investigates impact quality 3D non-planar surfaces on an inkjet-printed silver nano-particle ink, context fused deposition modeling; a type manufacture (3D pritnting). It was observed that resulted together reduced overall batch consistency (SD = 16.51 mS/mm). Therefore, pave way high density, consistent repeatable electronic tracks, parts must be improved. To mitigate this, several were investigated, CNC machining, ironing technique burnishing custom-made heated tool. Of all investigated techniques, identified as effective solution ensured across subsequently nanoparticle tracks 2.88 combination electronics key unlocking possibility completely sensors objects components.