BENEFITS OF 3D PRINTING FOR electronics

3D printing is unique compared to other manufacturing processes in that the time and costs involved in fabrication are independent of a product’s complexity. Instead, lead time only depends on the weight of the materials being deposited in the device. This means fabrication times for prototypes and finished products are highly predictable. With complex electronic devices, particularly multi-layer PCBs, 3D printing eliminates repetitive etching, pressing, drilling, and finishing steps during fabrication. The right additive manufacturing system and process can be used to print a fully-functional board in less time than a traditional process.

Enclosures and packaging for consumer electronics are as important as the board that runs the device. The user experience for new products is defined by the mechanical behavior of the enclosure, as well as the device’s electrical capabilities. For devices with complex form factor, such as VR systems, wearables, and smart appliances, you’ll likely be unable to obtain a prototype enclosure for your new product in a reasonable amount of time. This slows down development cycles and creates a risk that the enclosure does not fit the board.  

The central idea in agile design and development processes, both for hardware and software, is becoming adaptable to design changes. The previous two benefits are critical in that they allow design teams to repeatedly test design choices and determine required redesigns. This also helps design teams quickly adapt their products to changes in consumer tastes or customer requirements with less time and expense. This all rests on the ability to quickly evaluate and triage redesigns to complex products, a process that would normally take weeks with traditional PCB prototyping runs.  

What is called “electrostatic discharge” (ESD) is the flow of electricity between two electrically charged parts causes by contact. Static electricity often causes ESD through a process known as tribocharging. This static electricity can arise when surfaces rub together and this results in an excess of electrons on one surface and a deficiency on the other. The ESD occurs when differently-charged objects are brought close together or when the dielectric between them breaks down, often creating a visible spark.  Electrostatic Discharges are a real problem and can damage sensitive electronic components. It can also lead to the alteration of magnetic media and set off fires, explosions in flammable environments! ESD is a big concern for the electronic industry, and being able to manufacture ESD-safe part is a real advantage to avoid any problem.