3D printing is an increasingly popular option for engineers. It speeds prototyping and gives them more freedom to try previously impossible options. For example, in 2019, engineers at Rutgers University printed plastic parts with high-performance electrical circuits inside them. 

Here are four 3D printers electrical engineering professionals should consider using. 

1. BotFactory SV2 Professional

This is BotFactory’s top-tier model in a collection of printers made for constructing printed circuit boards (PCBs). In addition to printing items, it can dispense conductive glue or soldering paste in the right places. It then places the components on top of the adhesive. 

Since this model works with resistive and dielectric inks, it can print components directly onto the board. This accelerates the overall process, so projects get finished in minutes rather than hours. The printer also works with any computer-aided design (CAD) file, offering compatibility that supports engineers’ productivity. 

The Professional model comes with an enclosure for this desktop printer. It can also print four layers, whereas the other BotFactory SV2 models only handle two. 

2. Nano Dimension DragonFly LDM

This printer is advertised as “the industry’s only comprehensive additive manufacturing platform for around-the-clock 3D printing of electronic circuitry.” It’s an inkjet deposition printer that can make PCBs, antennas, sensors and more. 

It also reduces the need for manual tasks. For example, the printer can make through holes without requiring drilling. The machine is capable of printing individual sections of a circuit’s design, too. This allows electrical engineers to engage in faster, more precise testing before fully developing a product. 

One of the typical benefits associated with 3D printing for engineers is increased productivity. This printer takes that advantage to the next level with its numerous automated features. There’s a printhead management system, plus algorithms that reduce the overall setup times for projects. 

3. CreatBot F1000

Before engineers invest in on-site 3D printers, they might rely on companies that offer build-to-print services. This process can quickly produce spare parts instead of reordering them. Part replication is usually the most common reason to find companies that provide build-to-print services. The companies can give engineers prototype assistance, too. 

The CreatBot F1000 printer is a feature-filled option for situations where it makes sense to buy a 3D printer rather than using outside services. For example, this model has an outage-detection sensor that activates during power cuts. It withdraws the filament and stores the nozzle-positioning information in its memory, then automatically resumes the job after power returns.  

There’s also app connectivity, allowing engineers to control the printer remotely and change parameters to get the best outcomes. An auto-leveling feature helps people get the expected results without manually adjusting the printer’s table height. This 3D printer works best with large-scale projects, but it aligns with progress made in electrical engineering. For example, research is underway to print massive items, like solar panels.

4. Electronic Alchemy eForge 3D Printer

Better cost-effectiveness is another benefit of 3D printing for engineers. When the overall price to produce a 3D-printed product goes down, it may become more feasible to personalize such items. In industries such as health care, it’s often impractical to make custom electronic devices for each patient, even if doing so would make them work better. 

However, the reduced cost and customization capabilities of 3D printing make that approach more realistic. For example, engineers at the University of Arizona recently 3D-printed custom medical-grade wearables that wrap around body parts. The eForge 3D printer encourages creativity by letting users print with up to eight different materials simultaneously. It also has an auto-leveling feature and retractable nozzles.

The manufacturer also claims this will be the first printer model to create fully functional electronics since it makes all six components necessary for such projects. It is not commercially available yet, but interested persons can sign up to receive the latest news. A FAQ also mentions that people can get started with a prebuilt parts library that will include components such as transistors and capacitors. 

Making the Most of a New 3D Printer 

3D printing for engineers is an increasingly attractive option. However, investing in one is not enough to get guaranteed payoffs. Whether an interested consumer puts one of the models mentioned above or a different option on their shortlist, they should do additional research, such as reading specification sheets to see whether a printer’s capabilities match their project’s requirements. 

It’s also necessary to set aside enough time for an engineering team to learn how to work with the printer. Setting the machine up properly and utilizing its features correctly increases the likelihood of satisfying results. 

Finally, many 3D printer manufacturers have case studies and customer testimonials on their websites. Browsing through those is a good way to get an idea of the operating experience and what people could expect from their machine.

Emily Newton is the Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized. She is a journalist who covers the  innovations impacting the construction and industrial sectors.

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