Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) Workflow for Printed Circuit Structures (PCS)

Abstract

Digitally based manufacturing has been around for years and has been the basis of turnkey lights out manufacturing processes and systems. Moving forward is the concept of Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) which brings together conceptualizing the electronic device, developing a digital twin of the product, and digitally merging workflow with the manufacturing process. This would further extend through to physical product. This paper will illustrate DDM is the basis of developing the capability of conceptualizing, designing, and digitally manufacturing electronic devices and more specifically printed circuit structures or PCS and printed circuit cylinders, PCC. Unlike tradition PCB’s or multichip module technology, the goal is fully printed electronic devices that can merge structure with electronic functionality. This paper will explore the current state of practice in manufacturing workflow and extend to the emerging factory in a Box concept of multi-material printing of next generation electronic controller and packaging technology. This will also include exploring design tools that provide the capability of co-design mechanical function with electronic function and modeling the manufacturing process and electronic device using digital twin concepts and workflow enabling smart manufacturing of printed electronic devices and precision of DDM technology.