Abstract
This work presents a study on the implementation and manufacturing of low-cost microwave electronic circuits, made with additive manufacturing techniques using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. First, the manufacturing process of substrates with different filaments, using various options offered by additive techniques in the manufacture of 3D printing parts, is described. The implemented substrates are structurally analyzed by ultrasound techniques to verify the correct metallization and fabrication of the substrate, and the characterization of the electrical properties in the microwave frequency range of each filament is performed. Finally, standard and novel microwave filters in microstrip and stripline technology are implemented, making use of the possibilities offered by additive techniques in the manufacturing process. The designed devices were manufactured and measured with good results, which demonstrates the possibility of using low-cost 3D printers in the design process of planar microwave circuits.
Highlights
Additive manufacturing techniques and 3D printers have evolved in recent years as an essential technology that provides different solutions in a wide variety of industries, such as construction, medicine, aerospace, foods and education [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
This study shows the possibility of using low-cost additive techniques in the design of dielectric substrates with different materials, for its use in the manufacturing of typical and complex microwave circuits
Acid (PLA) filament from German RepRap Gmh, which is a polymer consisting of lactic acid molecules; Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) filament from Fillamentum, which is an amorphous thermoplastic material very resistant to impact that is mainly employed for the development of industrial and automotive parts; Iglidur I180-PF (Tribo) filament from Igus, which is a friction resistant material up to 50 times more resistant than other materials such as ABS or PolyLactic Acid (PLA), since it offers a great response to wear degradation; Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) filament from Fillamentum, Polymers 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW
Summary
Additive manufacturing techniques and 3D printers have evolved in recent years as an essential technology that provides different solutions in a wide variety of industries, such as construction, medicine, aerospace, foods and education [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. This study shows the possibility of using low-cost additive techniques in the design of dielectric substrates with different materials, for its use in the manufacturing of typical and complex microwave circuits For this purpose, it is shown the electrical performance of different filaments and the structural performance of the whole manufacturing process, and to validate the 3D printing technology, a proof of concept is made, implementing simple microwave planar circuits in different microwave technologies.
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