Research progress and application in the additive manufacturing of passive microwave devices

Abstract

Passive microwave devices are an indispensable part of modern microwave communication systems, such as filters and antennas. However, with the rapid development of wireless communication technology, the continuous miniaturization of passive microwave devices, and the complexity of device structure, the machining precision of microwave devices is becoming increasingly stringent. Therefore, traditional processing technology has a restriction in the fabrication of miniaturized complex microwave devices. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a rapid, green, high-precision emerging manufacturing technology, which has the advantages of low labor costs, high material utilization, and high precision. It can directly fabricate complicated geometries without a mold, and can revolutionize the way we design and manufacture for enterprises and individuals. Furthermore, by eliminating the constraints of traditional processing, additive manufacturing makes it possible to produce more complex structures and high-performance devices. Thus, additive manufacturing is of great significance for producing and designing passive microwave devices. In this paper, the characteristics and materials of additive manufacturing are introduced. We discuss the applications of additive manufacturing in the design and fabrication process of passive microwave devices. We also elaborate on the challenges and opportunities of additive manufacturing for passive microwave devices, which may provide a reference for future research and engineering applications.