The Future of Antenna Fabrication: 3D Printing Technology

Abstract

This article presents a discussion of 3D printing technologies applicable for different types of antennas, both flexible and non-flexible, designed with the help of different kinds of materials. To develop accurate and useful products, 3D technology has come out as a very attractive method over conventional etching and chemical processes in developing complicated structures while maintaining the same performance with respect to the conventional ones. Thus, this article presents a systematic approach for designing and developing 3D printed antennas with the help of both flexible and non-flexible materials using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology. 3D printing technology is also termed as ‘additive manufacturing’ because the final product is made by adding on layers of material one on one in the additive process. This technology even allows the printing of multiple colors which further enhances 3D prototype printing delivering unimaginable products to the individual users