Based on the recent advancements and applications in Additive Manufactured Electronics (AME), significant progress has been made in the design and production of electronic devices and circuits using 3D space. The AME Academy highlights the evolution of AME as a new frontier in electronics manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of materials, technical design approaches, hardware, software, and automation for creating more effective electronic designs. This approach surpasses the capabilities of traditional PCB technology, offering unique capabilities that are otherwise cost-prohibitive or unattainable with conventional methods[1].
A key trend observed in the AME sector, as reported by Nano Dimension, is the push towards greater integration and customization in electronics manufacturing. Traditional PCB fabrication processes, which often limit layout engineers due to their rigid design rules, are being reimagined through additive manufacturing systems. These systems enable the creation of PCBs with any via or interconnect geometry, allowing for the production of electronics that fit any form factor, thus optimizing performance, size, and weight. This level of customization is particularly valuable in the development of mobile and IoT devices, which increasingly incorporate complex form factors and additional sensors[2].
Furthermore, the adoption of AME is driving the revolution known as Industry 4.0, where digital and lights-out manufacturing is becoming more prevalent. The connectivity standards facilitated by IPC-CFX, for instance, allow for a more synchronized and productive manufacturing environment. Additive manufacturing technologies, inherently digitized, fit perfectly within this trend, enabling a factory to operate autonomously and continue production even without human presence. This integration extends beyond electronics, allowing for the manufacturing of enclosures and other components alongside electronics, all within a connected factory setting.[2]
The overall market for additive manufacturing is expected to experience substantial growth, with the electronics segment anticipated to surpass significant financial milestones by 2025. This growth reflects both the financial investment in the sector and the broadening range of applications benefiting from AME's advanced capabilities.[2]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ AME Academy—The future of additive manufacturing of electronics. (n.d.). Retrieved February 5, 2024, from https://ame-academy.com
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Amit Dror. (n.d.). Additive Manufacturing Trends to Know in the Electronics Industry in 2020. Nano Dimension. Retrieved February 5, 2024, from https://www.nano-di.com/resources/blog/2020-additive-manufacturing-trends-to-know-in-the-electronics-industry-in-2020
