Printing Passive Electronic Components?

Vq Research is advancing Additive Manufacturing Technology to “3D print” high-performance electronics using ceramics and thick film metals.

Passive components (such as capacitors, resistors, and inductors) are a vital part of every electronic device. From everyday items like mobile phones and appliances to advanced aerospace and medical technology, passive devices are integral and ubiquitous.

Vq Research has a proprietary formulation for Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCCs) with the highest energy and power density in the industry, temperature-resistance to 300ºC and above, and very slow loss of stored energy (tera-ohms of internal resistance). The lifetime of these parts can be many decades without significant specification degradation. Unlike canister-type capacitors that contain toxic electrolytes, these MLCCs are solid-state, non-toxic, and mechanically strong.

A Game-Changing Technological Advancement

The ability to “3D Print” high-performance passive electronic ceramics and metals opens a world of exciting possibilities for the future of manufacturing.

• Direct printing into/onto ceramic based electronic packages
• Accommodate novel packages with custom component shapes that transcend existing surface-mount technology designs rules
• Move past 2-dimensional layouts and fabricate in 3-D
• Increase surface area per unit volume for high energy density
• Enable new high density packaging paradigms
• Ability to control dielectric constant in 2 or 3 dimensions and enable less complex or new RF micro-strip geometries
• Ability to quickly test new structures, designs, & prototypes
• Allow rapid low-volume production