Emily Patterson
Senior Electronics Engineer
Multi-material 3D printing is exactly what it sounds like—3D printing, but with a range of materials, rather than just one. So, if your ...
Multi-material 3D printing is exactly what it sounds like—3D printing, but with a range of materials, rather than just one. So, if your project requires plastic, metal, or another material, you can do the whole thing with just one machine.
But how does this support the design of complex electrical components? Firstly, it enables us to create designs with a range of different properties—components that are robust but flexible, and that function at a range of temperatures.
It also makes the conceptual side of things easier. Designers can prototype their ideas cheaply and effectively with printed models, bringing complicated products to market faster.
Finally, it also makes it easier to save space. Through 3D printing, engineers can create components that make good use of the Z-axis, rather than just X and Y. This means we can create complex electrical components that fit into small, miniaturised objects.
Multi-material printing puts a whole host of possibilities at our fingertips.