The electronics 3D printer features versatile printheads that can handle a number of different materials.
The electronics 3D printer features versatile printheads that can handle a number of different materials.
The new B3300 is the latest electronics 3D printer from nano3Dprint.
The California company has been producing electronic 3D printers since 2015, having previously released the A2200 device.
An electronics 3D printer is quite different from “normal” 3D printers that produce mechanical parts. Instead, these devices can quickly “print” electronic traces on printed circuit boards (PCBs). This is done using conductive materials, like gold or silver paste. It’s also possible to print certain types of sensors, packaging, interconnects, wire harnesses, and even complete systems. Wearable electronic devices would be an excellent example of use for this type of 3D printer.
Using such a device it would be possible to not only iteratively develop new circuit boards, but also undertake low-volume production of them once perfected.
The new B3300 differs from previous models in that it is a “dual dispensing” device. Prior models would be able to 3D print electronics in only a single material per job, while the B3300 holds two printheads and material reservoirs.
In addition, the printheads are quite versatile, as they can handle a number of different materials. nano3Dprint explains:
“Functional Pastes and Inks, Conductive Paints, Fast Drying Solvent Based Inks, Silver Nano-Particle Inks, Graphene solutions, and much more.”
By combining two different materials, nano3Dprint has created a huge new set of possibilities for applications with the B3300. Designers will be able to create more complex systems.
The build volume on the B3300 is 214 x 186 x 160 mm, and the nozzle size on the syringe printheads ranges from 0.150-1.600 mm, with a 3ml printhead capacity.
The B3300 is also equipped with a “magnifying video inspection system” that should allow operators to ensure best quality of prints produced on the device.
One of the best features is that the B3300 is completely compatible with many FFF slicing software options, including UltiMaker Cura. This allows the device to more easily take advantage of new enhancements to slicing software than would be the case if a proprietary slicing system was used.
nano3Dprint Product Success Manager Gretta Perlmutter said:
“The B3300 3D printer is a great solution for a wide range of applications. It can print wearables with embedded conductors, cell phone parts with internal antennas and electronic devices with internal sensors. It allows for incorporating sensors, strain gauges, heaters, complex antenna geometries and optical components in a 3D print and provides manufacturing solutions for the medical, agriculture and solar industries, and general consumer electronics.”
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About the Author: Kerry Stevenson is passionate about 3D printing and has written thousands of stories on 3D printing technology at Fabbaloo.