Optomec Receives New Patents for 3D Micro-Printing with Aerosol Jet

Optomec (Albuquerque, NM) has received new patents covering the use of aerosol jet for producing three-dimensional microstructures. This capability enables the production of miniature elements with a resolution down to 15 micron, approximately 1/5 the width of a human hair. The capability has been demonstrated for a range of materials, including polymers, metals, and composite structures. These new grants are the latest in an IP portfolio that totals more than 75 patents issued, with global protection including the US and key markets across Asia and Europe.

The new 3D micro-printing patents present a method for fabricating three-dimensional structures using in-situ heating or UV illumination to modify the properties of aerosol droplets as they are jetted onto a target surface. In the case of the UV embodiment, light at least partially cures photopolymer droplets or alternatively causes droplets of solvent-based nanoparticle dispersions to rapidly dry in-flight, and the resulting increased viscosity of the aerosol droplets facilitates the formation of free-standing 3D shapes. Lateral resolutions of 15 um have been achieved, with layer thicknesses of 100 nanometers and aspect ratios of >100X for structure heights measured in millimeters.

“Optomec continues to invest heavily in its core technology, seeking to extend the already broad range of applications for its aerosol jet solution” says Dr. Michael Renn, chief technology officer and the inventor on the new patents. “The capability demonstrated with our 3D-printed microstructures work is already seeing potential applications in semiconductor packaging and medical device markets.”

Optomec provides additive-manufacturing solutions for 3D metal printing and 3D-printed electronics.

www.optomec.com