The principles of electromagnetic waves were first demonstrated over a century ago. This soon turned into antennas, making radio communication possible. While radio still had a presence, the main focus shifted to television and, eventually, to the Internet. That being said, antennas remained largely the same. With recent quick developments in 5G/6G, small-satellite communication, and IoT, the need for lightweight, high-performing, and easy-to-produce antennas is rising. New research might have exactly what the industry needs being 3D-printed antennas.
Research
A team from the University of California-Berkley recently published a study proposing a charge-programmed 3D-printing method capable of producing previously inaccessible architectures. Antennas produced this way demonstrated all functionalities equal to those produced traditionally while being 90% lighter and allowing for more flexibility.
The production itself is also considerably easier. They could produce single samples within a day at a cost-effective rate. In addition, charge-programmed 3D printing is already compatible with various materials, including nanomaterials. The research mentions how they are actively looking to reduce time and cost further by implementing automated resin exchange and cleaning.
The process
Researchers tested the process on a desktop stereolithography printer which is a commercially available model of printers as opposed to specialized systems used in similar tests. The process involves alternating materials in quick succession. When the print is paused, the resin tray is swapped, washed, and dried before putting another one.
Meanwhile, the building substrate is never moved, which ensures precision. Using electroless deposition, the team applied copper plating to the printed parts to allow for conduction without an external electrical current. Simulating analysis software as a CST tool, the antennas proved to be within the expected parameters.
The possibilities
The impact of this innovation could be huge as antennas are still everywhere, and we rely on them. Most services, such as cellular data, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth that connect you to someone else, are based on communication between antennas. Most smartphones contain multiple ones. Lighter, cheaper antennas with the same functionalities could mean longer battery lives, more reliable connections, and even possibilities for new functionalities.
Before you go: Ericsson Provides New Multiband Coverage Solution for Europe
For satellite communications, lighter antennas by themselves are a huge game-changer. Weight is a deciding factor in satellite launches and every gram can make a difference. 3D-printed antennas could make space technology more cost-effective and, by extension, more accessible. Although innovation on antennas is progressing slowly, its core functionalities have remained the same for over a century. Nothing lasts that long, and eventually, we’ll move on to something better. 3D-printed antennas may just be the candidate to start that.
Photo credit: All images were taken by the researches and are owned by UC Berkley and was provided for press usage.
Source: William Schulz (UC Berkley Engineering) / Nature Communications
