Milestone for the Faculty of Engineering
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Freiburg has made significant progress in research and teaching with the successful acquisition of the DragonFly IV 3D AME printer from Nano Dimension. With this state-of-the-art device, the Laboratory for Microelectronics can further expand its expertise in the field of additive manufacturing electronics (AME). The cutting-edge manufacturing process of 3D printing makes it possible to develop and test complex electronic circuits faster and more efficiently in order to integrate microelectronic ICs (integrated circuits) into the smallest assemblies - a decisive advantage for the development of cutting-edge technologies in the fields of Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence and Industry 4.0.
The new 3D AME printer enables the development of customized, highly integrated circuits that can be adapted to the specific requirements in these future fields. The acquisition of the DragonFly IV was made possible by funding from the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) in the “Major Research Instrumentation” funding programme according to Art. 91b of the Basic Law and co-financing from the European Union and the State of Baden-Württemberg (VwV EFRE FEIH 2021-2027). With this new device, the Laboratory for Microelectronics will be able to shape its self-developed and manufactured application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) into complex systems using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.
The particular strength of the DragonFly IV lies in its ability to print dielectrics (insulating materials) and metals at the same time. This is done using a special inkjet technology that hardens materials with UV light, while tiny silver nanoparticles are sintered with infrared rays. In this way, high-precision electrical circuits can be realized in three-dimensional structures that are much more complex and compact than conventional, flat circuit board designs. This means that instead of the typically flat combination of electrical components in conventional PCB assembly, stacked, orthogonal or even spherical arrangements of individual components are becoming possible, resulting in significantly smaller designs.
An outstanding advantage of this printer is the ability to interrupt the printing process in order to integrate electronic components directly into the structure without an additional housing. This saves space and at the same time improves the signal quality, as previously required bond wires with parasitic effects can be omitted. In addition, the cables can be optimally arranged within the 3D-printed housing - for example by shielding, twisting or fine-tuning the impedance.
In addition, the DragonFly IV enables the production of passive electrical components and 3D antennas, so that complete microelectronic systems can be created in a single printing process. This technology opens up new opportunities for the Faculty of Engineering to develop highly complex microsystems, particularly in the fields of sensor technology and highly integrated brain-machine interfaces.
The DragonFly IV will also make a decisive contribution to teaching by enabling students to gain practical experience with the physical properties of microelectronic circuits and analyze their effects on sensitive systems. This will strengthen the role of the Faculty of Engineering as a leading center for microelectronic innovation and education.
About Nano Dimension
Nano Dimension’s (Nasdaq: NNDM) vision is to transform existing electronics and mechanical manufacturing into Industry 4.0 environmentally friendly & economically efficient precision additive electronics and manufacturing – by delivering solutions that convert digital designs to electronic or mechanical devices – on demand, anytime, anywhere.
Nano Dimension’s strategy is driven by the application of deep learning-based AI to drive improvements in manufacturing capabilities by using self-learning & self-improving systems, along with the management of a distributed manufacturing network via the cloud.
Nano Dimension has served over 2,000 customers across vertical target markets such as aerospace and defense, advanced automotive, high-tech industrial, specialty medical technology, R&D, and academia. The Company designs and makes Additive Electronics and Additive Manufacturing 3D printing machines and consumable materials. Additive Electronics are manufacturing machines that enable the design and development of High-Performance-Electronic-Devices (Hi-PED®s). Additive Manufacturing includes manufacturing solutions for production of metal, ceramic, and specialty polymers-based applications - from millimeters to several centimeters in size with micron precision.
Through the integration of its portfolio of products, Nano Dimension is offering the advantages of rapid prototyping, high-mix-low-volume production, IP security, minimal environmental footprint, and design-for-manufacturing capabilities, which is all unleashed with the limitless possibilities of additive manufacturing. For more information, please visit www.nano-di.com.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Matthias Kuhl
University of Freiburg
Department of Microsystems Engineering – IMTEK
Laboratory for Microelectronics
E-Mail: matthias.kuhl@imtek.uni-freiburg.de
Kerstin Steiger-Merx
Representative PR/Marketing
Faculty of Engineering
University of Freiburg
Tel.: 0761/203-8056
E-Mail: steiger-merx@tf.uni-freiburg.de