Interested in 3D printers but don’t know which one to buy? If you’re looking for a worthy machine, visit Top 3D Shop and check out our 3D printer reviews, we’ll help you choose the machine you need!
Lithuanian researchers are developing a futuristic 3D printing technology based on positioning using ultrasonic transducers.
A team led by Oswaldas Putkis, Ph.D., at Neurotechnology, creates a versatile system capable of handling solids and liquids, as well as handling finished components. In particular, the possibility of additive manufacturing of electronics is being considered.
“Suppose you have an array of ultrasonic transducers emitting ultrasonic waves, and you can monitor the operation of each transducer individually. Then you can precisely adjust the pressure on the object - grab, rotate and move particles or components. In essence, it is a non-contact manipulator with a number of advantages. It can work with a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics and even liquids. In this case, you can manipulate not only particles, but also finished parts, such as electronic components. Other methods of non-contact manipulation, electromagnetic or electrostatic, cannot provide the same flexibility, ”says Putkis.
The technology makes it possible to position even submillimeter-sized objects, as well as to work with fragile components that are too vulnerable to contact manipulators. As explained by Dr. Putkis, ultrasound manipulation is highly accurate. For example, at a frequency of 40 kHz, the resolution can be measured in tens of micrometers, and the higher the frequency, the higher the accuracy. In terms of 3D printing itself, researchers use laser emitters to solder, sinter metals and plastics, and dry specialized inks. The current prototype of an ultrasonic 3D printer has already proven the technology's feasibility by printing electronic circuit boards - positioning components and solder, and then soldering.
