3D Printing
News Videos Newsletter Contact us
Home / News / MIT Takes Major Step Toward 3D Printed Active Electronics
qidi

MIT Takes Major Step Toward 3D Printed Active Electronics

October 15, 2024

Researchers from MIT and Delft University have made significant progress in the realm of 3D-printed electronics, unveiling a method to fabricate resettable fuses without the use of semiconductors. This innovative approach utilizes standard 3D printers and a biodegradable, copper-doped polymer material, enabling the creation of devices that mimic the switching functions of traditional semiconductor-based transistors.

MIT Takes Major Step Toward 3D Printed Active Electronics
The devices are constructed using thin, 3D-printed traces of copper-doped polymer. These include intersecting conductive regions, allowing the researchers to control resistance by adjusting the voltage applied to the switch. (Image Credit: Research Team from MIT and Delft University)

Breaking Free from Semiconductors

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of semiconductor fabrication facilities contributed to a global electronics shortage. MIT’s new approach, while still far from replacing silicon-based semiconductors, could pave the way for decentralized electronics manufacturing. According to principal research scientist Luis Fernando Velásquez-García, the technology could eventually democratize access to electronics manufacturing, empowering labs, businesses, and homes to create functional electronics without the need for advanced fabrication centers.
The project, which stemmed from a previous study on magnetic coils, revealed a unique behavior in a copper-doped polymer filament. When subjected to high current, the material exhibited a sharp increase in resistance before returning to normal, a characteristic necessary for controlling electrical signals. This discovery led the team to explore 3D-printed transistors that could serve basic control functions, such as regulating electric motor speed.

A New Path for 3D-Printed Electronics

Though these devices don’t yet match the performance of silicon-based components, they offer exciting potential for simpler applications. The process also brings environmental benefits: the biodegradable material uses less energy, and the fabrication method produces less waste compared to traditional semiconductor manufacturing.
Velásquez-García and his team envision using this technique to print fully functional electronics, with future goals including the development of a magnetic motor entirely made through extrusion 3D printing. As the technology progresses, it could open up new possibilities for on-demand manufacturing in areas like space exploration, where electronics could be fabricated directly on board spacecraft.

Moving Forward in Electronics Innovation

This breakthrough demonstrates that active electronic devices can be 3D printed using conductive polymeric materials. While the technology has room to grow in terms of performance, the research marks a key step in enabling 3D-printed electronics that are easier, more sustainable, and accessible to a wider audience.
Funded in part by Empiriko Corporation, the research showcases the potential for integrating electronics into 3D-printed structures, with applications ranging from basic controls to complex mechatronics, further advancing the frontier of 3D printing innovation.

Source: news.mit.edu

Share:
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Buffer Reddit E-mail
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Latest posts

Scientists 3D Print Solar-Powered Sponge for Seawater Desalination

Researchers have developed a 3D-printed aerogel material that uses sunlight to convert seawater into drinking water. The sponge-like structure contains microscopic vertical channels... read more »

News

Revopoint Launches Major Prime Event 2025 Sale with Up to 40% Off 3D Scanners and Accessories

Revopoint is kicking off its Prime Event 2025 with a series of major discounts on its range of professional 3D scanners and accessories.... read more »

News

Turkish Companies Test 3D Printed Component for Armored Vehicles

MetalWorm and Nurol Makina, both based in Ankara, Turkey, have completed testing of an armored vehicle component manufactured using Directed Energy Deposition (DED)... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Turkish Companies Test 3D Printed Component for Armored Vehicles

McGill Spinout Uses 3D Bioprinting to Create Tumors for Smarter Cancer Treatments

TissueTinker, a McGill University spinout company, has developed 3D bioprinting technology to create miniaturized tumor models for cancer drug testing. The company recently... read more »

Medical
McGill Spinout Uses 3D Bioprinting to Create Tumors for Smarter Cancer Treatments

University of Twente Awarded €13.6M for Research in Circular 3D Printing and Transparent AI

The University of Twente has received €13.6 million in funding from the 2024 NWA ORC program to lead two research projects focused on... read more »

News
University of Twente Awarded €13.6M for Research in Circular 3D Printing and Transparent AI

China’s 3D Printed Micro Turbojet Engine Completes Maiden Flight

The Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) has successfully completed the first flight test of its 3D-printed micro turbojet engine in Inner Mongolia... read more »

Aerospace
China's 3D Printed Micro Turbojet Engine Completes Maiden Flight

Laser-Assisted Cold Spray Technology Enhances Material Deposition Process

Researchers at the University of Cambridge's Center for Industrial Photonics have developed a new additive manufacturing technique called laser-assisted cold spray (LACS). The... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Laser-Assisted Cold Spray Technology Enhances Material Deposition Process

Titomic Netherlands Secures Strategic Funding to Advance Cold Spray 3D Printing Technology

Titomic Limited, an Australian company specializing in cold spray additive manufacturing, has received €800,000 in funding from the Netherlands' 3D Print Kompas program.... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Titomic Netherlands Secures Strategic Funding to Advance Cold Spray 3D Printing Technology

3D-Printed Insects Help Scientists Map the Limits of Mimicry in Nature

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a method to 3D print life-sized, color-accurate insect models for biological research. The team, led... read more »

Environmental

Social

  • Facebook Facebook 3D Printing
  • Linkedin Linkedin 3D Printing
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Fashion
  • Medical
  • Military
  • QIDI Tech X-Max 3

    • - Print size: 325 x 325 x 315 mm
    • - fully enclosed
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Plus4

    • - Print size: 305 x 305 x 280 mm
    • - print temperature of 370°C
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Tech Q1 Pro

    • - Print size: 245 x 245 x 245 mm
    • - 600mm/s max speed
    More details »
    $449.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • Snapmaker Artisan Premium 3-in-1

    • - Print size: 400 x 400 x 400 mm
    • - comes with enclosure
    More details »
    $2,999.00 Snapmaker
    Buy Now

Company Information

  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing

Blog

  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal

Featured Reviews

  • Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
  • Creality Ender 5 S1
  • The Mole 3D Scanner
  • Flashforge Creator 3 Pro

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
2025 — Strikwerda en Dehue
  • Home
  • Join our mailing list
  • Contact us
Blog
  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal
Featured Industries
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
Company Information
  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing