Optomec, Inc. announced today that it is developing a new digital production solution that enables direct printing of antennas used in mobile device applications. The solution is based on Optomec's patented Aerosol Jet Printed Electronics technology, an Additive Manufacturing process used to print electronics onto planar and three-dimensional (3D) surfaces. In this case, Aerosol Jet technology is used to directly print conformal 3D antennas onto standard plastic inserts and enclosures for smartphones and other mobile devices.
Optomec's 3D Printed Antenna solution has the potential to significantly reduce cost versus competing methods due to efficiencies derived from Additive Manufacturing, including elimination of hard tooling and reduction in logistics, material consumption and overall processing. Furthermore, the Aerosol Jet printing approach has environmental and health benefits, as it completely eliminates the need for chemical plating and hazardous nickel content found in current manufacturing methods. Also, Aerosol Jet printing will allow new antenna placement strategies which will enable functional benefits, such as reducing the overall thickness of handheld devices.
Optomec is engaged with a number of early adopter customers, including both handset OEMs and their contract manufacturers. Today’s generation of smartphones include about a half dozen different antennas in each device, and Optomec has demonstrated the successful printing of a range of these antennas, including LTE, NFC, GPS, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.
Optomec has developed a first generation production print engine that is capable of producing 1-2 million units per year, depending on antenna design. Additionally, the Company is working with material suppliers and systems integrators to bring a comprehensive solution to market that can meet the individualized needs of each manufacturer.
