Currently, the accuracy of 3D printing technology can reach 100 microns, which is
far from enough for processing many electronic devices. Dr. Nanjia Zhou from the School of Engineering, Westlake University used new materials as the core in breaking the limits of 3D printing accuracy. He designed new 3D printing
functional materials and combined ultra-high precision 3D printing technology
to achieve electronic 3D printing from the hundred nanometers to micron level.
By
achieving ultra-high precision, Nanjia Zhou's group introduced 3D
multi-material printing technology to the chip-level high-end manufacturing
field. It has already achieved the package and integration of 5G radio
frequency electronic devices with 3D printing. Using 3D printing technology to
make passive devices, the antenna size can be reduced to 10-100 microns.
This
method improves the accuracy by 1-2 orders of magnitude compared to the
existing processing methods, enabling the application of 3D printing technology
to the fields like millimeter wave technology and providing new manufacturing
solutions for future miniaturization, integration, and personalization of electronic
devices.
During
Nanjia Zhou’s Ph.D. study in Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern
University, he also researched printing electronics. In early 2015, he
entered Harvard University and joined the group of Professor Jennifer A Lewis.
From there, Nanjia Zhou started his research on 3D printing functional
optoelectronic devices.
Although
3D printing is a hot topic nowadays, its prospects are beyond our imagination.
Nanjia Zhou believes that the future application of 3D printing is far greater
than the current use, and it can not only achieve specific structures, but more
importantly, can achieve specific functions.
To
this end, since joining the School of Engineering of Westlake University in
2018, Nanjia Zhou is also commercializing technology from his lab to bring
electronic 3D printing technology to the market.
"While
conducting technical research, we also need to show our capabilities, just
like opening a door to open up the prospect of electronic 3D printing."
Nanjia Zhou said. And his group currently manufactures high-precision
electronic devices and flexible wearable devices through 3D printing, and
provides electronic 3D printing services to the outside world with the team's
professional capabilities.
"As
our influence in the market grows, I believe more people will know and finally
adopt this technology."
