Rapid Prototyping of RF Devices Now Possible with 3D Printing

Kupros recently conducted an RF demonstration showing the potential of their proprietary Cu-29 filament to fabricate wireless circuits using desktop 3D printers. This could enable rapid prototyping and simplified iteration of RF devices by transitioning from PCB fabrication to in-house printing.

Simple RF Demonstration

The team 3D printed a simple antenna entirely using Cu-29 filament on an entry-level desktop printer. Each board provided a separate 3D-printed RF antenna.

By printing interlocking peg joints on the boards, they created a modular design allowing the transmitter, receiver, and antennas to be connected in different orientations based on requirements.

The signal was transmitted through one of the printed antennas as amplitude-modulated RF, received by the second antenna, demodulated by the receiver circuit, and output through a speaker as the original audio.

Watch this video - https://youtu.be/ZGRQ5OYzH94

Rapid Iteration & Prototyping

Such a demonstration highlights the benefit of in-house printing for RF experimentation and rapid iteration of designs. Traditionally engineers must wait weeks while outsourcing PCB fabrication earlier. But Cu-29 circuits can be printed overnight and ready for testing the very next day.

The modular nature also allows certain sections like antennas to be optimized and swapped without reprinting the entire setup. This can accelerate prototyping and optimization of parameters like transmission range, frequencies, and modulation.

The team sees strong potential for university researchers and aerospace companies to leverage such quick turnaround times in designing RF devices. We welcome anyone interested in reaching out for collaboration or sample testing of this impressive filament.