Groundbreaking process simultaneously cure and sinter of two kinds of ink

21 April, 2016

The new process was developed by Nano Dimension. The fusion of the two separated processes may accelerate and streamline 3d the 3D printing process,

The new process developed by Nano Dimension is based on the unique molecular structure of the Nano metric ink developed. The fusion of the two previously separate processes may accelerate and streamline 3d the 3D printing process, as well as to reduce costs

Nano Dimension's PCB printer
Nano Dimension’s PCB printer

Nano Dimensions Technologies is a subsidiary of Israeli 3D printer’s manufacturer Nano Dimensions. Yesterday (04/18/2016) filed a patent application in the US. For its combined process for simultaneous curing and sintering of two kinds of ink. While current standard curing and sintering methods use different systems to cure and sinter the inks, Nano Dimensions new technology simultaneously sinters and cure the two types of ink (conductive metal ink and insulator ink) used for the 3D printing of electronic circuits, streamlining this process.

Silver particles in Nano Dimension’s conductive ink
Silver particles in Nano Dimension’s conductive ink

Nano Dimensions developed the Dragonfly, a 3D printer enabling the use of advanced nanoparticle conductive and dielectric inks for rapid prototyping of complex multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs). The process is based on the use of polymeric materials to create insulating layers, and conductive silver ink for the electrical conductors.

Heating and Melting

The sintering of material is usually done using laser rays, while curing is done by heating. These two processes are carried out separately, in number of different mechanical and complex systems. Obviously, this separation slows down production. The maintenance of several complex systems increase production costs.

Nano Dimension’s new technology combines the two processes thus reducing the number if critical systems in a printer and thus allows for a significant reduction in production costs of the printer, increased printer speed, system miniaturization and increased system reliability.

The combination of the two processes is possible due to the unique chemical structure of the inks, both of which are developed and manufactured in the company’s in-house laboratory. Nanoparticles in the ink absorb radiant energy, causing a plasmonic effect on the surface of the nanoparticle. The plasmonic waves are immediately converted into heat, which causes the fusion of silver nanoparticles due to the high surface energies at the nanoscale. This sintering process results in a final uniform metallic trace.

A leading innovator in 3D printing Arena

Founded in 2012, Nano Dimension has a strong position in the emerging market of PCB 3D printing. Last month, the company and San Francisco based Fathom announced a collaboration on introduction of Nano Dimension’s Dragonfly 3D printer to the US. West cost – the very heart of American High-Tech industry.

Following the latest announcement, Nano Dimension share (NASDAQ,TSAE:NNDM) rose by 2.6% to $7.89. over the last month, the NNDM share has risen by a total of 6%.

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