Thermoformed circuit boards: fabrication of highly conductive freeform 3d printed circuit boards with heat bending

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Fabricating 3D printed electronics using desktop printers has become more accessible with recent developments in conductive thermoplastic flaments. Because of their high resistance and difculties in printing traces in vertical directions, most applications are restricted to capacitive sensing. In this paper, we introduce Thermoformed Circuit Board (TCB), a novel approach that employs the thermoformability of the 3D printed plastics to construct various double-sided, rigid and highly conductive freeform circuit boards that can withstand high current applications through copper electroplating. To illustrate the capability of the TCB, we showcase a range of examples with various shapes, electrical characteristics and interaction mechanisms. We also demonstrate a new design tool extension to an existing CAD environment that allows users to parametrically draw the substrate and conductive trace, and export 3D printable fles. TCB is an inexpensive and highly accessible fabrication technique intended to broaden HCI researcher participation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCHI 2021 - Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Subtitle of host publicationMaking Waves, Combining Strengths
Place of PublicationNew York, U.S.
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781450380966
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 May 2021
Externally publishedYes
Event2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems: Making Waves, Combining Strengths, CHI 2021 - Virtual, Online, Japan
Duration: 8 May 202113 May 2021

Publication series

NameConference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings

Conference

Conference2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems: Making Waves, Combining Strengths, CHI 2021
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityVirtual, Online
Period8/05/2113/05/21

Keywords

  • 3d printed electronics
  • Conductive flament
  • Hybrid additive manufacturing

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