In the ever-evolving landscape of additive manufacturing, a groundbreaking development has emerged from the University of Nottingham. Researchers, led by Oliver Nelson-Dummett from the Centre for Additive Manufacturing, have pushed the boundaries of inkjet printing technology, opening doors to innovative applications in the energy sector and beyond. Their work, recently published in Materials Today Advances, demonstrates the creation of complex 3D architectures using inkjet printing, a technique traditionally limited to 2D or simple 3D structures.
At the heart of this innovation lies the ability to print highly conductive silver structures with fully 3D geometries. These structures, composed of self-supporting tilted micropillars, can be arranged into intricate lattices and spiralling patterns. The implications of this technology are vast, particularly for the energy sector, where the demand for efficient, scalable manufacturing solutions is ever-growing.
Nelson-Dummett explains, “We’ve shown that inkjet printing can now produce complex 3D geometries, which was previously challenging. This opens up new possibilities for manufacturing functional materials on-site and at scale.”
One of the most exciting aspects of this research is the creation of metamaterials. These are materials engineered to have properties not found in nature, such as highly anisotropic dielectric properties at microwave frequencies. By arranging silver shapes within a polymer matrix, the researchers have demonstrated that these properties can be tailored by the orientation of the silver elements. This could revolutionize the way we design and manufacture communication systems and electronic devices, making them more efficient and adaptable.
The potential applications of this technology in the energy sector are particularly compelling. For instance, these metamaterials could be used to create more efficient antennas for wireless power transfer, a technology that could revolutionize the way we power electric vehicles and other devices. Additionally, the ability to print complex 3D structures on-site could significantly reduce the cost and environmental impact of manufacturing, aligning with the energy sector’s push towards sustainability.
Nelson-Dummett adds, “The ability to print complex 3D structures on-site could be a game-changer for the energy sector. It could make manufacturing more efficient, sustainable, and adaptable to specific needs.”
The research, published in Materials Today Advances, which translates to “Materials Today Progress,” marks a significant step forward in the field of additive manufacturing. As we look to the future, it’s clear that this technology has the potential to shape the way we manufacture and use materials, from communication systems to energy infrastructure. The question now is, how will industries adapt to these new possibilities, and what innovations will emerge as a result? The future of manufacturing is here, and it’s more exciting than ever.
