Abstract Scope |
Conductive metal traces used in circuits are conventionally manufactured through microfabrication, contact printing, or inkjet printing. Aerosol Jet Printing (AJP) is a newer direct-write technique in which metal inks are aerosolized, focused with gas flow, and deposited onto a substrate. This technique provides some advantages, including the ability to print over varying topologies and substrates. This project characterizes the effects of various AJP parameters (i.e., atomizer voltage, aerosol flow, sheath flow, standoff height, platen speed, and platen temperature) on the resulting silver traces, seeking to minimize their resistivity and width. Samples were printed with Electroninks EI-615, a conductive silver ink, using the IDS, Inc. NanoJet aerosol jet printer on a Kapton substrate. The characterization methods include optical microscopy, profilometry, and electrical testing. Data and images collected were used to develop parameter maps to identify optimal outcomes, display possible failure modes, and guide future development of AJP electronics. |