Prof.
George Goussetis
(Heriot-Watt University)Dr
Jose Marques Hueso
(Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, U.K.)Prof.
Marc Desmulliez
(Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, U.K.)
Abstract: 3D printing is delivering step changes in fields such as rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, and it has plenty of potential for a continuous growth in different applications. Fused deposition modelling (FDM), or fused filament fabrication, has recently become readily available. High frequency and microwave technologies could benefit from it. However, the plastic materials available for FDM offer a limited palette of low dielectric constants, which limit its potential for RF applications.
In this work, we show the modification of the dielectric constant of an ABS-based composite, which is the commonest thermoplastic for FDM, by the use of additives. Small amounts of TiO2 (anatase phase) have been introduced in the polymeric host, increasing its dielectric constant. Small T-shaped figures have been printed with a resolution of 0.1 mm (Fig.a). Moreover, FDM provides the ability to infill with air (Fig.b), which can decrease the dielectric constant. The T-shaped solid samples have been mounted in a resonant filter (Fig.c) and the transmission has been measured in the 26-40 GHz range. The dielectric constant has been retrieved by fitting the measured response of the perturbed filter to full-wave simulations (Fig.d). The obtained dielectric constant has been found to be 2.46 – 2.61 with a filling factor as small as 16% (Fig.e).
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE CONSIDERATION
3D printing is delivering step changes in fields such as rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, and it has plenty of potential for a continuous growth in different applications. Fused deposition modelling (FDM), or fused filament fabrication, has recently become readily available. High frequency and microwave technologies could benefit from it. However, the plastic materials available for FDM offer a limited palette of low dielectric constants, which limit its potential for RF applications.
In this work, we show the modification of the dielectric constant of an ABS-based composite, which is the commonest thermoplastic for FDM, by the use of additives. Small amounts of TiO2 (anatase phase) have been introduced in the polymeric host, increasing its dielectric constant.
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