3D printing technology for high-frequency antennas has been developed and is cost-effective

Papal scholars Catholic University of Valparaiso (PUCV) has developed a method to produce high-frequency antennas using 3D printing. This technology promises to make the production of communications components more cost-effective and more sustainable.

The FONDEF project, which involved scientists from chemical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and mechanical engineering, focused on developing polymer-based composite pellets with metal and ceramic particles.

doctor. “The pellets are much cheaper and allow the production of materials with improved properties,” explains Dridi Vasquez, project leader and lecturer at the School of Chemical Engineering. “The smaller structure allows us to add larger amounts of ceramic and metal particles.

Although the project primarily targets communications applications, Dr. Vasquez has potential for other areas of application. The developed metal-ceramic composites have undergone extensive physical, chemical and electrical testing.

The main goal of the project is to improve the 3D printing process for communications antennas. The goal is to reduce material losses, shorten production times and improve printing standards through the use of artificial intelligence.

The project's antenna laboratory is dedicated to the electromagnetic characterization of materials to test their suitability for millimeter wave applications and to develop final antenna designs.