Revolutionizing the Electronic Industry: A Comprehensive Exploration of 3D Printing and Its Application

The market for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional (3D) printed electronics has expanded significantly in recent years, and there is a growing need for diverse printing methods in electronics for a range of applications. This review paper presents an overview of the currently available 3D printing techniques that could be employed for printing electronics, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each method. The paper goes on further to highlight a few of the significant applications of the technology in the domain of electronics, specifically related to 3D printing of wearable sensors and oximeters, strain sensors, 5G polymer antennas, and power electronic converters. For instance, 3D-printed wearable devices with integrated force and temperature sensors mimic human skin, while 3D-printed strain sensors enhance motion tracking in wearable electronics. The review also covers case studies, such as Nano Dimension's DragonFly LDM system for rapid PCB prototyping and New Balance's smart insoles with embedded electronics. Notable results include the significant volume reduction of 3D-printed inductors in power converters and the successful integration of sensors in smart insoles for real-time biomechanical monitoring. Finally, the paper ends with the technological difficulties as well as the potential applications for 3D-printed electronics in the near future. After reading this review paper, one will have a better knowledge of how the electronics industry may make use of the specialized technology of 3D printing for its applications.