System to Be Used for Development of Printed Energy Devices
RIT chose the Aerosol Jet system because of its unique ability to dynamically mix materials during the deposition process to produce functionally graded structures, its ability to deposit viscous inks, and its ability to print on non-planar surfaces.
Although RIT’s main emphasis is on solid oxide fuel cells, they have a broader interest in printed electronics. Dr. Denis Cormier, professor at RIT, states, “Aerosol Jet printing allows for sensors to be embedded within energy devices to monitor temperature, strain, etc. This can provide important feedback during operation of the device.”
RIT is currently in the process of purchasing a NovaCentrix Pulseforge 3300 Photonic Curing system that will be located adjacent to the Aerosol Jet system. The combination of Aerosol Jet printing with photonic curing will allow RIT to print and then cure high-temperature materials (metals and some ceramics) on low-temperature substrates such as paper or plastic.
Cormier continued, “We are very excited about the possibilities this will open up in the area of high-performance printed electronics. We think that’s going to be a real win-win for both organizations since it will allow the Aerosol Jet process to be used for applications that previously weren’t feasible.”
Mike O’Reilly, Aerosol Jet product manager, states, “RIT is a driving influence within the emerging field of printed electronics. Through continued collaboration with Dr. Cormier and his research team we fully expect to advance printed electronics solutions to meet evolving 3D additive manufacturing requirements.”
RIT’s Aerosol Jet system was purchased in support of the Heterogeneous Functional Materials Center, an Energy Frontiers Research Center (EFRC) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.