Leveraging Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing For Integrated Antenna Applications

Kurzfassung

The advancement of extrusion-based additive manufacturing presents new opportunities for developing integrated antenna systems. Combining dielectric and conductive materials within a single process can produce antennas with complex geometries and embedded functionalities. This paper explores the state-of-the-art of extrusion based additive manufacturing approaches for antenna applications. To this end, we discuss trade-offs between conductive filaments and inks and the integration of active components without traditional soldering. Additionally, we assess the technology's applicability for space applications, including lunar and Martian bases and long-duration space missions. Challenges such as material behavior under thermal cycling, outgassing, and technical hurdles in the print process are also discussed. Furthermore, the current commercial landscape for AM machines focusing on electrical systems is presented.