National Research Council Canada - 3D electronics with Freeform Lithography

Freeform Lithography (FFL) is a newly developed additive manufacturing (AM) technique that uses photolithographic projections to pattern surfaces. The technique enables the patterning of non-planar surfaces with functional polymers, which are subsequently used as templates for the electroless plating of metals. This light-based AM approach offers advantages in producing metal features at high speed and with high print resolution on complex 3D geometries. This presentation will cover the methods and materials used to pattern conductive copper features and provide an example of how this technology is being adopted to manufacture RF antennas on hemispherical surfaces.