Electronic Applications

In the last years, additive manufacturing technologies have been widely implemented in the production of electronic components. The possibility of incorporating electronic functionalities in complex-shaped devices together with the multimaterial and multilayered fabrication capability has brought to the realization by 3D printing approaches of passive elements such as resistors, capacitors, and conductive traces, active elements like transistors and LEDs (light-emitting diodes), and also multiple examples of sensors and actuators. Compared to traditional production, 3D printing electronics resulted as one of the most promising technologies for producing parts in a more effective and efficient manner. Here, we review the state of the art related to the research activity in fabricating electronic passive elements and active elements. We also focus on 3D printed sensors and actuators, discussing both the physical working principles and the application fields of the different components.