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Nano Dimension Uses Multilayer 3D Printing To Add Conductive Properties To Fabric

Nano Dimension, a leader in the field of 3D printed electronics, has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Nano Dimension Technologies, has conducted a successful test for 3D printing of conductive traces onto a treated fabric in collaboration with a leading European functional textiles company.

The test was carried out using Nano Dimension's AgCite Silver Nanoparticle conductive ink and the DragonFly 2020 3D printer platform. Based on the requirements of the European company, Nano Dimension adjusted the printing process in order to print electronics and sensors as an integral part of the fabric.

Printing conductors on fabric

During the test, conductors were printed in several patterns in order to perform functionality tests, including conductivity, elasticity, rubbing, etc. The results demonstrated that the printed silver conductors had high enough elasticity to match the properties of the fabric, the company reports. The experiment aims to provide evidence that Nano Dimension's technology can successfully print conductors on a fabric, thus enabling the creation of "smart" functional fabrics without limitations resulting from motion, folding and wearing.

Functional textile industry

"Today, the functional textile industry is grappling with how to produce smart textiles that combine the production process of both the electronics and textile fields. The 3D printing production processes and nanomaterials developed by Nano Dimension have the potential to resolve this challenge and help to create an efficient production technology for smart textiles," says the company.

The smart textile market today is estimated at US$ 800 million and is expected to reach US$ 4.72 billion by 2020, with a yearly CAGR of 33.58% by 2020. Such printing is useful for military use, and industrial and medical needs. Possible uses of this technology include smart bandages, virtual reality gloves, wearables with sensor and heat properties, safety equipment for the defense industry, unique sportswear that manages body temperature, medical equipment, automotive, aviation and aerospace accessories, and more.

Nano Dimension

Nano Dimension, founded in 2012, focuses on development of advanced 3D printed electronics systems and advanced additive manufacturing. Nano Dimension's products combine three advanced technologies: 3D inkjet, 3D software and nanomaterials.

The company's primary products include the 3D printer dedicated to printing multi-layer printed circuit boards and advanced nanotechnology-based conductive and dielectric inks.