Fabrication of electronics devices with multi-material drop-on-demand dispensing system

Abstract

One of the key engineering applications of drop-on-demand (DoD) micro-dispensing system is to fabricate functional devices. Diverse materials with wider range of properties are needed in this process. To satisfy this requirement, multiple printheads on micro level fabrication are preferred to perform multi-material dispensing task. This paper proposes a micro dispensing system with two printheads (microvalve printhead and piezoelectric printhead), since each type of print head has advantages and limitations over the others in specific fabrication. This proposed system has demonstrated its capability for printing resistor and capacitor. The functionalities of these components are tested such as IV characterization for resistor, and frequency characteristics for printed capacitor, followed by a detailed discussion and in-depth analysis. Our experimental results have approved that micro DoD dispensing is a feasible way to fabricate passive electronic devices. © 2010 IEEE.