Formation mechanism analysis and experimental investigation of single-step printing customized circuits by liquid-metal direct writing

<p>Liquid-metal direct writing is a cost-effective and green technology, which is very promising for the customized fabrication of flexible circuits and functional devices. However, owing to the high surface tension of metal ink, the printed circuits are prone to intermittent outflow, large fo...

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Main Authors: Y. P. Chao, H. Yi, H. Cen, Y. H. Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2021-02-01
Series:Mechanical Sciences
Online Access:https://ms.copernicus.org/articles/12/143/2021/ms-12-143-2021.pdf
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author Y. P. Chao
H. Yi
H. Yi
H. Cen
Y. H. Li
author_facet Y. P. Chao
H. Yi
H. Yi
H. Cen
Y. H. Li
author_sort Y. P. Chao
collection DOAJ
description <p>Liquid-metal direct writing is a cost-effective and green technology, which is very promising for the customized fabrication of flexible circuits and functional devices. However, owing to the high surface tension of metal ink, the printed circuits are prone to intermittent outflow, large forming size error, and unstable forming. The smooth flowing and conveying of liquid-metal ink are still huge challenges that need significant attention. Herein, the force mechanism of liquid-metal ink transported by ball rotation and translation of the printing head was analysed, and the wetting characteristics of liquid metal on the surface of different substrates and its influence on forming morphology were investigated. The stable output printing of gallium indium alloy (GaIn24.5) liquid metal was realized. The changing characteristics of the shape and size of the liquid-metal circuits formed under different printing speeds and writing pressures were experimentally studied. The effective process window for obtaining the best circuit quality was established. Based on this, a flexible printed circuit board and functional electronic pattern were successfully printed under the writing pressure <span class="inline-formula"><i>W</i>=1</span> N and printing speed <span class="inline-formula"><i>F</i></span>800 mm min<span class="inline-formula"><sup>−1</sup></span>. The printed lines of GaIn24.5 exhibited a smooth surface, uniform width, small size error, and ability to connect electronic components and conduct electricity. This research proposes a new technical approach for customized printing of personalized electronic circuits and has important application prospects in the future.</p>
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spelling doaj.art-66014bf501a4430eb609f04589858fc72022-12-21T19:48:11ZengCopernicus PublicationsMechanical Sciences2191-91512191-916X2021-02-011214315410.5194/ms-12-143-2021Formation mechanism analysis and experimental investigation of single-step printing customized circuits by liquid-metal direct writingY. P. Chao0H. Yi1H. Yi2H. Cen3Y. H. Li4College of Mechatronics, Xuchang University, Xuchang, 461000, P.R. ChinaCollege of Mechanical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P.R. ChinaState Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmissions, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P.R. ChinaCollege of Mechatronics, Xuchang University, Xuchang, 461000, P.R. ChinaCollege of Mechatronics, Xuchang University, Xuchang, 461000, P.R. China<p>Liquid-metal direct writing is a cost-effective and green technology, which is very promising for the customized fabrication of flexible circuits and functional devices. However, owing to the high surface tension of metal ink, the printed circuits are prone to intermittent outflow, large forming size error, and unstable forming. The smooth flowing and conveying of liquid-metal ink are still huge challenges that need significant attention. Herein, the force mechanism of liquid-metal ink transported by ball rotation and translation of the printing head was analysed, and the wetting characteristics of liquid metal on the surface of different substrates and its influence on forming morphology were investigated. The stable output printing of gallium indium alloy (GaIn24.5) liquid metal was realized. The changing characteristics of the shape and size of the liquid-metal circuits formed under different printing speeds and writing pressures were experimentally studied. The effective process window for obtaining the best circuit quality was established. Based on this, a flexible printed circuit board and functional electronic pattern were successfully printed under the writing pressure <span class="inline-formula"><i>W</i>=1</span> N and printing speed <span class="inline-formula"><i>F</i></span>800 mm min<span class="inline-formula"><sup>−1</sup></span>. The printed lines of GaIn24.5 exhibited a smooth surface, uniform width, small size error, and ability to connect electronic components and conduct electricity. This research proposes a new technical approach for customized printing of personalized electronic circuits and has important application prospects in the future.</p>https://ms.copernicus.org/articles/12/143/2021/ms-12-143-2021.pdf
spellingShingle Y. P. Chao
H. Yi
H. Yi
H. Cen
Y. H. Li
Formation mechanism analysis and experimental investigation of single-step printing customized circuits by liquid-metal direct writing
Mechanical Sciences
title Formation mechanism analysis and experimental investigation of single-step printing customized circuits by liquid-metal direct writing
title_full Formation mechanism analysis and experimental investigation of single-step printing customized circuits by liquid-metal direct writing
title_fullStr Formation mechanism analysis and experimental investigation of single-step printing customized circuits by liquid-metal direct writing
title_full_unstemmed Formation mechanism analysis and experimental investigation of single-step printing customized circuits by liquid-metal direct writing
title_short Formation mechanism analysis and experimental investigation of single-step printing customized circuits by liquid-metal direct writing
title_sort formation mechanism analysis and experimental investigation of single step printing customized circuits by liquid metal direct writing
url https://ms.copernicus.org/articles/12/143/2021/ms-12-143-2021.pdf
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