Fully 3d-Printed Solenoids for Compact Systems

This work reports the design, fabrication, and characterization of the first monolithically 3D-printed, three-dimensional inductors for use in compact systems. The novel, air-core, 3D-printed inductors are made via extrusion using PLA-based materials and can attain Gauss-level magnetic fields while drawing tens-of-mA currents. The work is of great interest for fast and inexpensive fabrication of compact electromagnetic sensors, actuators, and power conversion systems, and for integration of electronics with MEMS devices with intricate geometries.