Printed 5G Reconfigurable Wireless Modules Using Additive Manufacturing Techniques

The overview of recent advances in additive manufacturing techniques such as different metallization methods is introduced. A fully printed 5G reconfigurable antenna is proposed. The fabrication process using 3D and inkjet printer is characterized. The flexible 3D printed material is used as the base substrate and the inkjet printed silver traces are used as the conductive traces. The operational frequency range of the proposed antenna can be changed by applying pressure on the flexible to change the shape of the structure. Thus, reconfigurability can be achieved. The center of the operational frequency can be adjusted between 26 GHz to 28.9 GHz. The adjusting rate is 11 %.