NanoJet Gen2 Free Standing (FS)
From Prototyping to Production
The NanoJet Free Standing system is a stand-alone aerosol printer that provides a complete printing solution. The Free-standing System accepts g-code files and enables a user to perform various tasks ranging from circuit prototyping to production manufacturing.
COMPONENTS
- Gen2 Print Module
- 3-Axis Motion Control Module
- Process Control Module
- Part Alignment Camera
- Process Vision Camera
- Windows 10 Computer
- Water cooling system
- 300 x 300 mm heated vacuum platen
- Modular options
- IDS Focus Software
The Print Module consists of an ultrasonic aerosolization source, a removable and interchangeable ink cartridge, and a flow cell. The aerosolization source (atomizer) produces a polydisperse distribution of aerosol droplets that are transported from the ink cartridge to the flowcell, where the aerosol stream is combined with an annular sheath gas and propagated through a series of aerodynamic lenses. Line widths as small as 15 microns can be printed on substrates such as polyimide, FR4, glass, and silicon.
The Motion Control and Process Control Modules allow a user to execute motion and shuttering commands and to set and monitor process parameters such as gas flow rates, print speeds, and aerosol deposition rate.
The Part Alignment and Process Vision Cameras enable mapping of a toolpath onto a 2D or 3D part and real-time viewing of the printing process respectively.
Manufacturing-Ready Consistency
15 Hour Print Demonstration
Line Width Demonstration over 5 days
13 day Resistor Printing Demonstration
- Demonstrated production stability of 30+ hours using reliable ultrasonic atomization.
- Manufacturing QC performs 4-hour print tests to ensure each system and cartridge is capable of printing with exceptional stability over time.
- The Gen2’s digitized controls allow for fully-remote process monitoring and tuning.
Inks and Materials
Example Substrates
- Silicon
- Polycarbonate
- Acrylic
- Kapton (polyimide)
- Alumina and other ceramics
- PET
- FR4
- Liquid-crystal polymer (LCP)
- Aluminum
- Many others
Example Materials
- Nanoparticle and particle-free silver, gold, platinum, …
- Biomedical sensor materials
- Refractive index changing polymers
- Resistors
- Insulators & Dielectrics
- Adhesives
Gen2 Hardware Improvements
- Integrated TEC control at the print head for thermal stability
- Larger aerosol chamber for higher output and improved aerosol stability
- Improved XY symmetry for uniform line quality in all directions
- Quick-disconnect fittings for faster setup and maintenance
- Cartridge contains all wetted components (minimal cleaning between materials)
- Integrated aerosol line filters for improved reliability
- Fully digitized shutter control (eliminates manual needle valve)
- Optional laser sintering and UV curing modules (FS configurations)
High-Resolution Printing
Exceptional Line Width Capability
From millimeters to microns
IDS’s patented multi-lens focusing technology enables high resolution printing across a large range of line widths.
Images taken at 400X magnification.
Non Planar Printing
Part Alignment and Inspection
The system includes onboard cameras which are used for real-time process monitoring, part inspection, substrate alignment, and visual metrology of printed features.
- 1 Megapixel, 140X precision alignment and inspection camera.
5 Megapixel, 220X optional upgrade. - 2 MP process camera focused at the point of deposition.
IDS Focus
Process Control Software
IDS Focus is the unified software which controls the Gen2 print technology. The software provides robust, manufacturing-ready digital control of the printhead.
- Digital control of
- Sheath and aerosol flow rates
- Print head temperature
- Platen temperature
- Atomizer voltage
- Shutter timing
- Real-time datalogging of system pressures, flow rates, temperatures, voltage, print time.
- Saveable “recipes” for repeatable processes
- Built-in support wizards for troubleshooting and setup
- Automated shutdown and leak testing
- Automated atomizer “health” testing
- Multi-print head control capability
- Hardware error monitoring and logging
- Modbus command set for integration into larger systems
Dual Printhead Option
The dual printhead option improves the production capabilities of the Free Standing. The second printhead allows rapidly selecting between two materials to print without requiring tooling changes or substrate re-alignment. Rapid material switching is particularly useful for printing multi-material stacks, for example conductors and dielectrics.
The second printhead is a modular option on the system and allows the Free Standing to be field upgraded to increase its capability.
Laser and UV Curing Options
The Gen2 FS can be configured with both the Laser Sintering and UV Curing options. This modules allow in-situ processing of printed inks both during deposition and while post-processing. Laser Sintering and UV Curing can be performed in tandem with thermal processing using the Free Standing’s heated platen.
FS+ Option
Precision motion capabilities and upgraded optical/computer systems
- High magnification alignment camera
- High precision motion stages
- High performance industrial embedded computer
Case Study – Dalhousie University
Dalhousie requested a Free Standing system with the laser option. The system also included a second printhead and UV curing. With the laser option, Dalhousie received the fully laser-safe enclosure including laser safe glass and interlocked access door.
Technical Specifications
Please contact us for any questions on the system specifications or options.