microdimensions10318More and more sectors are discovering a new technology in the production of industrial applications as an alternative to the classic printed circuit board. We are talking about 3D-MID technology. Conductor tracks are applied to injection-molded plastic components using a laser direct structuring process. The process drives the miniaturization trend in the electronics industry and gives product developers new design options. One provider for this is Multiple Dimensions.

A vivid picture of the diverse 3D-MID (Molded Interconnect Devices or Mechatronic Integrated Devices) applications can be obtained from the projects of the world's leading provider in this field. They simplify the operation of household appliances, improve the driving experience in a power steering system or open up new forms of space saving, for example in sensor technology or industrial electronics. How fine, gold tracks on deformable plastics change industrial production, explains Johannes Schmid, Managing Director of Multiple Dimensions.

Technological functional principle

microdimensions20318The basis of every 3D-MID application is a thermoplastic: "First of all, we inject the component suitable for the customer's application. We use a wide variety of thermoplastics that contain a laser-activatable additive, "says Johannes Schmid, explaining the technological principle of operation. A laser beam then splits the surface of the plastic and activates the additive. The subsequent copper bath allows the conductor layer to be formed directly on the respective thermoplastic. Depending on the field of application, they must be extremely robust or temperature-resistant: "Some are even resistant to acid and sweat, for example in applications for hearing aids or headphones," continues the Swiss. Finally, the application of nickel as a barrier layer and the finishing by a thin layer of gold to ensure good soldering properties.

What distinguishes the company from the competition are the almost microscopically small dimensions of strip production: "We have globally competitive production expertise, recognizable in particular by our uniquely low strip width and the small distance between the strips." Most providers are currently still in the distance of the tracks at values ​​of 300 to 400 microns. "In the case of multiple dimensions, on the other hand, the technological limit lies in strip conductors with a width of 80 μm," says Schmid. "These fine structures are currently used very often at point-of-sale (POS) terminals to protect a hacker attack. The fine traces make it possible to detect attacks on the payment card data. "

From the washing machine to the steering wheel

It is this width of the tracks and their distance from each other that separates the wheat from the chaff in the new 3D-MID technology. It is crucial for the degree of miniaturization and decisive for the amount of functions that can be compressed in a component.

There are already many application examples for the concrete use of this technology: "We produce for a wide variety of industries. Surely you know the rotary switch of a washing machine, with which I select a program. This switch is usually made up of a whole series of small mechanical parts - with our 3D-MID technology they are all saved ". The choice of wash cycle via a capacitive switch, virtually contactless. This has far-reaching consequences: unlike mechanical solutions, there is no abrasion that wears the parts. "Our operating element is much simpler in design, more cost-effective in production, and has a longer service life," says Schmid.

For the automotive sector, the Swiss produce sensors that measure the torque and the position of the steering wheel. "Depending on position and measured value, the power steering is more or less strongly supported. The more precise the measurement, the more immediately the driving experience is transmitted ". Similar to the example of the washing machine, conventional solutions use numerous mechanical parts. In the interaction of these, however, add up deviations and tolerances, which affect the result in the result driving experience. "We can eliminate this complete tolerance chain with 3D-MID," explains Schmid. The technology not only saves components and costs, but also makes the application more precise and effective. Last but not least, it increases the driving pleasure of the user.

Highest variety of functions in the smallest space

The provider is currently proving the high degree of functional integration in the smallest space for a toy manufacturer. For a better gaming experience, an electronic circuit was integrated into a plastic component in the smallest of spaces - including battery, capacitive switch and LED light. "There would not have been enough room for a printed circuit board. Again, the control element, so the capacitive switch, absolutely wear-free, since there is no mechanical contact.


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In the future, the new 3D-MID technology will also be used on humanoid robots. The Biel experts are currently fitting the finger tips of a robot hand - their size corresponds to that of a human - with tracks. The sensing element of the robot is equipped with sensors covering the entire area, the pressure signals of which are fed centrally to a connector. "Thanks to our 3D process, we can precisely attach the required electronics - despite the complex curve to be machined," says Schmid, explaining the advantages of three-dimensional machining.

3D-MID using the example of a smoke detector

Today's smoke detectors are ideal for a technological upgrade using 3D-MID. The housing is made of plastic - the tracks can be applied directly and replaced PCB with cable and connector. Even the battery storage is integrated in the molding. The production eliminates complex soldering processes and the small number of components simplifies assembly. Another plus point is the simple integration of additional functionalities: For example, a capacitive switch is now being used that replaces the previous mechanical one.

Miniaturization increasingly relevant in everyday life

Users would benefit at many levels from the potential of the new technology - including financially. "We not only offer our state-of-the-art methodology with unique expertise worldwide, but also deliver it more cost-effectively than many on the market." All production steps take place completely automated in-house. We cover the complete process chain - from the injection molding process to the laser process and the electroplating to the assembly of the electronic components. This saves transport costs and especially time; Savings that we gladly pass on to our customers ", explains Johannes Schmid.


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The CEO is confident that the development potential of 3D-MID technology is far from over the horizon: "The advancement of miniaturization in all areas of our industrial society along with the trend towards intelligent connectors for the industry 4.0 ensures that the 3D-MID technology will find even more widespread use ".