Fully 3D-printed UHF RFID Antennas: Technological Comparison to Realize Conductive Elements

Abstract

In this work, two promising Additive Manufacturing (AM)/3D-printing technologies, enable to realize conductive elements, are analysed, and compared with respect to the realisation of RFID applications. The selected techniques are the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Aerosol Jet® Printing (AJ® P), which have been compared, for the first time, by measuring the performance of an UHF RFID tag, specifically designed and realized for the scope. Results have also been analysed against to data obtained by a reference sample realized using the well-known technique of shaping an aluminium adhesive foil with a cutting plotter. While the resulting FFF-made tag can be read up to maximum 3 meters, the AJ® P one can be read up to 7 meters. Despite having major differences in terms of performance, this work demonstrates that both the technologies are capable to realize functional RFID prototypes.