Investigation of Key Parameters for Syringe-printing of Nano-silver Paste

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, also known as 3D printing, have been embedded into electronic components used for power modules as they can meet complex design requirements with less material waste and shorter lead-time. However, the corresponding manufactural considerations need to be investigated to ensure good printing quality. This paper is a parametric study of previous research [1], specifically focusing on the key parameters for the syringe-printing method that has been used to print a single-layer planar transformer winding implemented on a 10kW DC-DC power converter. A series of key parameters such as kick, trim length, feed rate, and pass spacing are defined, followed by inquiring into the printable regarding the width of a single trace and the gap/printing spacing between two traces. The results indicate that the targeted trace width and gap are subjected to certain errors, resulting in an imprecise actual print, that cannot be employed when designing a CAD model. Instead, a set of recommended values corresponding to the targeted values are acquired. Linear relations between the actual values and targeted values are obtained, which provides convenience for further design when considering using syringe-printing as an AM technique to print nano-silver traces.