Introducing Additively Manufactured Electronic Design, Manufacturing, and Assembly at the University of Nevada, Reno
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Authors
Arvisu, Lorenzo
Issue Date
2025
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
additively manufactured electronics , curriculum development , nanofabrication , PCB , SMT
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis details the establishment and integration of additively manufactured electronics (AME) capabilities at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) with the Nano Dimension DragonFly IV and Essemtec Fox systems. Traditional printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication and surface mount technology (SMT) assembly processes are introduced and contrasted with the capabilities enabled by the Nano Dimension tools, including rapid in-house prototyping and 3D design freedom, which facilitate research and education at UNR. Prior to purchase, the DragonFly IV was evaluated through a 24 GHz antenna design and cost analysis. Operational and applications engineering experience was accumulated through a co-op with Nano Dimension, which included the development of AME fabrication and SMT assembly workflows. The installation and management of the tools in the Davidson Foundation Cleanroom is detailed, including the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs). Furthermore, the integration of AME into curriculum and research is explored by introducing the DragonFly IV into an undergraduate antennas course and by providing applications engineering and training to graduate researchers using the tools. Future work is discussed, which includes continued research in antennas, rectennas, and packaging applications, further curriculum integration, the development of a community userbase, and securing funding for the future maintenance and operation of the tools.