Manufacturability Study For Flexible Printed RF Elements

Printing flexible or conformal electronics is becoming mature. What has not been well explored, and is required before this technology is ready for full adoption into the Missile Defense Agency or other DoD customers is a precise understanding of the effect of additive manufacturing on antenna, waveguide, and ground plane elements for flexible and conformable applications. Specifically, defects introduced as a result of additive manufacturing, or as a result of flexing or conforming the shape to weapons systems are unknown. We will systematically study this for systems scalable between the L and Ku bands in a variety of ink and substrate combinations. Our team’s combination of expertise, facilities & equipment, and strong relationship with prim defense contractors strongly recommends funding this proposed effort. Approved for Public Release | 20-MDA-10643 (3 Dec 20)