Fabrication and characterization of Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printed mm-scaled metasurfaces
Abstract
We present a cost-effective, eco-friendly and accessible method for fabricating three-dimensional, ultralight and flexible millimeter-scale metasurfaces using a household 3D printer. In particular, we fabricate conductive Split Ring Resonators (SRRs) in a free-standing form, employing the so-called Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing technique. We experimentally characterize the samples through transmission measurements in standard rectangular waveguide configurations. The structures exhibit well defined resonant features dependent on the geometrical parameters and the infiltrating dielectric materials. The demonstrated 3D printed components are suitable for practical real-life applications while the method holds the additional advantage of the ecological approach, the low cost, the flexibility and the small weight of the components.
Summary
This paper demonstrates practical applications of conductive composite filaments in consumer FDM 3D printing. Key findings relevant to DIY composite work:
- Accessibility: Uses standard household FDM 3D printers - no specialized equipment needed
- Material: Conductive filament (likely carbon-filled or similar composite filament) used to create functional electromagnetic structures
- Advantages Demonstrated:
- Cost-effective fabrication
- Eco-friendly process
- Lightweight flexible structures
- Free-standing 3D printed conductive elements
- Tunability: Resonant properties can be adjusted by:
- Changing geometric parameters
- Using different dielectric materials as infiltrants (post-processing)
- Validation: Electromagnetic performance characterized and validated experimentally
This research shows that particle-filled conductive filaments (carbon black, graphene, or metal particles in polymer matrix) can produce functional electronic/electromagnetic components with consumer hardware - opening possibilities for DIY RF shielding, antennas, or electromagnetic devices.