FEATURE MICOELECTRONICS
WILL FINE CIRCUIT TRACES SOON BECOME UBIQUITOUS?
Multiple Dimension reveals how mechatronic integrated devices are offering almost limitless potential I
n the manufacture of industrial applications, more and more industry sectors are turning to a new technology as an alternative to classic PCBs. The revolution is called 3-D MID (Moulded Interconnect Devices or Mechatronic Integrated Devices) – injection- moulded plastic parts with conductive traces integrated by using Laser Direct Structuring (LDS). The projects which Multiple
Dimensions has realised illustrate the diversity of possible applications for 3D-MID. They simplify the operation of household appliances, improve driver experience in power steering systems and open up new ways of saving space, for example in sensing and industrial electronics. Johannes Schmid, managing director
of Multiple Dimensions explains how these fine, golden traces on formed plastic are transforming industrial production. The basis of all 3D-MID applications is a thermoplastic material: "Using injection- moulding, we first manufacture the part to fit the customer's application. We use different types of thermoplastic, which contain an additive that can be activated by laser," says Schmid, describing the underlying principles of the technology. A laser ray then engraves the surface of the plastic and activates the additive. A copper bath then follows, which lets the conductive traces form directly on the thermoplastic. Depending on the type of application, the MID parts may have to be extremely robust or temperature- resistant. "Some even have to be acid or sweat-resistant, for example applications for hearing aids or headphones," continues the Swiss executive. In a final step, a barrier layer of nickel is applied and then conditioned with a thin layer of gold to ensure good solderability. Most suppliers are currently working
with 300 - 400µm spacing between traces. "At Multiple Dimensions however the technological limit for trace width is 80µm," states Schmid. "These fine structures are now often used in Point of Sales (POS) terminals
6 JULY/AUGUST 2018 | ELECTRONICS
as a protection from hacking attacks. The fine traces allow attacks on the data in the payment cards to be detected."
FROM WASHING MACHINES TO STEERING WHEELS It is the trace width and spacing between the traces that differentiates the top players in the new 3D-MID technology. There are already many concrete
examples of applications using the technology: "We manufacture for a range of very diverse industries. I'm sure you are familiar with the rotary switches for programme selection in washing machines. These switches are normally made of a whole kit of small mechanical parts – with our 3D-MID technology none of these are now needed.” The washing programme is selected using a capacitive switch, i.e. virtually touch- free. This has far-reaching consequences: Unlike with a mechanical solution, there is no friction to wear out the parts. "Our operator control device has a much simpler design, costs less to produce and on top of that, it has a longer service life," says Schmid. The Swiss company manufactures sensors for the automotive industry which are used to measure the torque and position of steering wheels. "Depending on the position and the measured value, the drive of the power steering is increased or decreased. The more accurate the measurement, then the more directly the vehicle response is felt.” Just like in the example of the
Figure 1:
3D-MID technology is already in everyday use, for example in the latest generation of smoke detectors. Design simplification and the integration of switches and cables save
hardware and assembly costs
washing machine, the conventional solution contains numerous mechanical parts. When all these parts work together, deviations and tolerances cumulate and impair the driving experience. "We are able to eliminate an entire chain of tolerances," explains Schmid. The technology not only saves components and costs, it also makes the application more precise and efficient. And last but not least, it improves the driving experience. In future, the new 3D-MID technology will also be used in human-like robots. In Biel currently, experts from Multiple Dimensions are equipping the fingertips of a robotic hand (in the size of a human hand) with conductive traces. The surface of the robot's tactile organ is covered with sensors, their pressure signals are routed centrally to a connector. "Thanks to our 3D technology, we can place the required electronics accurately in spite of the complexity of working with a curved surface," Schmid remarks.
SMALL SCALE, BIG TREND The trend towards miniaturisation is growing in importance in everyday life. Customers of Multiple Dimensions benefit from the potential of the new technology at many levels, including financially. "We don't just offer our state-of-the-art methodology and expertise that is unique in the world today; we also deliver it at a lower cost than many of our competitors." All production steps are fully automated and performed in-house at Multiple Dimensions. “We cover the complete process chain, from the injection- moulding process to laser processing and galvanisation, and even go as far as populating the electronic components. This saves transport costs and, most of all, time; savings that we are happy to pass on to our customers,” adds Schmid.
The development potential of 3D-MID technology has a promising road ahead.
Multiple Dimensions
www.multipledim.com T: +41 32 552 07 50
/ ELECTRONICS
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