Technology


Micro-AM fi rm opens doors to electrode makers


Horizon Microtechnologies has developed a coating material that can be layered over micro-AM-produced parts for added conductivity and environmental resistance. Micro additive manufacturing


(micro-AM) is a next-generation 3D microfabrication technology that off ers many benefi ts, but in some applications has restricted functionality due to the limited range of materials it can process. “Additive manufacturing aff ords


manufacturers access to an agile, cost- eff ective and versatile technology and our technology largely enhances the functionality of AM, specifi cally micro-AM, which has evolved into a repeatable and reliable area of AM for industrial applications,” said Andreas Frölich, CEO of Horizon Microtechnologies. To introduce conductivity, Horizon coats


the part produced on a polymer-AM platform with a conductive layer. In addition, micro- fabricated 3D templates can also be coated with metal oxides to make parts resistant to chemicals, high temperatures and mechanical stresses – which has attracted the attention of the electronics industry. “T e ability to add conductivity to all


or selected parts of a 3D microfabricated template has gained enormous interest from manufacturers of electrodes, electrical sensor heads and ESD-safe components. When focused specifi cally on electrodes, we can design an electrode geometry almost arbitrarily whilst maintaining manufacturability through micro-AM 3D templates. Using micro-AM as opposed to traditional manufacturing processes allows for more fl exibility when it comes to three-


A 3D microfabricated sensor with special coating


dimensional placement of active electrode areas, degrees of electrode fl exibility and electrical properties due to enhanced control over the inductance and capacitance. We can also make electrodes from diff erent conductive materials to cater for bio-compatibility / bio- inertness,” said Frölich.


McLaren Applied technology now to connect moving cars


McLaren Applied, a division which until 2021 was part of the F1 racing company McLaren, has re-designed its intelligent edge antenna technology for racing and rail applications to be used in everyday vehicles, too. Existing connectivity solutions require


complex installation, cumbersome hardware and a steady signal to function seamlessly. McLaren Applied’s Halo 300 antenna is simpler, lighter and cheaper, yet off ers better performance. It has built-in dual modems, so there’s no need for a separate router or access point. It also has an integrated eSIM, built-in power and a CANBUS interface. “T e availability of our 5G intelligent


edge antenna technology, Halo 300, and our proprietary Fleet Connect soſt ware in such a compact and convenient package is truly exciting. It’s already proven in applications from racing to rail, and its potential benefi ts in other moving vehicle applications are almost limitless,” said Mark Halliday, Head of Product and Programmes at McLaren Applied. “As we move into an era of autonomy, connected vehicles and AI, an intelligent real- time and reliable data connection will enable transformative advances in the use of vehicles of all kinds.”


McLaren Applied’s Halo 300 intelligent edge antenna Originally developed for Formula 1


racing, McLaren Applied’s patented Fleet Connect soſt ware is already used in many applications worldwide, providing seamless high-speed passenger Wi-Fi connections and uplinks for operational, infrastructure and safety purposes. Splitting data across networks in real time and reassembling it in the cloud, Fleet Connect increases bandwidth and data throughput and reduces blackspots whilst providing a consistent connectivity stream.


Moving vehicle applications, from mass


transit to mining, will benefi t tremendously from reliable real-time uplinks, which will aid remote monitoring, vehicle diagnostics, fl eet optimisation, tracking and freight management, and more. For passengers – whether on the bus, light rail, tram or boat – the Halo 300 will provide a dependable high-bandwidth Wi-Fi connection. McLaren Group sold McLaren Applied


to investment company Greybull Capital in 2021.


www.electronicsworld.co.uk April 2023 05


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