SMTA International 2024

Additively Manufactured Electronics: A View from The Ecosystem
Speaker: Arthur Wall, Ph.D., Director of Engineering and Fab Operations, NextFlex

Additive technology is changing our world. Simple 3D printed structures have evolved to become critical components in the manufacture of devices that we could not have imagined just a few years ago. Now comes the emergence of, the implementation of, and the continued evolution of, additive electronics. There are so many exciting examples of materials, tools, processes, and systems that are now emerging in the ecosystem indicating that this new technology cannot be ignored. More importantly, it is being adopted into manufacturing today. In this discussion, we will explore several well-known manufacturing approaches that push the boundaries of today’s capability and new entrants with innovative methods and materials. We will also describe the importance of additive electronics manufacturing for its impact ono environmental sustainability. Finally, future developments of systems and applications will be presented as part of an overall electronics national strategy.

Meet Art Wall
Art Wall is Director of Engineering and Fab Operations at NextFlex, managing the Technology Hub which houses multiple process tools for Additive and Flexible Hybrid Electronics development and prototyping. Prior to joining NextFlex, Art led many different groups and technologies associated with hard drive products for both IBM and Hitachi Global Storage Technologies. His most recent efforts prior to joining NextFlex were as a co-founder and Vice President of NuvoSun, an innovative photovoltaic company that was acquired by The Dow Chemical Company. Art has a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Minnesota. Art has co-authored more than 30 articles in refereed journals, presented at more than 30 US and International Conferences, and holds 7 US patents.