Repairability of SMDs on 3D Printed Circuitry for Sustainable Electronics Utilizing Direct Write Technique

Abstract Sustainable conductive ink for 3D-printed flexible electronics is needed to enable lower-impact waste print processes. The ability to undertake reparability is an additional method to achieve sustainable products through the extension of electronic components’ lifespan and reduced e-waste. However, repairability studies are scarce for sustainable, flexible electronics in the literature. This study assessed the repairability potential of Surface Mount Devices (SMD) on 3D-printed full wave rectifier circuits for sustainable flexible electronics. Full wave rectifiers are commonly used in power supplies, battery chargers, and other applications requiring a steady DC voltage. The direct-write printing technique used stretchable silver ink and interconnects composed of electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) for component attachment to create conductive traces. The circuit’s electrical characteristics are assessed using a high-frequency impedance analyzer, which analyzes the circuit’s resistance, capacitance, and inductance at various frequencies. The circuit is deliberately damaged by removing SMDs, and the research looks into the efficiency of direct write repair procedures. Direct write repair entails printing a conductive pad onto the circuit surface selectively using the same direct-write technique that was used for manufacturing the circuit. The repaired circuits are evaluated using an impedance analyzer, and the results are compared to the original circuit to determine the influence of the repair procedure on the circuit’s electrical performance.