Creating and sharing knowledge for telecommunications

Additive Manufacturing for Antenna Technologies: The Next Frontier with 4D Printed Antennas

Carvalho, S. ; Reis, J. R. ; Heleno, S. ; Duarte, L. ; Fernandes, T. ; Caldeirinha, R. F. S.

Additive Manufacturing for Antenna Technologies: The Next Frontier with 4D Printed Antennas, Proc INOV.AM International Conference, Braga, Portugal, Vol. , pp. - , November, 2024.

Digital Object Identifier:

 

Abstract
Antennas play an important role in present communication systems, where the number of applications is on the rise, creating a demand for systems that can act dynamically and adapt to their surroundings. While three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has been successfully used in the design and development of novel antenna models and other radio frequency components, the emerging concept of four-dimensional (4D) printed antennas is poised to further revolutionise the field. 4D printing involves the printing of smart materials or customised conventional 3D printing materials that exhibit time-dependent transformations by modulating one or more of their physical or dielectric properties, in response to external stimuli such as temperature, electric or magnetic fields, or gas pressure [1-4]. This article provides a comprehensive literature review of the most recent advancements in 4D printed antennas and explores potential adaptable designs. It offers a clear overview of different material categories used in 3D and 4D printing, highlighting the application of smart materials available in both printable and synthesised forms. The review includes an analysis of fabrication techniques, stimuli, and response behaviours associated with various smart materials, demonstrating their capability to produce antennas with tuneable and reconfigurable properties such as operating frequency, bandwidth, gain, and radiation pattern. Given the emerging nature of 4D printing in antenna technology, the article also considers other reconfigurable antennas with mechanically tuneable properties, including those in non-printed formats, suggesting possible adaptations for future 4D printed designs. The integration of 4D printing offers a complex but promising approach to antenna manufacturing, enabling the creation of dynamic antennas with advanced functionalities.