3D printing technology is becoming more popular and is being more widely used for creating a wide range of things, the latest is 3D printed batteries, which have been created by Jennifer Lewis, a Harvard materials scientist.
The technology at the moment is still in the early stages, so far they have managed to print batteries and other electronics, the technology could be used in the future to create new types of electronic devices.
Lewis has also created a range of what she calls functional inks, these inks can be used to print a wide range of components, which include batteries, electrodes, wires and antennas.
When normal electronics are made using traditional methods, they are created at high temperatures, this is not needed for 3D printed electronics, which can be created at room temperature.
What this means is that 3D printed electronics can be printed directly onto plastics without causing any damage, the materials that are used are similar to the ones used at the moment, it is they way they are manufactured which is completely different.
The group of scientists headed by Jennifer Lewis currently hold 8 patents relating to the technology, their plan is to license and commercialize the technology over the next couple of years, they are also considering producing a low end printer for consumers.
Source MIT Technology Review, TechMeme