There are plastic filaments for 3D printing that contain conductive material. They are conductive but probably not as good as aluminum and certainly not copper. There are highly conductive acrylic paints that can be applied the the exterior of printed parts.
I have read research about printing waveguide and applying silver paint. The results were good.
I have printed antenna parts and applied adhesive copper foil. This can work well. Copper foil is cheap.
73 - Paul - W2HRO
On Wed, Sep 23, 2020 at 12:40 PM Steve Kristoff via AMSAT-BB < [email protected]> wrote:
I am pretty ignorant with respect to 3D printing, but this question just popped into my head. Is there any kind of electrically conductive material that can be used for 3D printing so you could print the actual antenna?
Steve AI9IN
----- Original Message ----- From: Paul Andrews via AMSAT-BB ([email protected]) Date: 09/23/20 11:05 To: Curt Laumann ([email protected]) Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] 70 cm Lindenblad progress - notable support structure for parasitic elements
I built a patch feed for 1296 MHz and a folding fabric dish using many 3D printed parts. I have some experience testing parts under stress in hot weather.
PLA is great for prototyping but will fail quickly outdoors and then be eaten by squirels and deer. :0
Nylon is strong but softens significantly in heat.
ABS or PETG are UV stabile and relatively heat resistant. PETG is great because it prints straight and strong.
3D printing will be a game changer for ham antenna builders.
73 - Paul - W2HRO
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