GRAPHENE is now available as a 3D printable material, allowing 3D printing of an object along with its circuits.
Graphene is the thinnest and strongest material known to man, and is now available infused into a PLA filament from blackmagic3d.com.
The rolls of conductive graphene filament can be used with almost any desktop FFF/FDM 3D printer.
Graphene filament availability marks the beginning of a new chapter in 3D printing electronic devices on the desktop. It can be used to 3D print an object complete with conductive traces that make up its circuits.
Of course, due to the mixing of graphene with PLA, any circuits printed in this way are restricted to voltages of less than 12V, currents less than 100mA, and less than 50 degree Celsius temperatures.
However, these restrictions still allow the technology to be used in designs for LEDs, wearable electronics, and custom electronic interfaces. This technology could result in the creation of a new generation of Internet-of-Things.
Consumers may be able to use this technology to quickly print out custom electronic devices and interfaces for their personal needs. Makers and tinkerers can also use this printable graphene to create custom wearable devices, EMI and RF shields, etc.
The physical strength of graphene also comes into play, allowing 3D printers to create exceptionally strong parts like attachments, connections and tooling parts.