Short answer

Designers can leverage multi-jet modeling 3D printing to create integrated, deformable electronic components, moving beyond rigid circuit board limitations.

Field: Final Production
Source: Advanced Materials Technologies (2025)
Method: Experimental fabrication and testing
Evidence: Strong effect

Additive manufacturing, specifically multi-jet modeling, can create integrated 3D stretchable inductors with stable electrical performance even when bent or stretched. This final production research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in Advanced Materials Technologies. Using Experimental fabrication and testing, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers can leverage multi-jet modeling 3D printing to create integrated, deformable electronic components, moving beyond rigid circuit board limitations.

Study

Final ProductionNew This WeekStrong effect

3D Printed Stretchable Inductors Maintain Performance Under Deformation

Additive manufacturing, specifically multi-jet modeling, can create integrated 3D stretchable inductors with stable electrical performance even when bent or stretched.

Advanced Materials Technologies · 2025

Key Findings

01Multi-jet modeling 3D printing successfully created a stretchable and rigid hybrid matrix for 3D inductors in a single step.
02Encapsulated liquid metal inductors maintained stable electrical performance under bending and stretching deformations.
03A fabricated helical inductor demonstrated sufficient output voltage to power an LED.

Application

Design takeaway

Designers can leverage multi-jet modeling 3D printing to create integrated, deformable electronic components, moving beyond rigid circuit board limitations.

How to apply

Consider using multi-jet modeling or similar additive manufacturing techniques for projects requiring integrated, stretchable electronic elements, especially where form factor and mechanical resilience are critical.

Project actions

01Explore how different 3D printing materials can be combined to create functional electronic components.
02Investigate the impact of geometric design on the performance of printed electronic circuits under stress.

Method & Evidence

AimCan multi-jet modeling 3D printing be used to fabricate 3D stretchable inductors with stable electrical performance under mechanical deformation?

MethodExperimental fabrication and testing

ProcedureA hybrid stretchable and rigid matrix for 3D inductors was printed using a multi-jet modeling 3D printer. This matrix featured designed access channels. A liquid metal alloy (eutectic gallium indium) was then encapsulated within these channels. The electrical performance of the printed solenoid and toroid inductors was tested under various bending and stretching conditions. A flexible helical structured inductor was also fabricated and tested as a wireless power receiver.

ContextAdditive manufacturing for flexible electronics

Variables

IV["3D printing process (MJM)","Mechanical deformation (bending, stretching)"]

DV["Inductor electrical performance (stability, output voltage)","Mechanical integrity of the printed structure"]

CV["Material composition of the printed matrix","Type of liquid metal used","Environmental conditions during testing"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Demonstrates a novel, single-step fabrication method.
+Provides empirical evidence of performance under deformation.

Limitations

The specific liquid metal used might have safety or handling considerations. The resolution and material properties of the 3D printer will affect the final component's performance.

Reliability & validity

The study's reliability is supported by testing under controlled deformation conditions. Validity is enhanced by demonstrating functional application (powering an LED).

Think critically

How might the choice of liquid metal or the design of the internal channels influence the overall performance and reliability of these 3D printed stretchable inductors?

Design Principles

"Integrate functional components directly into deformable structures using additive manufacturing for enhanced flexibility and performance."

This research demonstrates a novel fabrication method for electronic components that are essential for the development of advanced, flexible, and wearable devices. The ability to produce these components in a single step with robust performance under mechanical stress opens new avenues for product design in fields like soft robotics and medical implants.

What This Means for Your Design

You can 3D print electronic parts like inductors that can stretch and bend without breaking or losing their function, using a special printer.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when exploring advanced manufacturing techniques for creating functional prototypes in your design project.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research demonstrates the viability of multi-jet modeling 3D printing for fabricating integrated, stretchable inductors. The ability to create a hybrid matrix and encapsulate conductive materials in a single step offers a streamlined approach for producing functional electronic components suitable for deformable applications, as evidenced by the stable electrical performance under mechanical stress.

Source

Advanced Materials Technologies

Single‐Step Fabrication of a 3D Stretchable Inductor with Multi‐jet Modeling Printing Technology

journal · 2025

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about 3d printed stretchable inductors maintain performance under deformation?: Designers can leverage multi-jet modeling 3D printing to create integrated, deformable electronic components, moving beyond rigid circuit board limitations. Evidence: Advanced Materials Technologies (2025).
Why does "3D Printed Stretchable Inductors Maintain Performance Under Deformation" matter for design?: This research demonstrates a novel fabrication method for electronic components that are essential for the development of advanced, flexible, and wearable devices. The ability to produce these components in a single step with robust performance under mechanical stress opens new avenues for product design in fields like soft robotics and medical implants.
How can designers apply this research?: Designers can leverage multi-jet modeling 3D printing to create integrated, deformable electronic components, moving beyond rigid circuit board limitations.
What were the main findings?: Multi-jet modeling 3D printing successfully created a stretchable and rigid hybrid matrix for 3D inductors in a single step.. Encapsulated liquid metal inductors maintained stable electrical performance under bending and stretching deformations.. A fabricated helical inductor demonstrated sufficient output voltage to power an LED.
What research method was used?: Experimental fabrication and testing.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from Advanced Materials Technologies.
What should I do differently in my next project?: Consider using multi-jet modeling or similar additive manufacturing techniques for projects requiring integrated, stretchable electronic elements, especially where form factor and mechanical resilience are critical.
What are the limitations?: The study focused on specific materials (polymeric matrix, liquid metal) and a particular 3D printing technology (MJM). Long-term durability and performance under extreme or repeated deformations were not extensively detailed.