Unsoldered, Dissolvable Electronic Board Circuits
In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers has created a FreeCAD plugin extension that converts KiCad circuit layouts into printable files for 3D-printed circuit boards. This tool, detailed in a Hackaday article from 2025, is capable of handling single or multi-layer KiCad circuit layouts, making it a versatile addition to the electronic design community.
The plugin supports both SMD (Surface-Mount Device) and through-hole components, offering designers greater flexibility in their projects. The larger cross-sectional area of the traces in the printed circuit boards compensates for the liquid alloy's higher resistance, ensuring efficient current flow and heat dissipation.
The researchers behind this innovation have a history of tackling electronic waste, having previously developed solderless and reusable circuit boards. This approach not only reduces waste but also makes the boards easier to disassemble and reuse, promoting a more sustainable electronic ecosystem.
As proof of concept, the researchers have created a series of ingenious devices. These include a Bluetooth speaker, an electronic fidget toy, and a flexible gripper arm. The use of PVA printing, as mentioned in the article, adds an unusual but effective twist to these creations.
To ensure the components stay in place during the printing process, special sockets have been designed. Since no solder will fasten the components, these sockets provide a secure and reliable solution.
The standard traces in the printed circuit boards are able to dissipate heat when carrying 5 amps of current, demonstrating the plugin's potential for handling high-current applications. This development is set to revolutionise the way electronic designs are realised, making 3D printing of circuit boards more accessible and sustainable than ever before.
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