Maria KARANI
Position
Scientific Personnel | Centre for Research & Technology HellasEntity:
Centre for Research & Technology HellasCountry:
GreeceSession:
Speech by Maria Karani
Theme: Aerosol Jet Printing: Technique Overview and Proof-of-Concept Demonstrations for Additive Manufacturing
| Maria Karani is currently scientific personnel at Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), focusing on thin film deposition methods using the Aerosol Jet Printing technology. My journey began with a Bachelor in Physics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), then acquired a MSc in Nanotechnology from Chalmers Technical University in Gothenburg, Sweden. My diverse career path includes consulting for Volvo Trucks AB as a Simulation Engineer for Hybrid/Full Electric Heavy Duty vehicles and serving as a Research Engineer at SiTEk Electro Optics AB, focusing on semiconductor-related optoelectronic devices. My enthusiasm for applied research in energy-related projects with significant societal impact brought her to CERTH in Thessaloniki. |
Abstract
| Aerosol Jet printing (AJP) is an advanced additive manufacturing technique that enables the high-resolution deposition of functional inks [i]—such as conductive nanoparticles, polymers, and biological materials—onto diverse substrates including rigid, flexible, and few-mm-rough surfaces. The process operates by atomising the ink into a fine aerosol mist, typically via ultrasonic or pneumatic methods, which is then carried by a gas stream through a virtual impactor to remove oversised droplets, ensuring a narrow particle size distribution. The focused aerosol stream is subsequently directed through a converging nozzle and collimated by a sheath gas, enabling precise deposition with feature sizes as small as 20 μm. This maskless, non-contact, open-air deposition method allows for the creation of complex geometries with high aspect ratios and minimal overspray, making it particularly suitable for applications in microelectronics, biosensors, and conformal printed devices. Additionally, the low processing temperatures involved in AJP render it compatible with temperature-sensitive materials, positioning the technology at the forefront of flexible and wearable electronics manufacturing.
In this study, a comprehensive examination of the capabilities of the AJP technique is conducted through the presentation of representative proof-of-concept demonstrations and active research initiatives. These illustrative cases serve as a foundation for an in-depth discussion on the technique’s potential for advancing applications across diverse technological domains. |