Overview of Commercial and Military Application Areas in Passive and Active Electronic Devices

The goal of direct-write manufacturing is to find a way to fabricate an electronic device with optimal functioning in a short period of time at negligible cost. This is important, as real-world technologies suffer because of the cost of evolutionary and costly prototyping. It is noted that the direct-write manufacturing of electronic components offer development of a robust technology field rather than a discrete series of specific product embodiments in any market or industry. The opportunities within the military and commercial markets are alike and include: interconnects, rugged electronic components, distributed power, embedded ruggedized sensors, and living machines. The direct-write electronics approach reduces design iteration times, earmarking the tool as an invention machine with rapid prototyping. However, the direct-write processes can find a home in the larger market segment if the tools are amenable to direct-write manufacturing. Often electronic components fabricated via prototype methods are not transferable to a manufacturing environment.