Conformal printing of sensors on 3D and flexible surfaces using aerosol jet deposition

Emerging applications for sensing and monitoring technology can no longer rely entirely on conventional sensor configurations, particularly where planar, rigid, and often fragile devices cannot meet demanding system sensing requirements. Direct-write Aerosol Jet (AJ) printing is establishing itself as an enabling technology for fabrication of sensors and circuit components on three dimensional, flexible surfaces for applications ranging from structural health monitoring to human factors and performance measurement. Examples will describe the versatility of AJ printing as a viable method for creating sensors that are conformally matched to the surface topology of a wide variety of substrates.