Performance Comparison of Simple and Low Cost Metallization Techniques for 3D Printed Antennas at 10 GHz and 30 GHz

We investigate the performance of several metallization techniques for 3-D printed antennas at 10 and 30 GHz. The investigated techniques reduce the complexity and the overall cost of the metallization process. The first investigated technique is called Jet Metal Process which is a direct plating of silver ions through spray coating. The second and third techniques are through spray coating of the antennas using electromagnetic interference or radio frequency interference conductive aerosol paint consists of either copper or nickel particles. The final investigated technique is by brush painting the antennas using electrolube silver conductive paint. Simulation and measurement results show that the proposed techniques have a reasonable performance in both bands which qualifies them to be simple and low cost possible alternative of the electro-less plating for some antenna applications.