This work presents a novel lathe-based aerosol jet (LAJ) printing method for fabricating conformal electronics on flexible and 3D curvilinear substrates. The LAJ system uses a custom-designed lathe mechanism to achieve cylindrical-coordinate motion, enabling conformal printing around the circumference of rotational bodies. The method's capabilities are demonstrated through the fabrication of various flexible conformal electronics, including multilayer carbon nanotube transistors and a graphene sensor on an inflated catheter balloon for temperature and inflation monitoring. This approach offers advantages in cost-effectiveness and adaptability over conventional methods.

Hansel Alex Hobbie, James L. Doherty, Brittany N. Smith, Paolo Maccarini, Aaron D. Franklin