Evaluation of Relative Permittivity and Loss Factor of 3D Printing Materials for Use in RF Electronic Applications

Abstract

3D printing is more and more often used for the development and manufacturing of electronic devices and components. These applications require knowledge about the dielectric properties of the used materials—in particular minimal and stable values of relative permittivity and dielectric losses. The paper deals with the testing of the relative permittivity and loss factor of materials as follows: PLA (in three dye modifications), PET-G, and ABS and ASA in the frequency range 1–100 MHz. It was found that relative permittivity varied between 2.88–3.48 and the loss factor was in the range 0.03–4.31%. In terms of relative permittivity, all tested materials manifested a slight decline with increasing frequency. Concerning loss factor PLA (colorless) and ABS were proven to be more suitable for electrotechnical application due to the lower values and frequency dependences of the loss factor. Different results were observed in PLA-Silver and PLA-Metallic green. These materials showed a higher frequency dependency of loss factor with increasing frequency. The reasonable influence of added dyes was found. A study of the internal structure of the tested materials has not proven any significant defects (air gaps) that could affect the material’s dielectric properties.