Nowadays, Additive Manufacturing for Electronics (AME) is gaining ground in device fabrication for the numerous advantages of these types of manufacturing technologies, such as fast production processes, freeform design, and low-cost prototyping. In this scenario, the proposed research work is focused on evaluating an innovative strategy for a common issue in power electronics, which is related to the generation of hotspots. To face this problem, the 3D printing of ceramic substrates with different high surface areas was studied to improve thermal dissipation. Together with improved thermal management, the upper surface of the devices enabled the deposition of a desired conductive pattern and the bonding of bare die components for device fabrication. Finally, thermal exchange was monitored to verify the efficacy and efficiency of the devices’ dissipation capabilities. The proposed models exhibited a 70% temperature reduction upon transitioning from air to water. Furthermore, the operating temperature remained stable for 10 min, meeting the specific requirements of the intended application.

An advanced anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV)-based Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor for cadmium (Cd) detection is presented in this study, which is cost-effective and efficient for in situ water monitoring, providing a crucial early warning mechanism, streamlining environmental monitoring, and facilitating timely intervention to safeguard public health and environmental safety. The rationale behind this work is to address the critical need for an in situ monitoring system for cadmium (Cd) in freshwater sources, particularly those adjacent to agricultural fields. Cd(II) is a highly toxic heavy metal that poses a significant threat to agricultural ecosystems and human health due to its rapid bioaccumulation in plants and subsequent entry into the food chain. The developed analytic device is composed of a commercial mercury salt-modified graphite screen-printed electrode (SPE) with a custom-designed innovative polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) flow detection cell. The flow cell was prototyped using 3D printing and replica moulding, with its design and performance validated through COMSOL Multiphysics simulations to optimize inflow conditions and ensure maximum analyte dispersion on the working electrode surface. Chemical detection was performed using square wave voltammetry, demonstrating a linear response for Cd(II) concentrations of 0 to 20 µg/L. The system exhibited robust analytical performance, enabling 25–30 daily analyses with consistent sensitivity within the Limit of Detection (LoD) set by the law of 3 µg/L.

Additive Manufacturing for Electronics (AME) techniques are currently becoming more widespread as they allow for the rapid production of electronic devices with confined costs. In this context, AME represents a relatively novel fabrication technique when used for power electronics applications. The research presented in this paper is focused on the investigation of the feasibility of inkjet-based AME for the fabrication of structures and components for power electronics applications. Seven circuit models for a power module were developed and printed with a multimaterial 3D printer. The models were then analyzed to optimize their design in terms of dimensional accuracy. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity and the magnetic field of one of the devices were examined with numerical simulation tools to verify its effectiveness and efficiency when compared to factory-built power modules. The resulting devices could be considered for coupling and improving the functionality of a module built using non-AME technology, showing that custom-built electronic devices of this kind can be a valid upgrade to the current state of the art. Thus, AME-fabricated devices might be considered as potential enablers for next-generation wide-bandgap (WBG) devices.