Imagine printing a complex 3D shape out of plastic and then coating it in a thin layer of metal to make it conduct electricity. This allows for the creation of antennas that are shaped like tunnels rather than flat boards, which helps signals travel much better. It's like moving from a flat piece of paper to a custom-fit pipe for radio waves, making car sensors far more accurate.
Current radar antennas rely on 2D PCBs or complex multi-part assemblies that limit performance and increase production costs. There is a gap between the market demand for high-performance autonomous driving sensors and the ability to mass-produce 3D waveguide antennas.
An automated production line for 3D-printed and metallized waveguide antennas. This system produces one-piece antennas that outperform traditional split-block designs.
If you are a car manufacturer dealing with limited sensor range and bulky antenna assemblies — this project developed a 3D-printed and metallized antenna process that reduces transmission losses and increases bandwidth. This allows for a 360-degree perception system that is weather-independent and invisible.
If you are a drone developer dealing with the weight and size constraints of traditional radar hardware — this project developed a one-piece waveguide antenna that reduces product development times and costs. This enables faster time-to-market for high-tech sensing equipment.
If you are a network provider dealing with the signal loss of 2D printed circuit board antennas in mmWave frequencies — this project developed a 3D-printed metallization process that creates high-performance waveguides. This improves the efficiency of high-frequency signal transmission.
Based on available project data, the process significantly reduces product development times and costs compared to traditional split-block assembly and injection moulding.
Yes, the primary goal of the project is to develop a production line capable of manufacturing these antennas for mass-market applications, moving beyond prototypes and small series.
The project utilizes a proprietary metallization concept developed by Golden Devices GmbH, and the work package includes protection and competitor monitoring.
The antennas serve as the connecting element between chips, software, and the external environment, replacing traditional 2D PCB antennas with 3D waveguides.
The project runs from 2024-07-01 to 2026-06-30, aiming to reach TRL 8 by the end of the period.
The project is led by a single SME, Golden Devices GmbH from Germany, which holds 100% of the industry ratio. This lean structure suggests a highly focused commercialization effort centered on the company's proprietary 3D printing and metallization technology, backed by a significant EU contribution of over 1.7 million EUR.
Contact Golden Devices GmbH in Germany for industrialization partnerships.
Contact us to explore licensing or partnership opportunities for 3D-printed RF components.
