3D printed pressure sensor with screen-printed resistive read-out

By combining different additive manufacturing techniques, we can merge various functionalities in single, custom designed printed components. In this work we coupled a 3D printed pressure chamber with a screen-printed resistive strain gauge to form a robust, fully printed pressure sensor. This demonstrator illustrates the suitability of using printed, polymer-based materials not only for rapid prototyping but also for rapid manufacturing of application specific sensor devices. Evaluating the change in resistance of a half-bridge layout, we characterized the circular cylindrical measurement chamber with integrated fluidic connectors for different membrane thicknesses in a pressure range of 0 to 1000 mbar.