Monolithic Stereolithography 3-D Printed Microwave Passive Waveguide Devices

This paper presents a systematic overview of recently reported stereolithography 3-D printed passive waveguide devices operating at microwave/millimeter-wave frequencies. Typically, these devices are prototyped monolithically, i.e., as a single part, with the use of low-density photosensitive resins, and are then surface-metallized by appropriately employing copper coating techniques such as electroplating and electroless plating. Such devices are free of either assembly or post fabrication tuning, which effectively shortens the processing cycle. The structural highlights, fabrication techniques, and RF performance of these devices will be discussed.