BotFactory

08/26/2025

At NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the SV2 desktop PCB printer was used to 3D‑print a magneto‑electric dipole antenna—a clear demonstration that desktop additive electronics can be mission‑ready.

This means faster iterations, lower costs, and tailor‑made solutions for mission specs—all without needing a megafab. It’s proof that space engineering doesn’t need a cleanroom—just agile tools.

Link to the post: https://ow.ly/FS8V50WL9Iz

08/22/2025

Back in the early days, lighting design firm Bartenbach came to us with a bold idea: could Squink (our first-generation PCB printer) help prototype a metal‑core PCB for an LED strip right on the desk? No labs, no factories—just curiosity and a PCB printing machine.

We layered aluminium substrates, attached Kapton, and printed conductive traces, crafting functional 3D printed circuits that handled heat—using a PCB maker suitable for a studio rather than a production line. It became rapid prototyping with real thermal performance. That moment showed us Squink wasn’t a novelty—it was real innovation. Suddenly, you could build thermally smart boards with a PCB 3D printer in your own space. That spirit still drives our technology today—enabling serious 3D printed electronic circuits with the same brave energy. Because breakthroughs don’t wait for permission—they happen when someone’s bold enough to press “print.”

Link to the blog: https://ow.ly/iPOZ50WJVYc

08/18/2025

Launching our new monthly roundup with two standouts: Reusable steel PCBs from the University of Glasgow’s School of Engineering—showing how sol-gel-coated steel and printed copper can push circular IoT hardware forward—and 3D stretchable thermoelectrics from UESTC that actively regulate skin temperature in wearables. We wrote up the trends, why they matter, and where they might go next—have a read, and if you’ve got work the community should see, send it our way: https://www.botfactory.co/promo/411_this_month_in_innovation


(Glasgow study: Kettle et al., Adv. Electronic Materials; UESTC study: Huang et al., ACS AMI).

Steel-based reusable PCBs and skin-cooling microfluidic wearables from Glasgow and UESTC signal a sustainable leap in how we build/wear electronics.

08/12/2025

We’ve grown a tight-knit newsletter audience over the years—engineers, researchers, and tinkerers who track every twist in printed electronics—and we’re now launching “Last Month in Printed Electronics,” a quick two-minute rundown of the most intriguing papers, prototypes, and sensor breakthroughs we spot each month; if you’re pushing the limits of additive circuits, novel inks, flexible substrates, or anything adjacent, share your work with us and we’ll try to feature it for the wider community.

&D

08/05/2025

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has successfully demonstrated the potential of desktop additive manufacturing by 3D-printing a magneto-electric dipole antenna using the BotFactory SV2. This achievement underscores the transformative capabilities of desktop additive electronics in space technology. The rapid prototyping enabled by the SV2 allowed for accelerated development timelines, cost reductions, and the flexibility to tailor designs to specific mission requirements. This initiative sets a precedent for future space missions, highlighting the importance of innovation and efficiency in advancing space exploration.

https://www.botfactory.co/promo/411_nasa_rapid_antennas

06/17/2025

Tariffs aren’t disappearing—but the pain can. From duty-drawback refunds that put paid duties back in your pocket, to clever tariff-engineering of sub-assemblies, to “China + N” sourcing pivots and even printing the first prototype on an SV2 instead of rushing an import, there are levers you can pull right now. We’ve gathered the playbook in our follow-up post on mitigating tariff headaches. Take a look, swap ideas in the comments, and let’s keep building. 👉 https://www.botfactory.co/promo/409_mitigating_tariff_challenges

06/12/2025

dizzying
Tariffs got your BOM spreadsheet sighing audibly? 😅 We feel it too. But behind every dizzying import fee, there’s a chance to rethink where—and how—we build. We’ve gathered the real shop-floor chatter and fresh policy shifts into one plain-spoken read. Join the conversation and see what the future might look like for U.S. PCB makers. 👉 https://www.botfactory.co/promo/409_the_tariff_crucible

03/03/2025

The CHIPS and Science Act, a landmark piece of legislation, has ignited hope for a resurgence in American electronics manufacturing. For decades, this critical industry has largely migrated overseas, leaving the US vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and ceding technological leadership. The CHIPS Act aims to reverse this trend, injecting billions of dollars into domestic semiconductor production and research. But will it truly achieve its goals, and what does it mean for smaller players in the manufacturing ecosystem?

https://ow.ly/IGHI50V4zvG

02/25/2025

The U.S. semiconductor manufacturing industry is experiencing a significant resurgence, driven by substantial investments and strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering domestic production. This renewed focus addresses supply chain vulnerabilities and aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical components.
Learn more here: https://ow.ly/OEnK50V4xW1

09/25/2024

At BotFactory, we’ve been exploring the ins and outs of thermal inkjet and piezoelectric inkjet technologies in PCB and sensor printing. 🖨️🔍

Our latest blog post looks at how these two technologies work, their advantages and drawbacks, and aims to clear up some common misconceptions. If you’re interested in the details of printed electronics or deciding which inkjet technology suits your needs, we’d love for you to check it out. Here is the link:

https://ow.ly/wVbx50TuNfY

Let us know your thoughts and experiences!

07/29/2024

Our team was super stoked at being present at SEMICON West 2024 in Moscone Centre this month. Here are some highlights from the event.

07/05/2024

Last week, we had an incredible time at RAPID + TCT in Los Angeles, California! Our team showcased the SV2 printer and our new dual print head, gaining valuable insights into the Additive Manufacturing industry and its future trends.