Co-inventor Alroy Almeida talks about the impact that Voltera V-One will have on academia - and beyond.
Voltera V-One is a laptop-sized circuit board printer that can turn design files into prototype circuit boards in minutes. No more delays. No more unnecessary expense.
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are everywhere, from smartphones to biomedical devices. To research and develop new electronics, it is vital for engineers, inventors and students working in this area to be able to prototype PCBs quickly and cheaply. But this process tends to be time-consuming and expensive. All too often circuit board designs must be sent to a factory overseas for printing, only for the whole process to be repeated as soon as a minor change is required.
Voltera V-One uses the same rapid prototyping principles that underpin 3D printing. It lays down conductive and insulating inks to create a functional, 2-layer circuit board. But it’s also a solder paste dispenser, allowing components to be added to the board and reflowed by a 550w heater.
As international winners of the James Dyson Award, the team will be awarded £30,000 to further develop their idea.
www.jamesdysonaward.org
Follow us on Twitter @JDF or find us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/JamesDysonFoundation
