A fused filament fabrication procedure for smart components with embedded electronics

In the present paper, the realization of smart components by means of an Additive Manufacturing process is analysed. In particular, the possibility to build sensorised components with embedded electronics using the Fused Filament Fabrication additive technique without the intervention of any other manufacturing machine is studied. The feasibility of production by Additive Manufacturing of a smart component is demonstrated through a series of experiments where different filament types and design strategies are considered and compared. Finally, a methodology for the inclusion of electronic components in the manufacturing process is presented and discussed