3d printed radio frequency absorber

Abstract

Described is a method and system for producing a three-dimensional (3D) structure using 3D printing. A 3D structure, having multiple regions, is produced using a 3D printer having at least one extruder formed to receive a printer filament. The printer filament has at least one type of material having radio frequency (RF) absorption properties. The RF absorption properties are varied at different regions of the 3D structure by varying the extrusion of the at least one type of material at different regions of the 3D structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of producing a three-dimensional (3D) structure using 3D printing, the method comprising acts of:
 producing a 3D structure, having a plurality of regions, with a 3D printer having at least one extruder formed to receive a printer filament, wherein the printer filament comprises at least one type of material having radio frequency (RF) absorption properties; and   varying RF absorption properties at different regions of the 3D structure by varying the extrusion of the at least one type of material at different regions of the 3D structure.   
     
     
         2 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the printer filament comprises a predetermined percentage of a base material, and wherein each extruder in the 3D printer can use a different base material having different dielectric properties. 
     
     
         3 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the base material is mixed with a predetermined concentration of an RF absorber material. 
     
     
         4 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein dielectric properties of the 3D structure can be varied at different regions of 3D structure. 
     
     
         5  The method as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising an act of producing the 3D structure to have a custom internal structure. 
     
     
         6 . The method as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the custom internal structure is a custom internal profile of dielectric constant and RF absorption properties. 
     
     
         7 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising an act of 3D printing at least one aperture within the 3D structure, wherein a size and a shape of the at least one aperture is customizable. 
     
     
         8 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the 3D structure has a length, and wherein a percentage of RE absorber material in the 3D structure is increased or decreased as a function of the length of the 3D structure. 
     
     
         9 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the 3D structure is an RF absorber having a dielectric constant and RE absorption that can be varied at any location in the 3D structure in x, y, and z space. 
     
     
         10 . A system for producing a three-dimensional (3D) structure using 3D printing, the system comprising:
 a 3D printer having at least one extruder formed to receive a printer filament, wherein the 3D printer is configured to produce a 3D structure having a plurality of regions, wherein the printer filament comprises at least one type of material having radio frequency (RE) absorption properties;   wherein RE absorption properties are varied at different regions of the 3D structure by varying the extrusion of the at least one type of material at different regions of the 3D structure.   
     
     
         11 . The system as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the printer filament comprises a predetermined percentage of a base material, and wherein each extruder in the 3D printer can use a different base material having different dielectric properties. 
     
     
         12 . The system as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the base material is mixed with a predetermined concentration of an RF absorber material. 
     
     
         10 . The system as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein dielectric properties of the 3D structure can be varied at different regions of the 3D structure. 
     
     
         14 . The system as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the 3D structure has a custom internal structure. 
     
     
         15 . The method as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein the custom internal structure is a custom internal profile of dielectric constant and RF absorption properties. 
     
     
         16 . system as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein at least one aperture is formed within the 3D structure, wherein a size and a shape of the at least one aperture is customizable. 
     
     
         17 . The system as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the 3D structure has a length, and wherein a percentage of RF absorber material in the 3D structure is increased or decreased as a function of the length of the 3D structure. 
     
     
         18 . The system as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the 3D structure is an RE absorber having a dielectric constant and RE absorption that can be varied at any location in the 3D structure in x, y, and z space.