Mechanical properties of 3D metallic microstructures printed by laser induced forward transfer

Laser induced forward transfer (LIFT) allows for the printing of high resolution metal structures, making it a promising technique for manufacturing functional devices. While the electrical properties of LIFT printed metal structures have been extensively studies, studies of their mechanical properties, which are of much interest, are rather scarce. Here we explore the mechanical properties of 3D, high aspect ratio, LIFT printed copper and gold structures. The effective modulus of special test structures was determined by tracing the resonance frequencies under pulse excitation. The effective modulus was found to be x3 to x9 times lower than the bulk values. Such differences are attributed to both the porosity of the LIFT printed structures as well as to droplets interfacial properties. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.