A new open-source design method called Printegrated Circuits is making it easier to create interactive hardware. By combining 3D printing with embedded electronics, the method allows designers to produce small batches of smart devices using only affordable desktop equipment.

This innovative approach is developed by Oliver Child, a PhD student at the University of Bristol. His research focuses on personal fabrication of printed electronics, aiming to make digital device-making more accessible and hands-on.

Making Smart Design More Accessible

The goal of the project is to lower the barriers to creating interactive objects. It uses tools that many designers already have, such as 3D printers, to make custom electronics more scalable and easier to prototype. Instead of treating electronics and casing as separate components, Printegrated Circuits blends them into a single structure.

Designers can print both conductive and non-conductive PLA in one go. Off-the-shelf circuit boards, such as microcontrollers, are embedded during the printing process. This enables touch-sensitive or pressure-based interaction to be built directly into the object’s form.

How It Works

A cavity is included in the 3D model. The print is paused midway so the PCB can be placed inside. Printing then resumes over and around the component, securing it in place. This is similar to techniques used to embed magnets or nuts into a print.

However, good contact between the conductive filament and the PCB surface requires more precision. This is where ‘prinjection’ comes in. The printer’s movement is custom-coded to ensure the conductive trace bonds properly to the circuit. Without this step, the electrical connections may not work reliably.

The method supports simple types of sensing, including capacitive touch and resistance-based detection. Power transfer through conductive PLA is still limited, so features like lighting or movement must be handled by the embedded board.

Opportunities for Sustainable Product Design

Printegrated Circuits open up exciting possibilities for product designers, automotive designers, and interior creators working with smart materials. It supports low-waste, on-demand production and experimentation with biobased conductive filaments. Designers can build interactive objects that are both functional and customised—without needing expensive hardware or large-scale production tools.

The process is still evolving. The slicing script for the printer is available on GitHub, though it remains in a basic, experimental form. Still, this project offers a new pathway to merging digital fabrication with embedded systems—one that supports sustainability, creativity, and innovation.

Source & photo: Oliver Child