Researchers find a way to heat 3D printer filament with microwaves, enabling circuits to be fused inside printed objects — the tech supports precise heating down to the width of a human hair

Rice University researchers developed Meta-NFS, a microwave-based 3D printing process that heats only tiny target zones.

The method can activate internal layers without damaging the surface, allowing circuits to be fused inside printed objects.

Using nanoparticle ink, it enables hair-width precision for embedding electronics directly into 3D-printed parts.

The approach could expand manufacturing for robotics, medical devices, bi-integrated sensors, and plant sensors.