Method for manufacturing a sensor element or an active component of a sensor element

A method for manufacturing a senor element or an active component of a sensor element, wherein said sensor element is applied in a field device of automation technology, for registering or monitoring a process variable of a medium, comprising the steps of:

• predetermining at least two materials having different physical and chemical properties depending on a functionality of said sensor element or the active component of said sensor element;
• predetermining a shape into which the at least two materials are to be formed the shape being divided into a plurality of virtual spatial volumes, wherein in each virtual spatial volume a distribution of said at least two materials includes periodic, homogenous regions of each of said at least two materials, which define a composite material configured into a microstructure according to predetermined rules;
• ascertaining the predetermined rules via a computer supported method depending on the predetermined functionality of said sensor element or the active component of said sensor element;
• transferring digital data, which describe said ascertained distribution of said at least two materials, to at least one 3D printer;
• and
• manufacturing as a printed product said sensor element or the active component of said sensor element by the 3D printer based on the digital data
• wherein, in each virtual spatial volume as manufactured, physical and chemical properties of the composite material comprising the microstructure differ from the as-manufactured physical and/or chemical properties of said at least two materials individually.