Matrix-controlled printhead for an electrochemical additive manufacturing system

A matrix-controlled printhead for an electrochemical additive manufacturing system, comprising:

• a deposition grid partitioned into grid regions along an x-axis direction and along a y-axis direction;
• a grid control circuit comprising:
• an array of row traces;
• an array of column traces;
• a row driver circuit coupled electrically to said row traces;
• and
• a column driver circuit coupled electrically to said column traces;
• a power distribution circuit;
• and
• an array of deposition elements aligned with said deposition grid, each deposition element of said array of deposition elements corresponding to a unique grid region of said grid regions, wherein said each deposition element comprises:
• a deposition anode comprising:
• a conductive material;
• an exposed surface comprising said conductive material wherein said exposed surface is configured to contact an electrolyte;
• and
• a conductive path through said deposition anode to said exposed surface;
• a deposition control circuit coupled electrically to:
• said deposition anode;
• an associated row trace of said row traces;
• an associated column trace of said column traces;
• and
• said power distribution circuit;
• and
• one or more insulating layers between said deposition control circuit and said electrolyte,
• wherein:
• said deposition control circuit controls an amount of current flowing through said conductive path of said deposition anode;
• when said exposed surface is placed in contact with said electrolyte, and when said current flows through said conductive path, said current causes an electrochemical deposition reaction on a cathode;
• and
• said deposition control circuit is configured to control an amount of current between said power distribution circuit and said conductive path of said deposition anode.