About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2023 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
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Symposium
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Printed Electronics and Additive Manufacturing: Functional Materials, Processing Techniques, and Emerging Applications
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Presentation Title |
Multi-material Micromixing for On-demand Manufacture of Modular Soft Robotic Actuators |
Author(s) |
Craig A. Joiner, Derrick A. Banerjee, John M. Burke, Edward M. Sabolsky, Konstantinos A. Sierros |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Craig A. Joiner |
Abstract Scope |
Smart soft robotics is a growing field of research due to its potential for multifunctionality and wide range of applications impractical for rigid parts. Approaching the design and manufacture of these soft robotic tools becomes challenging when an unfamiliar and unpredictable environment is considered. Our focus is on the design of modular, 3D-printable, pneumatically-actuated soft silicone elastomer hinges capable of different means of actuation dependent on geometry, dimensions, stiffness, and applied pressure. Using a series of these hinges and building blocks, custom soft actuators were produced and characterized for their motion and load capacities. Traditional soft robotic manufacturing methods do not allow for the flexibility in design required, therefore direct ink writing techniques were utilized for fabrication. We developed a printing process with a custom-designed multi-material micromixer that can manipulate material properties of particle-filled silicone elastomeric thermosets on-the-fly to influence one or more of the dependencies for actuation. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
Keywords |
Additive Manufacturing, Mechanical Properties, Process Technology |