About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Printed Electronics and Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Functional Materials and Devices—From Processing Concepts to Applications
|
| Presentation Title |
3D-Printable Elastomeric Silicone Pneumatic Actuators with Embedded Sensors |
| Author(s) |
Derrick A. Banerjee, Han Mei, Emrah Demirkal, Kaileb L. Butler, Lara D. Johnson, Jennifer M. Jones, Curtis W. Hill, Chih-hung Chang, Edward M. Sabolsky, Konstantinos A. Sierros |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Derrick A. Banerjee |
| Abstract Scope |
Additive manufacturing has advanced in its applicability to a wide range of materials in recent years, especially for the liquid extrusion-based technology of direct ink writing (DIW). In particular, there have been a number of soft multi-material multifunctional systems developed for applications ranging from health monitoring to soft robotics. In this work we have developed a DIW printer that can deposit on-demand multi-material and gradient properties within a single nozzle. This technology is used to print modular elastomeric silicone robotic actuators with embedded sensors. These smart soft robotic parts have combinations of customizable geometries, sensing capabilities, and mechanical performance not achievable by traditional or other additive manufacturing methods. We further demonstrate the design of the configurable modular actuators through simulations as well as printed assemblies and manipulation with pneumatic pressure. The hybrid ink technologies and thermoset elastomer DIW processing discussed are broadly applicable to many other multi-material systems. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Additive Manufacturing, Polymers, Process Technology |