Developing Intelligent Structures and Devices Using Novel Smart Materials and Multi-Material Multi-Method (m4) 3D Printing

摘要: The advent of additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, has enabled the rapid fabrication complex structures previously unrealizable with traditional techniques. Current approaches, however, are limited to single materials or methodologies greatly limiting potential scope manufacturable products and components. Recently, our group developed a novel multi-material multi-method (m4) printer which integrates four AM technologies two complementary into one platform. This allows for devices able provide wide range functionalities ranging from stretchable electronics self-sensing devices. To demonstrate these in realm printable electronics, multiple proof concept printed circuit boards (PCBs) were fabricated solve issues encountered such high resolution vertically integrated access (VIA) circuits. In addition, smart respond external stimulus, light heat, have become highly desirable applications soft robotics implantable medical turned liquid crystal elastomers (LCE), class active material generate large, rapid, reversible actuations. Therefore, using m4 printer, LCE-based requiring can change their shape response an applied current. this, smart, reconfigurable radio frequency (RF) antenna was its operating function These examples vast printing creating reconfigurable, multi-functional structures.