Three-dimensional fabrication of smart actuators: design applications

Walters, Peter; Rossiter, Jonathan

Abstract

A conference paper presented at the NIP24: International Conference on Digital Printing Technologies and Digital Fabrication 2008, September 2008, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. This paper describes the design and digital fabrication of a series of “smart” devices which exhibit changes in shape and/or surface texture in response to external stimuli. Such stimuli include changes in temperature, pressure, or the application of electric current.
Smart shape-changing devices which exhibit dynamic visual and tactile characteristics may in future be incorporated into the design of interactive products and systems, providing a new multi-sensory dimension in the communication of information to product users.
Working devices employing shape memory alloy, electroactive polymer and bio-actuation technologies are presented. These have been fabricated through a combination of laser cutting, photopolymer jetting (3D printing system by Objet Geometries Ltd), and vacuum casting of silicone rubber. Here the use of soft, compliant materials has enabled the realization of devices with novel tactile qualities. Possible functional and aesthetic applications for such devices will include product interfaces which respond to users and/or changes in their environment.
The paper reports on an interdisciplinary investigation which brings together design, smart materials and digital fabrication technologies. Implications of the research are identified within the area of multi-sensory product interface design.

• Conference Name: NIP24: International Conference on Digital Printing Technologies and Digital Fabrication 2008
• Start Date: Sep 1, 2008
• End Date: Sep 1, 2008
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2008
• Deposit Date: Apr 22, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 14, 2016
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: Volume
• Book Title: NIP24: International Conference on Digital Printing Technologies and Digital Fabrication 2008, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
• ISBN: 978-0-89208-279-7
• Keywords: shape, surface texture, smart materials, shape memory alloy, electroactive polymer, bio-actuation technologies, Bristol Robotics Laboratory
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1010076
• Publisher URL: http://www.imaging.org/ScriptContent/store/physpub.cfm?seriesid=5&pubid=884
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Reprinted with permission of IS&T: The Society for Imaging Science and Technology sole copyright owners of IS&T’s NIP24: International Conference on Digital Printing Technologies Proceedings.
• Contract Date: Apr 14, 2016