Abstract:
Dielectric Elastomers are often termed Artificial Muscles because they compare favorably with biological muscles in many properties, including actuation strain and speed, low density, compliant nature, and silent operation. Despite this, they have had limited commercial adoption, mostly because they are difficult to manufacture. 3D printing is a fast growing technology which could provide the solution and help Dielectric Elastomers meet their potential. The focus of this project was investigating the feasibility of adapting the 3D printing technology known as Stereolithography to Dielectric Elastomer manufacture. The three main areas of investigation were building a prototype printer for testing, testing a new method for printing in two materials, and investigating the possibility of printing in soft materials. The printer prototype achieved resolutions in the X and Y dimensions of 300μm and a minimum layer height of 100μm. It produced results comparable in quality to a commercial 3D printer, and printed at a rate of approximately 5.6mm/hour. The two material printing method was successful and resulted in good adhesion between materials. Success was achieved for material boundaries both between and within printed layers, although several classes of possible print defects were identified. It was not possible to test printing of soft materials with the prototype as designed, but a candidate material could be investigated using photolithography techniques. A candidate light curing silicone showed moderate Dielectric Elastomer properties as well as patternability, but may not be ideal for printing due to its high viscosity and sensitivity only to UV light.
