3D-printed ready-to-use variable-stiffness structures

Majid Taghavi; Tim Helps; Boxiong Huang; Jonathan Rossiter

doi:10.1109/LRA.2018.2812917

3D-printed ready-to-use variable-stiffness structures

Majid Taghavi, Tim Helps, Boxiong Huang, Jonathan Rossiter

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article (Academic Journal) › peer-review

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Abstract

Various physical phenomena have been used to develop variable-stiffness (VS) materials and structures, but all have involved some element of manual fabrication, which limits their applications. In contrast, here we show fully 3D-printed monolithic VS structures that can be used direct from the printer. Thermally responsive polylactic acid (PLA) and conductive Graphene PLA (GPLA), are combined in-printer to deliver a new framework for temperature-controlled 3D VS structures. The embedded GPLA acts as a heating element, and both it and the surrounding PLA can be transitioned from rigid to soft using simple Joule heating because of the glass transition behavior of PLA. The mechanical and electrical properties of printed composite VS structures are studied. The great potential of this technology is demonstrated in a prototype variable-stiffness orthotic for Foot Drop.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	2402-2407
Number of pages	6
Journal	IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters
Volume	3
Issue number	3
Early online date	7 Mar 2018
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1109/LRA.2018.2812917
Publication status	Published - Jul 2018

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EPSRC Fellowship - Soft robotic technologies for next generation bio integrative medical devices
Rossiter, J. M. (Principal Investigator)
1/10/15 → 31/03/21
Project: Research
Copy of Wearable soft robotics for independent living
Rossiter, J. M. (Principal Investigator)
1/07/15 → 31/12/18
Project: Research

Cite this

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title = "3D-printed ready-to-use variable-stiffness structures",

abstract = "Various physical phenomena have been used to develop variable-stiffness (VS) materials and structures, but all have involved some element of manual fabrication, which limits their applications. In contrast, here we show fully 3D-printed monolithic VS structures that can be used direct from the printer. Thermally responsive polylactic acid (PLA) and conductive Graphene PLA (GPLA), are combined in-printer to deliver a new framework for temperature-controlled 3D VS structures. The embedded GPLA acts as a heating element, and both it and the surrounding PLA can be transitioned from rigid to soft using simple Joule heating because of the glass transition behavior of PLA. The mechanical and electrical properties of printed composite VS structures are studied. The great potential of this technology is demonstrated in a prototype variable-stiffness orthotic for Foot Drop.",

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Y1 - 2018/7

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AB - Various physical phenomena have been used to develop variable-stiffness (VS) materials and structures, but all have involved some element of manual fabrication, which limits their applications. In contrast, here we show fully 3D-printed monolithic VS structures that can be used direct from the printer. Thermally responsive polylactic acid (PLA) and conductive Graphene PLA (GPLA), are combined in-printer to deliver a new framework for temperature-controlled 3D VS structures. The embedded GPLA acts as a heating element, and both it and the surrounding PLA can be transitioned from rigid to soft using simple Joule heating because of the glass transition behavior of PLA. The mechanical and electrical properties of printed composite VS structures are studied. The great potential of this technology is demonstrated in a prototype variable-stiffness orthotic for Foot Drop.

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DO - 10.1109/LRA.2018.2812917

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JO - IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters

JF - IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters

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ER -

3D-printed ready-to-use variable-stiffness structures

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EPSRC Fellowship - Soft robotic technologies for next generation bio integrative medical devices

Copy of Wearable soft robotics for independent living

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