scholarly journals Additive Manufacturing of Flexible Material for Pneumatic Actuators Application

Actuators ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Miranda Fateri ◽  
João Falcão Carneiro ◽  
Achim Frick ◽  
João Bravo Pinto ◽  
Fernando Gomes de Almeida

In this paper, endurance of peristaltic linear pneumatic actuators was studied using different hose geometries. Towards this goal, different hose geometries were additively manufactured using Fused Layer Manufacturing techniques of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer. Material properties of the elastomer were studied using Differential Scanning Calorimetry and the tensile test. The relations between the sample’s print temperature and build direction on the actuator endurance were investigated. Lastly, the relation between the geometry design of the PLPA actuator and its endurance is also discussed. Based on this methodology, authors present results showing that the use of a customized shaped hose with geometrical reinforcement at sides leads to a considerable rise in the hose endurance, when compared with the conventional circular design.

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emi Govorčin Bajsić ◽  
Vesna Rek ◽  
Ivana Ćosić

The effect of the addition of talc on the morphology and thermal properties of blends of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polypropylene (PP) was investigated. The blends of TPU and PP are incompatible because of large differences in polarities between the nonpolar crystalline PP and polar TPU and high interfacial tensions. The interaction between TPU and PP can be improved by using talc as reinforcing filler. The morphology was observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal properties of the neat polymers and unfilled and talc filled TPU/PP blends were studied by using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The addition of talc in TPU/PP blends improved miscibility in all investigated TPU/T/PP blends. The DSC results for talc filled TPU/PP blends show that the degree of crystallinity increased, which is due to the nucleating effect induced by talc particles. The reason for the increased storage modulus of blends with the incorporation of talc is due to the improved interface between polymers and filler. According to TGA results, the addition of talc enhanced thermal stability. The homogeneity of the talc filled TPU/PP blends is better than unfilled TPU/PP blends.


Chemosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 317
Author(s):  
Zachary Brounstein ◽  
Jarrod Ronquillo ◽  
Andrea Labouriau

Eight chromophoric indicators are incorporated into Sylgard 184 to develop sensors that are fabricated either by traditional methods such as casting or by more advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing. The sensors exhibit specific color changes when exposed to acidic species, basic species, or elevated temperatures. Additionally, material properties are investigated to assess the chemical structure, Shore A Hardness, and thermal stability. Comparisons between the casted and 3D printed sensors show that the sensing devices fabricated with the advanced manufacturing technique are more efficient because the color changes are more easily detected.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 52-57
Author(s):  
Eva Heiml ◽  
Anna Kalteis ◽  
Zoltan Major

Lattice structures are currently of high interest, especially for lightweight design. They generally have better structural performance per weight than parts made of bulk material. With conventional manufacturing techniques they are difficult to produce, but with additive manufacturing (AM) fabricationisfeasible. To better understand their behaviour under various loading conditions two lattice structures in different configurations were observed. For each structure three different test specimens were designed and manufactured using selective laser sintering (SLS). To investigate the mechanical performance under large deformations the specimens were made of a thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU), which shows a hyperelastic material behaviour. Beside the experimental observations also finite element analyses (FEA) were conducted to investigate the deformation behaviour in more detail.


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